by Sara Orwig
As soon as they gave him affirmative answers, Nick set down his glass to get a quarter from his coat pocket. “Okay. I can’t choose between my lifelong closest friends, so I’ll flip a coin for best man unless one of you definitely doesn’t want the task.”
Again his friends exchanged a look and then Jake shrugged.
“Flip away, but you won’t hurt feelings if you make the choice without the coin. We’re too close and have been that way for too long to get bent out of shape. Especially after offering to flip.”
“We’ll flip first to see who calls it.” Nick flipped and the two men looked at each other waiting a second before Jake spoke. “Tails.”
They looked down at the coin. “Tony gets to call this time for best man.” Nick tossed the coin in the air.
“Tails,” Tony said as the quarter dropped to the table.
“It’s heads. Jake, you’re my best man if you want to be.”
“Sure. Thank you. I’m honored.”
“So am I even though I lost,” Tony said.
“So we’ll have another drink on me to say goodbye to your freedom. You have three weeks to back out. You really don’t have to have the money,” Jake said.
“Oh, yes, I do. I’m not letting that fortune get away. You two will marry in the next few years, so stop grousing over my marriage.”
“We’re not marrying in the next few years. I don’t plan to ever,” Jake said firmly.
“I don’t until I’m fifty. By then I’ll have enough sense and experience to continue to avoid the marriage trap,” Tony said.
“You cynical guys,” Nick said good-naturedly. “I’ll be astounded if one of you isn’t married or planning to marry before next year is up.”
“No way,” Tony protested.
“Just watch us,” Jake added.
“I will watch.” Nick grinned. “How about we order dinner now?” he asked, and their conversation shifted to basketball. He tried to pay attention though his thoughts constantly returned to Grace.
The first morning Clara was back in town, she went to Grace’s house to keep Michael. As she held Michael and Grace finished her coffee, Clara sat at the kitchen table and put Michael in a high chair to feed him breakfast.
“Grace,” she said, and dread filled Grace. “Why are you marrying Nick? When I left town before Christmas, you were totally against an arrangement like this.”
Grace looked into eyes as green as her own. “I could tell you it was a whirlwind courtship and we both fell in love, but I think you’d know that’s not the truth. It’s a marriage of convenience. I’ll get a lot out of agreeing.”
“No!” Clara said, looking down at Michael.
“Wait until you hear Nick’s proposition,” Grace urged, and related Nick’s offer to her aunt.
Clara stared at Grace with her mouth open for a moment. She seemed to realize what she was doing and her mouth snapped closed. “A million dollars,” she whispered. “Grace, if he adopts Michael and then divorces you, he can sue for full custody and as the father, he will stand a chance. With his resources, he can hire more and better lawyers than you can. You may lose Michael.”
“Nick isn’t after Michael. He wants his father’s inheritance. He has no desire to take Michael from me. He is a confirmed bachelor and not into kids or marriage. He’s looking at this as a temporary arrangement.”
“His father may live for years.”
“We’ll face that as time passes.”
“You’ve had a complete turnaround since I left town.” Clara’s eyes narrowed. “Grace, have you fallen in love with Nick?”
Grace looked down at her hands in her lap. “I might be on the verge of it,” she answered quietly.
“You have. Has he declared love for you?”
“No, or it wouldn’t be a marriage of convenience.”
“No, it wouldn’t. You’ll get hurt in this. He’ll break your heart when he walks out of your life. And he may break Michael’s, too.”
“Frankly, from the way he talks about his father’s health, I don’t expect Nick to be around long enough for Michael to form that strong an attachment. He’s a baby and he won’t remember Nick clearly.”
“A million dollars and Michael taken care of financially. Plus you’ll have an allowance, a new car, clothes, all sorts of things.” Clara sighed. “I suppose I can’t blame you, but I’d hate to see you get hurt.”
“Maybe I can make him fall in love with me,” Grace replied quietly.
“Don’t count on any such dream happening,” Clara said. “The world is filled with brokenhearted women who’ve had that dream.”
“I know you’re right.”
“I suppose I would do the same thing if I were you,” Clara admitted. “I doubt if either of my boys can get here for your wedding.”
“That’s all right. It’s not like it’s the real thing. I keep thinking of this as a business arrangement,” she said, knowing she didn’t altogether. Grace smiled. “I’ll have enough money to buy you a house close to us.”
“Have you considered what you’ll do about your business?”
“I’m keeping my catering business for the time being, but I’ll turn the running of it over to Jada most of the time. I’ll begin working at home, making plans for a restaurant because now that can actually happen. I promise, you’ll get to keep Michael plenty.”
“I suppose, but I’m going to worry about you going into a loveless marriage no matter how much he bribes you to do it. I can’t blame you for what you’ve done, though. That’s too much money to turn down. I just hope it protects Michael for you. Have you told your sisters?”
“I did and they’re coming for the wedding. They’ll be bridesmaids.”
“Are they excited over the man you’re marrying?”
“Doreen and Tanya don’t know Texans. They don’t have any idea who Nick Rafford is. I just told them he’s a Dallas oilman and let it go at that.”
“They will be beside themselves when they find out. Your sisters both like men with money.”
Grace smiled. “I want you there for the wedding.”
“Of course.”
“I can fly Chet and Miles here should they want to come. Nick is paying for everything. If you can, I’d like you to go with me tomorrow when I shop for my wedding dress.”
Clara shook her head again. “You’re moving way too fast. I’ll have to get a dress, too. And we’ll have to get Michael a tux—a baby in a tux,” she said, and Grace laughed. “I suppose we can dress him in a suit,” Clara added.
“He’ll have a tux,” Grace said. “Right now, nothing seems real about the marriage or the wedding ceremony.”
“The middle of January will come soon.”
Enchanted, Grace looked around the huge ballroom of Eli’s mansion. A fire blazed in a massive stone fireplace while an orchestra played and she danced in Nick’s arms.
“I can’t believe I’m here in your arms and I’ve had an enormous wedding with hundreds of guests. This is a dream come true.”
“I’ll say that about eight hours from now,” he said.
“Or sooner if we can,” she added breathlessly. The weeks since his proposal had been a dream—the excitement, the preparations, the presents, and in the center of it all was Nick. She had difficulty believing she was actually his wife now. Mrs. Nicholas Rafford.
Her life had turned upside down and at the moment she was deliriously happy as she looked into Nick’s eyes. Whatever their future, today, as well as the next two weeks on a honeymoon with Nick, should be paradise.
“You’re beautiful, Mrs. Rafford,” he said. “And hot. You don’t have any idea what you do to me.”
“Thank you, my handsome, sexy husband. This is paradise.”
“Oh, no. How wrong you are. Paradise will be tonight. That’s when the fireworks begin. Hopefully a little sooner than that. If I could kiss you now the way I want, people would stare because it would not be a casual kiss.”
“You won’t hear any obje
ctions when we’re alone. Oh, Nick, this is wonderful,” she said.
He spun her around and watched her with a look of satisfaction. “This marriage may be the best merger and greatest idea I’ve ever had.”
“Don’t sound so smug,” she said in amusement, and he grinned at her.
“I have a right to be smug. Marrying you, giving Dad what he wants, getting what I want, taking you on a two-week honeymoon—how could I possibly top that?”
He spun her around the floor and then the music changed to a fast Latin number and she danced, watching Nick, flirting silently and exchanging looks that heated her more than ever.
Finally she was back in his arms for another slow dance.
“How could your family know so many people?” she asked as they danced past others. “I’d guess fifty or seventy-five from my guest list are here. All the rest of this enormous crowd is from your dad’s and your list.”
“Dad has always led a social life, been active in business, been on boards. We know a lot of people. There’s only one person I’m interested in today.”
She gazed up at him, tingles tickling her as their gazes locked and she forgot the crowd. “Nick, I know we can’t, but I’m ready to leave here.”
He drew a long breath. “I’m thinking of all the things I want to do with you when we’re alone,” he said in a husky voice.
“You’re making it harder.”
“Au contraire, darling. You’re the one making it harder,” he said in a double entendre that caused her cheeks to burn as she smiled at him.
“I hope so,” she replied softly.
“You better stop before I whirl you out of here, away from everyone, and make mad, passionate love to you.”
“You tempt me,” she said, flirting with him.
“Grace, one more minute and I carry out my threat.”
“Very well, we’ll be proper and perform our duties as the honorees.” She looked at her hand on his shoulder, still dismayed by the enormous diamond ring he had given her. “My ring has to be the most spectacular ring in the world. Nick, it’s worth a fortune by itself, not to mention the other things you’ve done for me,” she said. She recalled how awed over the ring she had been when he surprised her with it, kissing her passionately and telling her how glad he was she’d accepted his proposal.
“I wanted you to have it and I’m glad you like it.”
“It impressed my sisters,” she said, and he grinned.
“I’m still doubtful if they’re really your sisters. Bart and I weren’t alike, but you and your sisters don’t have a shred of resemblance in personality or looks.”
She glanced around the room and spotted Doreen’s platinum-blond hair. As usual, Doreen had a crowd of men around her. In seconds she saw Tanya, who had two men talking to her, her head tilted and her thick mane of raven hair hanging straight.
“We’re not alike in any way. I’m surprised they came. They have been dazzled by you and your friends. I think they are enjoying themselves tremendously. To me, none of this seems real, except I know it is,” she said, gazing up at the sexy, spellbinding man who had been her husband for a couple of hours.
“It is definitely real,” he remarked. “You look gorgeous. I’d guess I’ve told you that a dozen times today.”
“Thank you, my virile husband,” she replied, thinking what a whirlwind the past week had been. The first half of the million-dollar payment had been transferred to her, divided up among savings, stocks, bank accounts and various investments that one of Nick’s financial advisers had recommended. Michael had a trust fund now and already her life had been transformed. She owned an entire new wardrobe. She had handed off the running of the catering business to Jada. If successful and turning a profit, the catering business would be sold to Jada in six months.
While Nick spun Grace around the floor, she held his broad shoulder and his warm hand. “This is the most beautiful place and perfect for a reception.”
“There have been lots of parties here.” Nick glanced around. “I think we pass for a couple completely in love.”
“I’m going to make you fall in love with me, Nick Rafford,” she declared. His gaze returned to her, a warmer, more intense look this time.
“Today I am in love with you,” he said lightly, and her heart missed a beat. She reminded herself that he answered without really meaning it, carried away by the moment and the prospects of the night before them and a honeymoon, but she meant what she had said to him. She danced with him, hoping the marriage did last, knowing she was falling in love with Nick whether he ever returned it or not.
“At the moment what I’m most interested in is when can we be alone?”
“Not for a few hours,” she said. “Anticipation should make it better.”
“No, it doesn’t.” He spun her around and then pulled her close for a moment. Desire was constant, intense, and she wanted to be alone with Nick. Instead, she gazed into his eyes, smiled and followed his lead around the dance floor.
Next Nick danced with Clara while several women took care of Michael. Eli appeared to ask Grace to dance as he had told her he would. It was a slow number and she was surprised that Eli was getting around better than he had any time she had seen him.
“This day is monumentally important to me, Grace,” he said, smiling at her. “You’ve brought me great joy. I was deeply touched and honored to escort you down the aisle to give the bride away.”
“I’m glad and I appreciate you walking with me,” she said. “Thank you again for your extremely generous wedding gift to us,” she said, thinking of the luxurious chalet in Switzerland he had presented to them, giving Nick keys and papers and showing them pictures.
“I have a gift for you when this dance is over. You’ve brought so much happiness into my life. I never gave my sons the attention I should have. I live with regrets now, but Michael gives me somewhat of another chance. I hope to have a close relationship with my grandson.”
“You didn’t need to give me a gift,” she said, surprised because she barely knew Eli and couldn’t imagine she would mean much to him. “And it’ll be good for Michael to be close to his grandfather.”
“I’m overjoyed also to see Nick marry. I had many marriages. My ex-wives have all remarried, so I rarely see them. Even so, marriage is good and I’m happy about Nick.” The dance ended and Eli grasped her arm. “Come with me a moment,” he said, motioning to Nick.
“Just a brief time with both of you. I have a gift for Grace.” He led them to a small reception room and closed the door, muting the noise of the band and crowd.
He summoned a butler to bring the gift for Grace before turning to her. “Grace, you’ve given me enormous pleasure. Both of you have.” She glanced at Nick as he took her hand. There was a light rap on the door and then a butler entered to place a large, beautifully wrapped box tied with a huge pink bow on a table. He left, closing the door behind him.
Surprised it was solely for her, she unwrapped it and raised the lid, moving away papers. She gasped as she looked at an oil painting in a gilt frame. Certain she was looking at an original Monet, she was awed. “My word, this is for me?” she asked, looking up at Eli.
“Yes, my dear. For sharing my grandson with me and for marrying my son,” Eli said.
Stunned by his generosity, she brushed Eli’s cheek with a kiss. “Thank you. You know I will treasure this painting and I hope someday it will be Michael’s.”
“Ah, that, too. That will be good,” Eli said, reaching into his pocket and turning to Nick.
“I’ve changed my will and given you both a wedding present, but the gifts now are out of gratitude and happiness over your marriage and over Michael. Nick, this is for you,” he said, handing a check to Nick. “Do what you want with it.”
Nick looked down and then at his dad. He stepped forward to hug Eli. “Thanks, Dad. This is a generous gift. We both thank you.” Nick showed her and she looked at a check for thirty million dollars.
Stunne
d by the size of the gift and the manner in which the two men were dealing with such a sum, she was breathless.
“Thank you, Eli. It’s an overwhelming gift, just as your other gifts are,” she said, wondering about the adjustments to her new lifestyle.
“We’re both glad you’re happy, Dad,” Nick added, exchanging a satisfied look with his father.
“Now we better go back or our guests will think the bride and groom have left, the party is over and they’ll go home. Grace, you can get your painting after your honeymoon. I’ll keep it for you until then,” Eli said, summoning the butler again.
Grace returned to the reception with Nick, but she walked without seeing anyone or hearing the music. She was still wrapped in shock over the enormous gifts they had been given.
It was two hours later when Nick whispered in her ear, “What would it take to get you to leave with me now?” His brown eyes burned with desire.
“I thought you’d never ask,” she answered.
His chest expanded as Nick took a deep breath and looked beyond her. “Everyone will understand if we don’t say goodbye.”
“Michael won’t. I have to see him,” she said.
Nick took her hand and in minutes she had kissed Clara and Michael. She left with Nick, hurrying to the waiting limo. As they sped to the airport and Nick’s private luxury jet, he pulled her onto his lap to take her into his arms.
“We did it, Grace. I get what I want, including you, and you get what you want—a fortune, a secure future for Michael. He’ll be a Rafford soon, legally my son with all the benefits and someday he’ll inherit the Rafford fortune.”
As Nick talked, she had a pang, wishing she was hearing words of love instead of the results of the contract they had signed. “We have a great business deal,” she said. His intense gaze always saw too much, so she leaned closer to put her mouth on his.
The instant she kissed him, his arm tightened around her waist and he drew her closer. When he slipped his hand beneath her long skirt, her silk dress rustled. He caressed her inner thigh, his touch light yet searing.
Desire consumed her. She wanted to shove away his jacket and his shirt, to touch and kiss him. She tore her mouth from his. “How long before we’re where it’s private?”