by Adler
“I still can’t believe she kept this under wraps. No wonder she was being a little standoffish when I was getting ready for the trip. So what about your parents? Have you told them?”
“Yes, they are thrilled I have found someone with whom I want to spend the rest of my life. They were a bit hesitant because it does seem rushed to them, but they are excited to welcome you into the family. My mother said that any woman that would pull me out of my slump was daughter-in-law material.”
“Oh, am I dreaming? This all seems so surreal! I guess I was the only one who didn’t know about the plan.” I giggled.
He made a move toward the door, “Ok, I will let you relax and get ready. Next time I see you will be at our beach ceremony.” He paused, “You know, you have made me the luckiest man in the world. I love you mi amour.”
“I love you.”
Oh, swoon! Harrison kissed me gently on the forehead and then my lips. He excused himself and set off to get ready.
I rummaged through the rack again, and came across a floor-length white silk and chiffon dress. It had a halter neck and a long slit up to my mid thigh. There was also a small gathering of material in the back that swooped down, resembling a train, and the back was open. That was the perfect beach wedding dress. If there was a slight breeze, it would sway a little in the warm air. I slipped it over my head. It fit just beautifully and accentuated my natural curves.
About ten minutes later, the ‘glam team’ arrived to doll me up. I was so glad Simone thought of every last detail! Goodness knows I need the help sometimes! The hair stylist put soft curls into my hair, so it was loose and flowed freely about my sun kissed shoulders. For the makeup, she applied a soft shell pink on my lids. To add drama, she lined the top lid at the lash line and the corners. It simply enhanced my natural beauty, as the ‘glam gal’ put it. I thought it made my green eyes simply pop. She brushed a little bronzer on my cheeks, forehead and chin, which gave me a dewy, glowing appearance. Though, I doubt that I would have needed it. The light inside me was blazing bright that night, and that had to be radiating through my skin. A little coral lip stain and a touch of gloss and I was good to go. I rubbed some vanilla scented skin glow lotion over my entire body. I slipped on a pair of silk thong panties then I put on the gorgeous gown. I stood in the mirror, admiring myself, when goose bumps traveled up and down my spine. I was so happy that I for a second thought it may have been a dream. For once in my life, I was letting myself live without restrictions. I acted with wild abandon for the man I love. Satisfied with my appearance, I turned to leave the room and follow my destiny.
I walked downstairs and ran into a handsome young man. He was on the main landing of the entryway, pacing the floors back and forth, holding a pen and notebook. He was about 6’2, strong build, green eyes, dark loose tousled hair, tanned skin and wore impeccably tailored clothing. That was the guy Simone hired to plan the ceremony? Mr. Gorgeous? I hoped he could execute the secret plans she had been keeping from me.
“Oh, daaarling....you look absolutely stunning. Just stunning! Come here let me take a look at you.”
“And you must be Antonio,” I extended my hand to his.
He bypassed my hand and threw his arms around my neck.
“Oh, Mrs. Towers, well soon to be, it is a pleasure to meet you, gorgeous. Just radiant,” he gushed as he grabbed both of my hands and extended me out to arm’s length looking me up and down.
Gay, of course, he is gorgeous and gay. Simone really knows how to pick them. I just love all her friends in the ‘industry’. I was seriously relieved. I was sure that he knew what he was doing.
“I got a sneak peek of your soon-to-be husband, and let me tell you girl, he is fine beyond belief. You and Simone sure know how to pick them!”
I just stood there with my mouth slightly agape. I was not sure how to respond to him.
“Now then daaarling, Miss. Simone herself has planned everything, and I have simply executed it, I believe, almost perfectly! Come, let me give you a peek at what is going on outside,” he sing songs.
“Where exactly is Harrison?”
“Oh, he is in the guest house. We wanted to make sure there are no chances of him seeing you.”
Antonio took me into the Great Room, and we both peered out the windows. The sun was beginning to go down and the lighting was just beautiful over the Cayman waters. There was a beautiful archway made out of vines. Lovely white and blush colored flowers filled the whole structure. On the ground, there were about six conch shells filled with what looked to be coral, blush and white orchid as well as roses and tropical flowers.
“Are those....”
“Yes beautiful, those are the shells that you and your man collected on your horse adventure. It was actually Harrison’s idea. He brought these to me and asked to have them filled with your favorite flowers, to match the other decor. He is a very thoughtful man. I don’t believe I have ever had a groom come up with such a genius idea. So romantic, if you ask me.” He fanned himself in a dramatic fashion.
Various large and small vases, flickering with candle light, lit up the sand. Finally, there was a pathway made of coral rose petals that trailed from the steps to the beach, all the way to the archway. It was absolutely perfect. I couldn’t have designed the scene better myself.
“Oh Antonio, this is beyond what I could ever imagine. Thank you, thank you!”
“Oh doll, you are so welcome. It is my pleasure.”
“Wait! I have one last special surprise for you before we get started with this grand evening. Come with me.” Antonio grabbed my hand and led me back to the master bedroom. There was a massive full-length mirror lying against the wall in front of the bed. Harrison and those mirrors!
“Okay, I have specific instructions. What I am about to give you is your wedding gift from Harrison. You must stand in front of the mirror and close your eyes.”
“Really? Okay.”
I walked over to the mirror, and Antonio followed behind me. He placed his hands on my shoulders and whispered, “Are you ready for this?”
Oh god! How many times have I heard that line in the past few months!
“Yes! Yes ready!”
I hate surprises!
“Remember do not open your eyes for anything.”
“Okay, got it.” I took a deep breath and held it for a few seconds. My nerves were getting the better of me. What in the world could he have had up his sleeve?
After the longest two minutes of my life, I heard footsteps behind me. All of the sudden, I felt cool metal on the skin around my neck. A necklace.
“Antonio, can I open my eyes now?”
“Ah mi amour, this completes it.”
“Harrison?”
“Open your eyes my love.”
I slowly opened my eyes and grabbed my neck. GASP! Oh my, the necklace! The blue sapphire and diamond necklace I wore to the Gala in Hood River!
“This is yours, Mrs. Towers, all yours. You are stunning.”
Harrison kissed me on the shoulder and grabbed both of my hands from behind me, as he nuzzled his face into my hair.
“Oh Harrison, this is the necklace I wore to the Gala. I will never forget that evening.”
“And you will never forget this evening either.”
Oh my lord, I thought. This stuff only happens in the movies, not in my life. I was floored.
“Something blue is the necklace. Now, for something new. These are also for you my love.”
I turned to Harrison holding a small white box. He opened up the lid, and inside were a pair of diamond cushion cut earrings. They looked to be two carats each.
“Oh Harrison, you really know how to buy some jewels. Wow, I love them.”
“These are classic and sophisticated. As soon as I saw them, I knew they were you.”
“Now, for something old. I want you to have this.”
Harrison reached into his pocket and pulled out a fabric hankie with lace edging, which was rolled up. He unraveled it, an
d out fell a beautiful hair clip. It was encrusted with diamonds and pearls, and looked vintage.
“This was my grandmother’s clip. She wore it on her wedding day. It was given to her by her mother. Then, she gave it to my mother, whom also wore it when she and my father were married. Now it is yours, and you will pass it to our daughter.”
I started to tear up, as I took a piece of hair and slid the clip into place, delicately holding the strands of hair at the side of my head.
“It is beyond beautiful Harrison. I will always treasure this piece. What a wonderful gift. Thank you so much. Words cannot express how full of joy I am.”
He leaned in and cut me off. His lips pressed against mine, as he cupped my face with his right hand, and holding my left hand tightly.
“You know, Harrison, you really aren’t suppose to see the bride before the big reveal!”
“I know but I figured this whole wedding is anything but traditional. I will take my leave nonetheless. I will see you in a bit, my love.”
He kissed me on the lips again, and that time it was longer and more passionate. Before he walked out the door, he gave me those ‘I want to lay you out right here’ eyes. Damn he was fine, and he would be all mine in a matter of minutes.
Harrison headed outside to prepare for our ceremony. I took one last glance in the mirror and smiled to myself. This is really it, the day I thought may never come again is actually here.
“Oh gorgeous, look at those jewels. Lord almighty that man knows how to ice you up, that is for sure. Quick, let’s freshen you up and get this show on the road to diamonds and romance! Oh, before I forget, here is a glass of the sparkling 2011 production. Your soon-to-be hubby thought you might need to be loosened up.”
“Oh, of course he did. He is always thinking ahead!”
I grabbed the glass of champagne and slurped it down. Yum. That should take the edge off a little.”
“Damn girl, are you nervous?”
“Not at all. Okay, let’s do this. I am ready to be Mrs. Towers for the rest of my life.”
We headed into the warm tropical breeze off the terrace. I could see Harrison in the distance as he looked toward me. At that point, I was getting very nervous.
“Right down those stairs, Mrs. Towers. Would you care for me to escort you to the bottom?”
“I am okay Antonio. Thank you for all your help, you really delivered. I am so happy you were here.”
He nodded and smiled. I headed down the stone staircase to the sand.
Harrison was sporting one of the biggest smiles I think that man had ever displayed. I could tell he was genuinely happy and at peace. He looked more gorgeous than I had ever seen him. His tanned skin and sun kissed hair was glowing in the early full moonlight. He was wearing a casual cream soft cotton jacket and pants suit that was a trim modern fit that looks so good on him. Under the jacket, he was wearing a white cotton button up shirt, open at the neck to expose a little glimpse of his bronze chest.
We held each other’s gaze, and I could feel my cheeks hurting from the smile that was plastered on my face. I don’t think I have ever had so much to smile for in my life. My new life would start in a few short minutes as his bride. I walked all the way down the rose petal path and finally reached Harrison. He took both of my hands in his and kissed me on the top of my right hand. I could smell his spice market scent that always intoxicates me. The minister proceeded to marry us by having us recite our vows. Once he had said the matrimony prayer and we exchanged rings, he asked us if we had anything else that we wanted to add before he made his final blessing.
We both nodded.
Harrison turned to me, looking deep into my soul. I, in turn, searched his eyes and saw our future staring back at me.
“Danielle, you make me a better man. I am happiest when you are around, you will be an amazing mother, friend, lover, wife and soul mate. I will cherish you each and every day of our lives together. I love you, Danielle, and can’t wait to start writing our story, and our family’s story. I love you, mi amour.”
“Harrison, you are my world, my everything. From the fist moment that you ran into my life, I just knew you were meant for me. Through all we have experienced so far, our love for each other has kept us strong and we are bonded in ways no one could ever imagine. I will love you, cherish you, and take care of you all the days of my life. I too am ready to begin writing the rest of our story together. I love you.”
“Harrison and Danielle, having witnessed your vows before God and those who are assembled here today,” Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Antonio and the glam team watching from the terrace.. “By the authority vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride!”
My husband grabbed my face with both hands and our vows were sealed in a passionate kiss.
Chapter Six
"Folks, we have begun our descent to Portland. The current weather is 52 degrees, and we will be at the gate in about twenty minutes. We'd like the flight attendants to prepare the cabin for arrival. We want to thank you for flying with Cayman Airways today.”
I take in a deep, cleansing breath, and then look over to Harrison and see that he is looking at me intently.
“You ready for this, Mrs. Towers?”
“My stomach is in knots, but I think I am ready. As long as I am with you, I am ready for anything.”
Harrison grabs my hand, kisses the back of it, then leans in and gently touches his lips to mine. He pulls back and looks into my eyes. “I love you Danielle. You and I together will get through this and everything else that comes our way.”
“I love you too, Harrison.”
“So, are Albert and your team going to be ready for us at the airport?”
He nods, as we both put our seats into the upright position, as instructed by the flight attendant.
“Yes, when I spoke to Garrin during our layover, he said arrangements have been made with the airport security to aide us in leaving the premises. I have the utmost confidence that it is handled. Don’t you worry!”
I sigh, as I look out the window. In just a few short minutes, we will land and be back to reality. I know Harrison is correct, that we will get through this. What I dread most is Marion’s reaction when the board fires her. During the layover in Atlanta, Harrison sent an overnight package to Montreal. The package contains the documents implicating her in funneling the funds to the bank in the Caymans. Thankfully, the board is going to do the deed, leaving Harrison out of it. It still makes no sense to me why she would have been so careless. She left a virtual paper trail that led right to her. I am beginning to understand that this woman is not only a bitch, but she is an unstable bitch. A dangerous combination.
It would be foolish to think that Marion will just walk away. I dread her wrath. Harrison tells me not to worry, that he will handle it. I can’t help myself; I am worried.
Harrison reaches over and nudges my hand to get me to stop twisting my hair around my finger.
“I know that look mi amore, stop worrying. We are almost home and ready to start our new lives together. Tomorrow the board will take care of Marion, and we can put all of this behind us.”
“Harrison, do you really believe that she is just going to walk away and take their offer of amnesty, if she agrees to go quietly?”
He scoffs, “She hasn’t any choice. Either she takes what the board is offering or they turn the information over to the authorities and have her brought up on embezzlement charges. It is more than fair, and she is not stupid. She will agree to our terms.”
“I don’t know, Harrison, I really think it is not going to be as clean as all of that. She is off kilter; she harmed Adelaide and has been behind all of the craziness in my life. Since our elopement has made it to the front-page of the rag magazines, she has to be humiliated and ready for retaliation. Surely, you know the idiom, ‘hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.”
“Now you are just being melodramatic. I agree she has subjected you to relentle
ss harassment, but the threat of serving behind bars has to inspire her to cease. She will be mad for a while, but she will lick her wounds and bounce back. She can work for her father’s company and land on her feet.”
I grab my hand away from his. He is making me upset. I can’t believe he is being so blind.
“Well, in my opinion you aren’t being hard enough on her.” I hiss “She has put me through hell, and all she gets is fired?! You mark my words, when she learns of her dismissal, it will be like letting the hounds of hell loose from their cage. I just pray that I am not in their path.”
In a hushed tone, “You are not being reasonable. I would like nothing more than for her to serve time for her crimes. However, you are failing to recognize the rift that would create with the Devereauxs. They are one of the largest exporters of our product to the EU. Without them, we would have to find another distributor. Not such an easy task, but even bigger is the relationship we have had with that family for a mere couple of centuries. One bad egg should not sever those long-standing relationships. It may be hard for you to understand, but once again, I am asking you to trust me.
“I understand all of that Harrison. It is just hard to believe that her family wouldn’t want her to be held accountable for all the suffering and heartache she has inflicted on so many! I would think that would be embarrassing for the family.
“Look, I agree. Of anyone, you and I have suffered the most at her hand. However, this is how the board of directors wishes to handle her and I have no choice but to follow their wishes. It does not mean that I agree with them. Maybe now, you can appreciate why I started my own life here with my own money, where I the make the decisions. I wanted to get away from the old-school aristocracy and make my own way, without the board looking over my shoulder and dictating every move I make.”
“I had not thought about the board being so controlling, but it does make a lot of sense. I just don’t understand this antiquated way of thinking.”