“It’ll be okay, sweetie, we’ll find ways to stay busy. Daddy will be back before you know it.”
Brice came running into the room and wanted to join in the hugging. Sunny welcomed him into her arms.
“Did Daddy tell you bye, too?” Ali asked her brother.
“Yep, he did. He said when he gets back, he might have a surprise for us. But he wouldn’t tell me what it was.”
“Well, little man, it wouldn’t be a surprise now if he told you, would it?” Sunny laughed as she placed a kiss on the top of his head.
“I’m hungry. Let’s go see if Alice made waffles today.” Ali took her brother’s hand.
“But if she didn’t, remember, Sissy, be polite.”
Sunny had to laugh as Brice reminded his sister of what their father had told them when they’d first gotten to Florida.
They were happy to discover Alice had indeed made waffles. After they’d eaten, Sunny took them to the patio and together they made plans for the week. She needed to stay occupied as much as she needed to keep them busy.
The week went slowly at first, but Sunny kept busy. So busy, in fact, by Wednesday night when Chase called, she was exhausted.
“Sunny, how’s it going?” he asked cheerily.
“We’ve been reading, playing games, hiking, swimming, and playing in the sand. I’m actually exhausted tonight. I don’t know where those two munchkins get all their energy.”
“Why don’t you take tomorrow off? I’ll speak to Alice about watching them.”
“You don’t have to do that.”
“I know I don’t have to, but I want to. Have you had time to think about what we discussed before I left?”
“Yes, I did.”
“Good, I’ll be home Friday. You get some rest tomorrow. And on Friday, after I spend some time with the kids, you and I are going to go somewhere where we can talk undisturbed.”
“All right, Chase, I look forward to hearing what you have to say.”
“Sunny…I…Get some much deserved rest. Goodnight, pleasant dreams. Can you put Alice on the phone now?”
“Goodnight. Here’s Alice.” She handed the phone to Alice and walked into the kitchen, leaving Alice alone to talk to Chase. She poured a cup of herbal tea from the pot brewing and sat down at the bar.
I wonder what this is all about. How in the world can I help save his company?
When Alice returned, she smiled affectionately at Sunny and said, “I have strict orders from Mr. Chase that you are not to be disturbed tomorrow. I’m to let you sleep as late as you wish, and the children are to be kept out of your way. I believe the man wants you rested when he returns. He said you and he are going out.”
“We are, Alice, but don’t go getting all starry-eyed on my behalf. I don’t think it’s a date. We have some business to discuss, that’s all.”
“Whatever you say, Sunny, all I know is Mr. Chase said he wanted everything to be perfect.”
Perfect for what? We’re going to be talking about his company.
She finished her tea and excused herself. “I want to soak in a hot, bubble bath. After that, I’m going to slip into bed and watch a movie. I believe I’m even too tired to read a book tonight.”
“Enjoy, Sunny, and don’t worry about the kids. Sleep in, do whatever you want tomorrow.”
“You don’t have to twist my arm, Alice. See you tomorrow,” she said as she headed for the stairs. Filling the tub with warm water and lavender bubble bath, she allowed herself to indulge. She’d poured herself a glass of wine and lit three candles. It was the ultimate relaxation. When she’d soaked in the tub for what seemed like hours and the water was beginning to grow cold, she stepped out carefully. After drying her skin to a rosy glow, she blew out the candles, poured another glass of wine and slipped into a light summer nightgown. She’d just settled into the cool sheets when her cell phone rang. Picking it up from her night table, she answered softly, “Hello.”
“Sunny, it’s Chase. Were you asleep?”
“No, I just got into bed. I was planning to watch a movie before I go to sleep. Is something wrong?”
“I’ve had a change of plans. I’ll be home late tomorrow night. Please have the children in bed early. We need to talk when I get there.”
“All right, that shouldn’t be a problem. Chase, has something happened?”
“Let’s just say we need to move with my plan. I need to talk with you as soon as possible in order for you to make a decision as to whether or not you can do what I’m going to ask of you.”
“You’re really piquing my curiosity, you know.”
“I know, and I’m sorry. Hopefully you’ll be agreeable to what I’m going to propose. I’ll let you get to your movie. And remember, you do whatever you want tomorrow. Alice is taking the kids to a nearby playground and to the beach. The day is yours. I want you to have a clear head when we have our talk.”
“Okay.”
“Sweet dreams, Sunny. I…I miss you.”
“Oh, that’s sweet. I’ve missed your smiling face this week as well.”
“I like hearing you say that, but this conversation needs to wait until I get there. So don’t worry about it, get some rest and I’ll be there tomorrow evening around nine.”
“I’ll be waiting.”
She hung up and wondered again what in the world was going on. She tried to watch a movie but couldn’t concentrate, so finally turned off the television and tried to sleep. She finally did fall asleep but dreamt about being in Chase’s bed. For some reason, it seemed like the most logical thing in the world for her to be there. When she awoke in the middle of the night, she was more confused than ever.
Chapter Ten
Sunny slept late the next morning. When she awoke, she remembered the dream she’d had the night before. I have got to get a handle on my feelings for my boss. With each passing day, I find myself more and more attracted to him.
She dressed and went into the kitchen. Alice and the children had apparently already left on their outing. John was nowhere to be seen either, he must have gone with them.
There was a fresh pot of coffee and some sweet rolls on the counter with a note attached. It was from Alice, telling her that she, John and the children were out for the day and to enjoy herself. She also told her she knew the boss would be home tonight and that he wanted to speak to Sunny alone when he arrived. She had drawn a smiley face in the shape of a heart on the bottom of the note.
Oh, Alice, you sweetheart. You and Alma are such romantics. She sat down at the bar and decided to take her coffee and rolls to the patio. She sat in the lounge chair and as she sipped the steaming hot coffee, her thoughts returned to the talk she and Chase were supposed to have that evening. Why the mystery?
She spent the rest of the morning trying to figure out his plan and when she came up with nothing, decided to read a book instead.
She fell asleep, reading. When she awoke and looked at her watch, she jumped up. It was six o’clock. Where was everyone? She went inside to find the other four at the table eating pizza.
“Hello, sleepyhead, you looked so peaceful we hated to wake you.” John grinned.
“I’m so sorry.”
“What are you sorry about? It’s your day off. If you want to sleep, that’s your choice. Now sit down and have some pizza. These kiddos are tired and after they’ve eaten, I’m going to draw them both a bath and get them ready for bed.” Alice looked pointedly at Sunny, knowing Chase had asked for the kids to be put to bed early.
“I can do that, Alice. You have to be tired after a day with these two.”
“All right, I’ll let you do that. I believe I’ll turn in early tonight myself.”
Sunny helped herself to pepperoni pizza and got up to get a Coke out of the fridge. She noticed Brice was about to fall asleep in his plate.
After getting them bathed and in bed, she decided she had just enough time to take a quick shower before Chase returned.
She had just dressed in a ca
sual pair of lounging pants and a tee shirt when there was a knock on the bathroom door. She opened it to let Chase into her bedroom.
“Is it okay to talk in here? I don’t want to go back out and we’ll be undisturbed here.”
“It’s fine. Let’s sit on the love seat over there. I have some wine. Would you like a glass?”
“My nanny keeps wine in her room. Should I be worried?” he teased as he accepted a glass.
“Not at all, I sometimes like a glass of wine to unwind in the evenings. I hope sweet red is okay, it’s my favorite.”
“I’m not worried about you in the least, Sunny. And sweet red is fine with me. If it’s your favorite, we’ll have it every day.”
“I don’t think we need to go to that extreme.” She giggled. “Now, tell me what’s going on? You’ve kept me in suspense long enough.” She sat next to him.
“Sunny, I don’t know how to begin…” He looked her square in the eyes, took another sip of wine, and went on. “I told you a large chain is trying to take over my company, but I didn’t tell you everything. The company is owned by a man and his daughter, Lindy. Lindy has been trying to get me in her bed since before Brittney died. My guess is she plans to convince me to marry her. After she gets her claws in my company, she’ll divorce me, leaving me with nothing.”
“That’s horrible, are you sure that’s what she’s up to? Maybe she genuinely wants you.”
“There’s nothing genuine about Lindy, believe me. But being the sweet person that you are, you probably wouldn’t understand that. I’ve been on to her for a long time, hopefully she doesn’t realize that.”
“I see. Is there more? Where do I fit into this bizarre scene?”
“Ah…here comes the part I’m unsure of. I’m not unsure of the plan, or of my part in it. I’m just unsure of how to best present it to you. I don’t know how you’ll react to what I’m about to ask you.”
“I’m listening,” she said, gently urging him to continue.
“I need to get married.”
“I see,” Sunny said, shock not quite a strong enough word to describe her feelings.
“Sunny, did you think about what I’d asked you to? Did you think about what you wanted to do in your future?”
“Yes, I did, and I came up with nothing. The past few years were tough. I lost my dad, Scott broke up with me, he married someone else, and Dr. Rose retired. I was lost as to what to do next, when you showed up out of the blue and offered me a dream job. I accepted on the spot and have not regretted it for one minute. I love taking care of your children and I had no plans to move on anytime soon, but if you’re planning to get married, I guess I need to start thinking about what comes next.”
“Sunny, I don’t think you understand.” Chase set down his glass and took her hands in his.
“I want to marry you.”
“What?”
“It would be a marriage-of-convenience, so to speak, a business arrangement. I trust you, Sunny. I trust you with my children, with my business, and with my life. I can’t think of anyone more suited. Your name would immediately be added to the business, no one could get it away from you, should something ever happen to me. You and the children would be protected. I’ve drawn up all the paperwork and added you to my will, that’s what I was doing in Des Moines this week. You would want for nothing, Sunny. You would enjoy all the privileges of being Mrs. Chase Dupont. All the privileges you want, of course, I’m not expecting you to jump in my bed the first night. Over time, who knows? You would be protected and well taken care of for the rest of your life. But that’s the catch. It would be for the rest of your life, Sunny. I won’t put my children through a divorce after they’ve lost their natural mother. You’d have to agree to stay with me. You would be my wife and their mother. And in the eyes of the world, no matter what goes on behind closed doors, we would be the perfect newlywed couple, madly in love with each other. I will be faithful to you, no matter what and I would expect the same from you.”
“Wow…I never imagined this was the plan. How will this save your company?”
“For starters, Lindy won’t be able to continue with her plan. She’ll have to come up with a new one. And with your name on the company and with you on the Board of Directors, she and her father won’t only be fighting me, they’ll be fighting both of us. I want to share it all with you, Sunny. Do you think there’s any way you can consider it? I know I’m asking a lot, but I think we could make it work. I respect you, Sunny, and we get along well. The children love you. I’ll give you time to think about it, of course, but time is of the essence.” He looked into her eyes, once more, his gaze deeply penetrating.
“I don’t need to think about it. I’ll do it. I’ll marry you, Chase.” Her eyes met his and she smiled. If he only knew how much I wish this was a real proposal. At least I won’t have to worry about his ever being with another woman. He said he’d be faithful. And the pretending to the rest of the world certainly won’t be hard for me to do.
“Are you absolutely certain this is what you want? You do understand you’re making a lifelong commitment to me, Sunny.”
“I understand, Chase.”
“In that case, I picked up something for you in Des Moines before I left today. I hope you like it.” He took a small box from his pocket and opened it, revealing an exquisite diamond engagement ring. It was set in white-gold. The center diamond was large, with two smaller diamonds on either side of it. He removed it, took her left hand, and slipped it on her third finger. He got down on one knee and said, “Sunny Drake, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife? Will you consent to be mine for the rest of your life?”
“I will, Chase.” Am I dreaming?
He kissed her, a short kiss, but still a kiss to seal the deal. It was better than a handshake anyway.
“We need to make plans, Sunny. I want to announce our engagement as soon as possible. We’ll need to tell the children, our mothers, and the staff first, of course. Then we need to talk about the ceremony. It needs to be small and soon.”
“That’s all fine, but one thing I will insist on, if I may.”
“What’s that, Sunny?”
“I don’t want to be married at City Hall. I want to be married in a church, with a minister officiating. Even if this isn’t a traditional marriage, I want that.”
“That’s no problem. I know the perfect place. I’ll call the minister tomorrow. Will your mom be coming for the wedding?”
“Is that okay?”
“Of course, I thought perhaps the children, our mothers, Alma, George, Alice, and John and anyone else you might want to ask.”
“Dr. Rose and his wife, I’d like for him to give me away.”
“That’s fine. I’ll let you call everyone and tell them. I’ll do as much as I can to help with the arrangements, but I think you and Alice can probably handle most of it.”
“You’re giving me free reign?”
“Sunny, we’re partners from now on. It’s going to be small and quick, but other than that, you plan the wedding you want. It’s your day.”
“I’ll get right on it tomorrow. How soon are you thinking?”
“Within the month, if possible, I’ll know for sure after I speak to Reverend Key tomorrow.”
“Wow, that soon? Okay, I’ll need to get busy.”
“Sunny, you don’t know how much this means to me. I hope you know what you’re getting yourself into.”
“I do and I’m fine with it. I’m fond of you and I adore your children. The rest of it…we’ll see.”
“I’ll never rush you into loving me, Sunny. That’s something that has to happen when we both are ready. The marriage needs to come first, for obvious reasons. So, we’ll just do things a little backwards, the marriage first and maybe the courtship later. I’m hoping, in time, we’ll be able to be a normal, married couple. But, in no way, do I expect that of you right now. So please don’t fret about that.”
“I appreciate that, Chase, and I won’t fr
et about it. It’ll happen naturally. We can’t be married for the rest of our lives without it happening sooner or later.”
“Oh, Sunny, you’re such a breath of fresh air.” He leaned over and kissed her again, this time a little longer, a little deeper. He drew away and said in a husky voice, “I need to go to my room, or I may break my promise the first night not to rush you, Sunny.”
She got up and walked him to the door. “I’ll see you in the morning.”
“Remember, to the world, from now on out, we’re the happiest couple in the world.”
“Goodnight.” She shook her head and closed the door.
If he only knew that I really am the happiest bride-to-be in the world.
Chapter Eleven
The next morning, Sunny bounced out of bed and dressed with care. She pulled her blonde hair into a ponytail and went downstairs to talk with Alice before the children woke up.
As she walked into the kitchen, Alice was preparing breakfast. “Good morning, you’re up early, Sunny.”
“I wanted to talk to you before I get the kids up.” She reached into the cupboard for a coffee cup, poured fresh coffee into the cup and reached for the creamer. As she did, Alice gasped.
“What’s wrong, Alice?” She poured the creamer into her cup and stirred.
“Is that a diamond ring on your finger?”
“Yes, it is. That’s what I wanted to talk to you about. Chase and I are getting married. Very soon, in about a month to be exact and I need your help with the planning. It’ll be small so don’t worry.”
“You and Chase…I knew there were sparks there…but Sunny, it’s so quick. You two didn’t…you aren’t…?”
Sunny laughed. “No, we haven’t, and no, I’m not pregnant. We fell in love at first sight, so to speak, and decided not to wait. We live in the same house. Do you know how hard that’s been?”
“I’m so happy for you.” Alice hugged her, just as Chase walked into the kitchen.
“Apparently the secret is out. Good morning, sweetheart.” He kissed Sunny on the forehead and helped himself to coffee.
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