The Wedding Venture: 5-hour read. Marriage of Convenience, Romantic Comedy (Colorado Billionaires Book 3)

by Regina Duke

Vicky laughed. “Thanks, mom. For a moment there, I thought some Halloween bodysnatcher had taken you over. I’m so glad it’s really you.”

  Jason cocked an eyebrow. “Do I have to separate you two?”

  Vicky squeezed his hand. “Thank you, Jason. This is a wonderful surprise.”

  Elsa looked pleased, then turned back to her conversation with Dolores.

  Vicky noticed that Mina floated nearby in a lovely dress and a feathered mask. When she had a chance, she waved her over.

  “What are you supposed to be?”

  Mina ran her fingers over her feathers and said, “A mother hen.” She lifted an apron flap and revealed three stuffed yellow chicks in plastic egg shells.

  Before Vicky could congratulate Mina on her clever costume, Dolores piped up. “Vicky, I want everyone to know what a talented daughter-in-law I’m going to have. Play something for me.”

  Vicky looked to Jason. He gave a tiny shrug, leaving it up to her.

  She knew she couldn’t disappoint her future mother-in-law. She reminded herself that her audience was not a panel of judges. She took a deep breath and recalled the moment of freedom she’d felt when she realized that by marrying Jason, she would never again feel forced to perform. That sense of liberation calmed her butterflies. In a corner of the hall, on the stage where the disc jockey was about to take a break, two spot lights shone down on a pair of baby grand pianos and Reese McAvoy was tapping the microphone to see if it was live.

  “Ladies and gentlemen, while our disc jockey takes a little break, we have a special treat for you. Mr. Jason Darby is engaged to be married, as you all know by now, and his fiancée Victoria Winn is a talented pianist who has agreed to play for us this evening.”

  Vicky darted an accusing glance at Jason. He leaned close and said, “I told you my grandmother could be sharp as a tack. You have been ambushed by a master.”

  Vicky started to protest, but quashed the urge. Instead, she smiled graciously and stood up. Then she had an inspired thought. “Come with me, Mom.”

  “Me? Good heavens, no.”

  “We’ll play a duet.”

  “Oh, no.” Elsa held up a hand in protest, but her heart wasn’t in it.

  Vicky saw the spark of hidden desire and acted on it. “You’re the reason I have this talent. We haven’t played together in years. Pretty please?”

  “God gave you the talent,” said Elsa, “but your stage fright came from me. I’m not sure I can.”

  “Mrs. Darby would love to hear you play again, wouldn’t you?” She turned an encouraging smile on Dolores.

  “Excellent! My former teacher and my future daughter-in-law playing together at my party? Perfect.”

  Vicky took her mother’s hand and led her toward the pianos amidst polite applause. Once on the dais, her mother took a seat at one piano and Vicky spoke into the microphone.

  “In honor of Dolores Darby, my mother and I will play a Beethoven duet, ‘Ich Denke Dein’ with Six Variations, WoO74. I have to say it that way. Mother trained me to do it, and if I don’t, I’ll never hear the end of it.”

  Several people laughed and Vicky took a seat at the other piano. The partygoers fell silent. Elsa began, setting the tempo. Then Vicky joined in, playing Secondo to Elsa’s Primo. When they were finished, Vicky raised her hands with a flourish. She was flushed and excited, and when the room burst into applause, she stood up and took a showy bow, beaming from ear to ear. Then she took her mother’s hand and pulled her up as well. She went to the microphone and said, “Thank you all for coming. You should all know that my mother was my first piano teacher, and any talent I have, I owe to her.”

  More applause followed.

  “You’ve been very indulgent. If you wish to help a wonderful cause this evening, please give what you can to the Performing Arts Programs in our local schools. I grew up here in Eagle’s Toe, and my first stage appearances were in school. You may be fostering the creativity of other talented children with your generous giving. As soon as our disc jockey can catch his breath, I hope you will dance the night away. Happy Halloween!”

  When they returned to their table, Jason stood and gave her a big hug. Dolores said, “That was lovely.”

  Elsa fanned herself with her Spanish fan. “Vicky, thank you for slowing down for me. I could tell you were holding back. And also—” She paused, as if gathering strength. “I also want to tell you how proud I am of you. You handle yourself like a masterful professional. It’s true that I had to help my mother, but the real reason my career was cut short was my lack of showmanship. I’m quite good technically, but I could never connect with an audience. You, my darling daughter, are a true performer.” She finished by giving Vicky a fierce hug.

  Vicky was too choked up to say more than, “Thank you.”

  Jason rescued her, excusing the two of them and pulling Vicky out onto the dance floor. As they moved together to a romantic ballad, Jason said, “You, your mother, Gran, Mina. I am surrounded by powerful women. I’d better watch my step.”

  Vicky smiled up at him. “Don’t worry,” she said, leaning in close. “I’ve got your back.”

  Jason nuzzled her ear. “You’ve got more than that. You’ve got my heart.”

  EPILOGUE

  December 22, 6:00 p.m.

  The Christmas tree in the gallery alcove almost reached the ceiling. Outside, the lights outlining the fountain reflected off the snow. The Darby home was decorated from the driveway to the eight-car garage, front and back, up and down. Staff members, old and new, laughed and chatted around the tree. From the music room, a steady stream of Christmas carols could be heard.

  Jason stood behind Vicky, his arms circling her, as they watched the merriment.

  Mrs. Johnson’s grandchildren were squealing with delight as they ripped paper and ribbons off their gifts. Mr. and Mrs. Lopes and their children and grandchildren filled two tables. Up and down the gallery, children of all ages were showing off their presents and diving into their little boxes of Christmas cookies.

  Alistair sat serenely at a small table by the windows, a bottle of imported wine at his elbow. His matronly sister refilled his glass for him. He was chuckling softly as he played with the touch screen of his new iPad.

  Mina was holding court, surrounded by the three new housemaids, sharing stories from the old days. Their dates and families filled the room, eating and drinking and admiring the house.

  Portraits of Darbys looked down from the walls. Dolores sat near the tree beneath a large oil of Thomas and Jill. Every now and then she pulled out another group of little gifts for the children in attendance.

  Another Christmas carol started up in the music room.

  Vicky leaned against Jason, her long green gown and Christmas corsage adding to the festive decor.

  “Mr. Darby,” she said, turning her head to look up into his eyes, “thank you for inviting my mother to spend the holiday with us.”

  “Mrs. Darby,” he replied, “it was my pleasure. Are you sure she’s not feeling left out? She’s been in the music room playing all afternoon.”

  Vicky smiled. “Trust me, she’s in heaven. She used to dream about a room like that. She’s wanted me to have one for as long as I can remember.”

  “I think she liked her gift,” said Jason.

  “My husband, the genius. Wrapping up a realtor’s offer for her house? She was thrilled. And knowing she could live there as long as she wants without worrying about rent or a mortgage is even better. I’ve never seen her so happy.”

  Jason planted a kiss on her cheek. “You’re not upset about your stepfather moving back in?”

  “It makes mother happy, so I’m not upset.”

  “Too bad he didn’t want to join us here.”

  Vicky made a face. “Actually, it worked out just fine. And besides, he has that new job.” She gave Jason a meaningful look.

  Jason grinned. “I’ll admit, that took some doing.”

  Vicky patted his arm and he released her. “Look, Ma
dlyn’s here.”

  Madlyn’s Christmas sweater was drawing smiles from every corner. Tiny jingle bells chimed with every step she took. When she spotted Vicky and Jason, her eyes welled with tears. She trotted over and wrapped her arms around her friend.

  “You shouldn’t have! OMG, you can’t give me a big present like that. I barely had time to make you a homemade card.”

  Vicky laughed. “It’s okay. You needed a vehicle that wouldn’t end up in the shop every week. Besides, it’s not even brand new.”

  Madlyn wiped her tears away and sniffled. “Well, that’s true. It does have a whole five thousand miles on it.” She rolled her eyes. “I love it. I would refuse to accept it, if my minivan hadn’t completely died just yesterday.”

  Jason smiled. “I hope the make and model is okay. You seem to like the mini van concept, so—”

  Madlyn held up a hand. “Are you kidding? It’s perfect! And I love the sliding door. I can pack anything I want or need in there. The seats come out. Good grief, I adore it. And what a nice touch. Leaving it in my driveway with a big ribbon around it? Who does that outside of car commercials?”

  Vicky bobbed her head from side to side. “Well, that’s what you get when your BFF marries a billionaire.” The two of them burst out laughing.

  Serious again, Madlyn said, “Thank you so much.”

  Jason grinned. “No problem. Of course, for the next ten Christmases, you’ll get a photograph of it as your present.”

  “Perfect,” said Madlyn. She gave him a big hug, too. “Hey, where’s Vicky’s gift?” Her eyes lit up with expectation. “Did you give it to her yet?”

  Vicky shook her head. “We’re going to open our personal gifts on Christmas.”

  Madlyn nodded eagerly. “I know. But Jason said—”

  Jason interrupted her. “Madz, you and I will have a little conversation later about subtlety, okay?”

  Vicky drew back. “All right, Mr. Let’s Wait Until Christmas Morning. What have you done?”

  Jason shrugged. “It’s just a pre-Christmas gift.”

  Madlyn giggled. “So you’ll have something to open here at the party.”

  Jason cleared his throat. “And also I’m betting you won’t kill me in front of all these people. Gran? Can you reach that flat package tucked between the branches?”

  Dolores leaned toward the tree and managed to fetch it without getting up. “Oh, goody. I’ve been waiting.” She handed it to Jason.

  “This idea came to me weeks ago, full blown. I just knew exactly what to do for your Christmas present. Well, one of them. You have to wait for the others.” He handed the flat package to Vicky.

  “It feels like a picture frame,” she said as she began taking the paper off. “Oh, look, it is a picture frame.” She turned it over. A moment later her eyes grew big and her mouth dropped open. She looked up at Jason with a mix of surprise and terror on her face. “Is this a joke?”

  “No, it’s not a joke,” laughed Jason. “But it’s not final either until you approve.”

  Madlyn was jumping up and down. “It’s a playbill! See? Your name, right there? And Carnegie Hall, right there! And look at the dates! So cool.”

  Vicky was stunned. “But this says I’ll be performing at Carnegie Hall. How can that be?”

  “Well, it almost wasn’t,” said Jason. “Gran’s competition board had to get involved. That place is booked solid way in advance. But we got the date. And if she agrees, we’ll add your mother’s name to it.”

  “Oh, my God.” Vicky ran a hand over the glass.

  “Start making a guest list,” said Jason. “Invite everyone you ever wanted to impress or share with. The rest of the seats will be charitable invitations, a fundraiser for the J and T Competition.”

  “Six months away?” Vicky’s pupils were pinpricks. “I’m going to have to start practicing tonight!”

  Jason pulled her close. “I think you can wait until New Year’s Day. Neither one of us wanted you out there living in hotel rooms and traveling from concert to concert, but I wanted you to have the opportunity. You’ve worked your whole life to play at Carnegie Hall. Now you will.”

  Vicky clutched the framed playbill close to her heart. “Even if I haven’t won a competition?”

  Dolores snorted. “If you need more validation, I’ll have the J and T board convene for a special performance. If they agree you’re good enough, you’ll play Carnegie Hall.”

  “Thank you, Dolores! I need to go tell mom.” She planted a kiss on Jason’s lips. “I’ll be right back.”

  Madlyn squealed and followed her.

  Jason pulled up a chair and sat down next to his grandmother. “I know she’s good enough. And you know she’s good enough. Do we really need the Board involved? I’ve already rented the Hall.”

  “Vicky needs to know she would have won a competition. I’ve heard her play. The only reason the Ling-Smythe girl won this year’s J and T was because Vicky didn’t get to compete. Having the Board certify her will give her the confidence to play on the big stage.”

  “I love you, Gran.”

  From the music room came a chorus of feminine squeals.

  Dolores laughed. “Besides, once she gets Carnegie Hall out of her system, you two can get busy and make me some grandchildren.”

  Jason stood up as the three women emerged from the music room and headed straight for him. He opened his arms, waiting, and said to his grandmother, “That will definitely be a pleasure.”

  *Thank you for reading The Wedding Venture. If you enjoyed this novel, please take a moment to leave a review at your favorite online retailer.*

  Books by Regina Duke

  Calin’s Cowboy (sweet romance & cozy mystery)

  North Rim Delight (romantic suspense)

  The Woof in the Wedding Plans (novella, mystery & romance)

  Trickster and Other Stories (SF and horror)

  The Wedding Wager (Colorado Billionaires: Book 1)

  The Wedding Hope (Colorado Billionaires: Book 2)

  The Wedding Venture (Colorado Billionaires: Book 3)

  Christmas Angel (Contemporary Romance)

  My Vampire Wedding (Paranormal Romance)

  * * *

  If you love dogs and enjoy reading about them, check out:

  Linda White’s Loving the Sensitive Dog

  Linda White’s Sir Darby: Another Sensitive Dog

  Find out more about dogs at www.LindaLouWrites.com

  About the Author

  USA Today Bestselling Author Regina Duke has walked the beaches of Spain, shared a Mexican shower with a four-inch-long cockroach, and heated her 10th floor British walk-up hotel room by running hot water in the bath! Back home in northern Nevada, she writes fiction from romance to cozy mystery to quiet horror and soft science fiction. Regina’s alter-ego Linda White sometimes writes dog books about her talented papillons. They’re earning titles in rally, obedience, agility, and tricks.

  For fiction, please visit her at www.ReginaDuke.com or contact her via email at me@reginaduke.com. And for non-fiction, www.LindaLouWrites.com.