by Nadia Lee
Maybe Justin thought it’d be a good idea to marry, legally speaking. She didn’t know much about pregnancy, but she knew there could be serious complications. One of the associates at the firm had gotten pregnant last year, and she had to take six months off due to some problems. As her husband, Justin would have more legal rights in emergency situations, and it made sense he’d want to be in charge of her and their baby just in case.
But after the baby was born, there would be no reason for them to stay together. Couples didn’t have to be joined at the hips to raise a child—she knew from experience—and there wasn’t even love at the base of their relationship. They could have a clean and simple resolution, with each of them keeping what they’d brought to the marriage. She didn’t want a penny of Justin’s mon—.
“A penny for your thoughts,” Justin said, linking his fingers with hers.
She tried to pull her hand, but he merely tightened his grip. “My billing rate is a little higher than that.”
His lips quirked into a smile. “So bill me.”
Divorce probably wasn’t something they should talk about right now. She combed through possible topics to bring up. “I was wondering if your lawyers know what you’re up to.”
He sighed. “Are you still worried about the prenup?”
“Aren’t you?”
Justin waved his hand. “I’m sure you can draft a simple prenup saying we don’t want each other’s assets.”
“Never trust a lawyer who isn’t billing you.” She pulled out the prenup she’d drafted. “Here.”
“What are you asking for? Half of everything I own?”
She snorted. “I don’t want your money. Just a fair custody situation for the child.” Her mother had stayed to be with her children. The Pryce prenup was clear: in case of divorce, her mother would not only lose custody, but wouldn’t even be able to visit or get in touch with her children until they turned twenty-one.
Then a sudden realization hit her: Ceinlys had stayed way past that point…
For what?
Justin arched an eyebrow. “What about what I might want? Shouldn’t you consider some protection as well?”
Vanessa gave herself a good mental shake. This wasn’t the time to think about her parents’ marriage. “I doubt you’re interested in anything I have.”
* * *
Justin looked over at Vanessa, who had closed her eyes as if that would block out the world, including him. Maybe she was dreaming about him shoving a prenup in her face.
Her obsession with the agreement amused him. He didn’t intend to have one. He didn’t want Vanessa to feel that they were less than completely equal in their marriage. If that meant he was being stupid or that he might end up losing half his money, so be it.
Justin watched her softly breathing. It looked like she hadn’t slept well in the last few days. The semi-circles under her eyes looked bigger and darker than the week before, and her cheekbones seemed more prominent. He didn’t know much about pregnancy, but of course it could be rough on women, especially during the first trimester. And she hadn’t told her law firm, so there obviously wouldn’t be any accommodation from that end. He made a mental note to take care of it. His wife wasn’t going to work herself to death while pregnant. The case she was working on was getting some publicity, which would mean increased pressure to perform.
Vanessa’s idea about his not being interested in anything she had contained one glaring blind spot. It was true that none of her material possessions interested him. But he wanted her. And not just her, but the life that he knew the two of them could have together.
It astounded him that she didn’t believe that was possible. Or maybe it wasn’t that incredible, given her background.
To say that her parents didn’t have an ideal marriage would be an understatement. A terrible waste since they should’ve been happy. Salazar must have loved Ceinlys to marry her despite strong opposition from his family, especially his mother, Shirley Pryce. Not even five beautiful grandchildren had been enough to ameliorate her dislike of Ceinlys. Justin didn’t understand the old woman’s logic; what made it acceptable to love her grandchildren but despise the woman who’d given them to her?
So over the years, Shirley had berated Ceinlys, Salazar had had numerous affairs, and Justin was certain the rumors of Ceinlys’s men were true. A situation more or less guaranteed to mess up the children.
Justin didn’t want the past to affect what he and Vanessa could have together. They deserved the very best life possible, and he wanted to give it to her, even if it meant hiding their marriage until July against his better judgment. Vanessa seemed worried about her job, but he had no doubt her firm would be understanding of her situation. If not, she could always go someplace else. Hell, he’d buy her a damned law firm if that would make her happy.
If he’d had it his way, everyone would know she was his. They’d be married in a grand ceremony as big as—if not bigger than—the wedding his cousin Kerri had had in Thailand. He would’ve given her a wedding other women could only dream of.
He rested the knuckle on his left index finger against his lips as he considered. Maybe they could have another ceremony after the baby was born. Something romantic and sentimental, with all their family and friends in attendance… It would be just the thing. Maybe rent out the Ashford Castle in Ireland where they’d had their first vacation together…
The cabin attendant came over. “Sir,” she spoke in a low voice. “We’ll be landing soon.”
He nodded, then glanced over at Vanessa. Her face was lax in sleep.
“That’s fine,” Justin said, “but we won’t be deplaning immediately.” He checked the time. “We have about half an hour or so before we need to get going.”
“Yes, sir.” The cabin attendant slipped away.
Justin pulled out his phone and started typing instructions for his lawyers. Two of the newer associates were coming to join them, but Justin didn’t want to discuss what he was about to do with them. Ken Honishi, one of the senior partners at the firm, would be a better choice to take care of the matter.
Vanessa would probably blow a gasket when she found out, but he wanted her to know he was dead serious about this marriage even if she seemed unsure.
Thirty minutes later, he placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. “We need to get going.”
Startled, she blinked. “Mm?”
“We’re here.”
“Oh.” She sat up, smoothing her hair. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to fall asleep.”
“Probably needed the rest.” He looked at her belly meaningfully. “Want to get going?”
“Yeah, sure.” She got up with care, and they exited the plane together. A gleaming black stretch limo with dark tinted windows waited for them outside.
“You’ve thought of everything,” she said.
“Wanted to make sure you’ll be comfortable.”
They climbed into the limo. Vanessa settled in the luxurious interior as the driver pulled away from the airport and sighed softly. “So. Are you going to tell me where we are?”
“Canada.”
She jerked her head back. “Seriously?”
“We’re about to get married over Niagara Falls.”
* * *
Vanessa blinked, unsure if she’d heard him correctly. She’d known they weren’t in Vegas—the air was too moist—but this? “There are too many people here. I wasn’t kidding about keeping this quiet.”
“Relax. We’ll be getting married in a helicopter while it’s flying over the falls. I’ve already arranged for it, and a minister’s ready as soon as we pick up the marriage license. There will be only two witnesses—junior associates from a law firm on Sterling & Wilson’s retainer. They won’t talk unless they want to be fired and sued.”
Her lips parted. Justin had been busy, thinking of everything. Sterling & Wilson’s lawyers wouldn’t do anything to jeopardize their retainer.
“This is the best I could arrange on short notic
e. I know it’s nobody’s dream wedding, but we can have a real, grand ceremony later after the baby.” He pulled out a dark navy box and took her left hand. Inside the box was a diamond ring. The simple platinum setting showed off the size and superior cut and clarity of the stone surrounded by smaller sapphires the exact color of her eyes. “For the engagement. I wanted to get something custom designed, but there wasn’t enough time.”
“It’s perfect,” she whispered as a sudden lump formed in her throat.
He put the ring on her finger and kissed her knuckles. The sparkling gem made it seem so much more real. She was really getting married.
Her mother had a similar piece in her jewelry box, although the stone types were reversed—a huge sapphire in the center surrounded by small diamonds. It was her engagement ring, which she hadn’t worn in ages. Vanessa knew her father had proposed in the most romantic setting he could manage and professed undying love. She’d seen his letters.
My love for you will never die. So long as you love me, we’ll be happy and together till death do us part. Ceinlys, I know you’re worried about my mother’s reaction, but it isn’t her life, it’s ours. Will you take a chance? I’ll make you the happiest woman in the world forever and ever.
“Vanessa?”
She jerked her chin up and looked at Justin’s frowning face. “Sorry. I sort of zoned out.”
Justin’s frown melted into an ironically skewed smile. “Is the rock disappointing?”
She smacked his arm. “No! It’s so big, it’s almost vulgar.”
“I was going to get a four-carat stone, but I thought it would look wrong on you.” He traced her ring finger. “Your hands are so delicate…you need something simple, elegant and graceful.”
She licked her lower lip. His words seeped all the way to her bones in syrupy sweetness, and her mind shivered with longing and a sliver of fear.
“Vanessa… I swear to you, I’ll make you happy…as happy as I know you’re going to make me,” he said.
His gaze was absolutely steady. He wasn’t just talking, carried by the moment. Cold sweat filmed her palms and the back of her neck. Hadn’t Ceinlys often spoken of the madness of deriving happiness from others, how Salazar had let her down? That could easily be Vanessa’s future too. Justin had all the things that had made Salazar irresistible to women: a charming personality, looks, money and power.
And all the beauties who used to grace his arms wouldn’t give up just because he was married. Just look at all those women throwing themselves at Salazar. How could Justin’s situation be any different? Vanessa would be one of many stars that orbited around him, while he was the center of her universe. Panic balled in her gut.
“Vanessa?” Justin prompted.
“Yes?”
“You’re zoning out again.”
“Sorry. I was just wondering…” She took a deep breath, then held the air in her lungs so she wouldn’t start hyperventilating. “How long were you planning to be in Toronto? I need to go back to L.A. on Saturday.”
“Didn’t block out any time for a honeymoon?”
Cringing, she shook her head. “It’s not like we can have one. Our marriage is secret, remember?”
“That sounds so clandestine.” He gave her a meaningful look. “Secret Wife.”
She looked away as her heart squeezed. What a ridiculous reaction. She wasn’t thrilled at being called “wife,” secret or otherwise. This was temporary, and she was not going to end up like her mother.
Because she looked so much like her mother, most people thought she’d marry well and have everything catered to her. Except she knew better. Her grandmother had often lamented about how poisonous and ephemeral her mother’s looks were.
“If Ceinlys had been just slightly less beautiful she would never have been able to marry Salazar. Mark my words, as she grows older, her hold on him will weaken. Fading youth can never keep a man’s heart. One day he’ll wake up and wonder what he ever saw in her. And she’ll be sorry. But by then it will be too late.” She raised a wrinkled but absolutely steady finger. “This is why you look at the pedigree. The character. You never marry a woman solely for her beauty.”
Vanessa pushed aside her grandmother’s conversation. Shirley Pryce hadn’t limited herself to just her sister’s ears. Vanessa also knew how disappointed Shirley was that she looked so much like Ceinlys.
“If only you’d gotten the Pryce eyes or nose…” Shirley had sighed, searching Vanessa’s face. “If you’d been a boy, at least you could’ve had the Pryce profile. Ah well, at least you’re pretty. Good men will marry you for that…assuming you don’t overeducate yourself.”
Vanessa snuffed the memory and concentrated on the present. “Mom’s having a housewarming party on Saturday,” she said to Justin, “and she wants me there. I couldn’t beg off, especially with all my brothers coming.” Short notice or no, they’d wanted to attend. “Well, except for Shane, of course.”
Justin frowned. “Where is Shane anyway? I haven’t seen him in months.”
“You or anyone else. He went to South Africa in May, but since then…nada.” She shook her head. “He’s never pulled something like this. Dad’s thinking about sending men out there to drag him back to L.A.”
“That’s pretty high-handed.”
“I know. Shocking, given that it’s Dad.” Vanessa snorted. “But in this case, I actually agree with the idea.”
Justin shrugged. “Well let me know if I can help. In the meantime, if you want, we can get married today, then fly out to L.A. together tomorrow. I want to see how Ceinlys is doing.”
“But—”
“Don’t give yourself an aneurism, okay? She invited me too.”
Vanessa’s eyes widened. “She did?”
“Yeah. She apparently heard something about my relocating to California.”
“Justin! I thought you were staying in Chicago.”
“Why would I do that when my wife and child are going to be in California?” He gave her a small, smile. “Don’t worry. She won’t have any idea. I’m going to be in San Francisco. I even rented a corporate condo, not that I plan to actually live there.”
“Where are you going to be?”
“In L.A. With you.”
“Everyone’s going to know then.”
“Leave it to me to keep it quiet,” Justin said, his tone absolutely unshakable. “I can be very discreet.”
Chapter Eight
It took no time at all to get the marriage license. The clerk looked only politely interested as she processed the paperwork and gave them their document. “Here you go. Congratulations.” Her tone indicated it was the fiftieth time she’d said it that day. Vanessa was just relieved she didn’t seem to connect the dots.
She and Justin went to their hotel afterward to freshen up before the actual ceremony. Justin had booked a sumptuously decorated suite overlooking the Falls.
Since she didn’t want to draw any attention, she’d brought a lacy white cocktail dress with matching shoes and the pearls she’d inherited from her grandmother. Justin put on a tux with a white tie¸ while she commandeered the vanity to touch up her makeup and hair.
She kept her hand steady as she applied a thin coat of lipstick. It felt so surreal to think that soon she’d be a missus. She pressed her palm against her still flat belly. At least Justin hadn’t accused her of lying about her pregnancy or denying that it could be his child. He’d treated her right, and the least she could do was return the favor.
So long as they were married…so long as he was faithful, she’d be a good wife.
“Hey, you look beautiful,” Justin said from the doorway. One arm was held behind his back. He walked over, sweeping the arm out with a magician’s flourish and producing a large plumeria blossom. “Here.” He put it carefully into her hair. “Your favorite.”
Something she couldn’t quite identify welled in her chest, and it felt like her ribcage would snap. “Where did you get it?” Her voice shook slightly despite her
best effort.
“Concierge.” He gave her a quick kiss on the mouth, careful not to smear the lipstick. “We have to get going now.”
She draped a long black coat over her shoulders and left the suite with Justin. Their limo took them to a helipad not too far from their hotel, where a helicopter was waiting. The setting sun streaked the sky with orange, gold and purples, and the shining white finish on the helicopter reflected the warm colors.
A young woman in a pink dress came over with a bouquet made with fresh tropical flowers and white roses. The plumerias matched the one in Vanessa’s hair, and the florist placed a boutonnière on Justin’s tux.
Four men stood outside and said hello at the sight of Justin and Vanessa. The oldest was in his mid- to late forties, his face round and plump with laugh lines forking out from the corners of his eyes. He wore a cheap but well-fitting suit, and his receding hair was slicked back from his face, making his forehead look exceptionally large.
The second oldest was probably in his early forties, his face weathered and uneven like avocado skin. He wore a suit that was a size too small, and thick blue veins covered the back of his hands like spider webs. He snapped a few photos with a huge black camera.
The other two were younger, in their mid-twenties. Their suits were identical—dark and expensive but not necessarily better fitting than the older man’s. They carried well-cared-for briefcases. Their expressions were relaxed, but something about them told Vanessa they didn’t smile much. She knew without asking that they were the lawyers Justin had been talking about.
The oldest man introduced himself as Aaron, and turned out to be the minister. “You make a beautiful couple.”
“Thank you, sir.”
The other two handed out business cards embossed with their firm’s name. She put them in her coat pocket and climbed into the helicopter with Justin’s help.
The interior was all cream leather with tropical blossoms and pale pink and white ribbons. The walls were lined with padded panels. The air smelled of sweet flowers and powdered sugar.
Aaron and the photographer took a seat facing Justin. She slowly lowered herself next to Justin and consciously relaxed each of her muscles. The lawyers sat behind them. The door shut when everyone was settled, and the pilot started the engine.