by Schultz, JT
The woman’s dark gaze scanned her face and she smiled again. “I’d like that. As much as the decorations here. Very classy for pink…even the ducks.”
Toni was positive she misheard. “I’m sorry, I thought you said ducks.”
Katerina’s expression lit up. “Yes, all the ones in the back yard, in the pool and the waterfall stream. All those little pink guys are so cute.”
I didn’t arrange for ducks. What the hell?
“Walk with me and we can talk.” She linked her arm through Toni’s and led her to one of the large double patio doors off the gathering room. The night air was cool and refreshing, but inhaling a full breath was still nearly impossible. They stepped onto the patio and shock overwhelmed her.
“Love a duck!”
Katerina laughed. “Actually, I think it’s more like love the ducks. Rumor is there is a 1000 of them.”
Toni surveyed the yard decorated elegantly with pink and white candles, cloths, cushions and sure enough, light and dark pink ducks as far as the eye could see.
Felix walked toward them. “Mrs. Singh! Toni! Both so fabulously lovely.”
“Thank you.” Toni struggled to maintain her composure and glanced around before returning her attention to the event planner in a pink suit with more flare than a roadside distress flare gun. “Where did the ducks come from?”
He frowned. “You don’t like them?”
She shook her head. “Actually, Felix, I love them I was just wondering—”
“I’d love to stay and chat, but I have to attend to a very important guest. Kiss kiss.” He made pursed lip smooches in the air and walked away.
“I hated him at first you know.”
Toni blinked in disbelief then turned to Katerina who studied her. “Felix?”
The other woman laughed lightly. “No, I adore Felix, so colorful and animated. He has a good soul—not to mention he’s so entertaining.”
“That he does.” Toni smiled and nodded. “And I agree; there’s never a dull moment with him around.”
She sighed, released Toni’s arm and stepped a bit closer to the pool and stared at the army of breast cancer awareness rubber ducks. “No, my husband.” She turned back to Toni and smiled.
How does one respond to a statement like that?
Katerina lifted the front of her long gown and again drew close to where Toni had remained standing. “It’s true. He was so much older than me. I thought my life was over.”
And she was now totally confused. “I don’t think I understand.”
She nodded and a whimsical expression crossed her face. She glanced out at the ducks then again met Toni’s gaze. “An arranged marriage. My father insisted it would be good for diplomatic relations and that it was the old way. I thought my life at that moment had officially ended.”
“I see, but things worked out.”
“That they did.” She stared at Toni as if looking deep into her heart and soul. “I know the truth about you and Richard.”
Toni’s heart slammed to a stop. “Mrs. Singh—err—Katerina, please don’t hold it against him. I can explain.”
She waved a gloved hand. “No need, he already did late Tuesday afternoon. I know everything about how you met.” The other woman giggled. “A golf ball—that’s a new one.” She then grinned mischievously. “I did throw a plate at Denshi once. Not long after we were married.”
Okay, didn’t see that coming. “What happened?”
He dodged the plate and stood there laughing. Eventually I laughed too and I couldn’t remember why I was so mad at him.” A dreamy look covered her face. “We became friends and eventually fell in love after that.”
She sighed and decided to ask the dreaded question. “What else did Richard tell you?”
“How you were so beautiful and though the marriage was fake, he started to fall in love with you and wanted to have a real marriage. Only he discovered a little late that the two of you already had one.”
Toni’s stomach knotted and started to hurt. “I never knew.”
“There’s more. When I saw the two of you, I saw a great couple—who loved each other very much. Who were there for each other. Sentenced to marriage—or an arranged marriage—you did the same as me—you made the best of it and got a good man in return.”
Oh, Toni had really messed this up. Chances were extremely high the conversation she’d overheard was him telling Katerina and Denshi the truth. “I did something stupid crazy.”
The other woman smiled. “You mean more stupid crazy than arranging for 1000 ducks to win back a wife?”
Her mouth parted in awe and she glanced at the ducks in the yard then returned her gaze to Katerina. “Richard?”
She smiled and nodded, then glanced toward the house before turning back. “The man I see standing there is not the man in a fake marriage, but one who loves his wife.” She again turned toward the house and Toni followed her gaze.
There Richard stood with Denshi Singh and Felix. Her breath caught in her throat and her heart started to race. His lips curled into a grin and all her breath was lost.
“Well, I am going to track down a glass of wine and leave you to talk to your husband. Have the conversation that’s long overdue.”
“I will and thank you.”
“No need to thank me.” Her tone turned matter of fact. “Lunch next week in Vegas, say Thursday?”
Toni couldn’t control her smile, despite the jumble of emotions running through her. “That would be lovely, call me.”
She would have made such beautiful bride.
Seeing Toni standing there in the white gown with the delicate pink embroidered roses and the pink sash tied in a bow falling down over the full skirt left Richard wondering if they’d done things wrong. However, when she turned and looked at him, the hope reflecting in her gaze made him realize they’d done everything right. Backwards maybe, but right.
“Are you going to stand there or go to your wife?” Felix asked.
“Ducks are not enough,” Denshi Singh scolded.
He glanced at the men, nodded, and stepped closer to where Toni stood. Mrs. Singh passed him and cast him a smile and a wink. Richard’s confidence grew as he closed the distance and stared in awe that the beautiful woman in front of him was his wife. At least she was for now and he planned to keep her that way.
“I love you and want a family with you.”
“I don’t want a divorce.” Her blatant admission collided and left her mouth at the same time as his declaration.
The expression on her pretty face revealed she was as stunned at his words as he was at hers. “Okay,” he breathed. “So this is how it’s going to be.”
Her breathing became unsteady and ragged. Even with the lights and candles under the evening sky, he could tell the color was leaving her face. “Richard…”
He gently captured her hand in his and led over to one of the outdoor sofas. Even after they were seated, he still held her hand. He glanced down and realized she wore both her wedding band and engagement ring.
I’m such an idiot.
He blamed himself for not realizing everything sooner. “Sweetheart, please hear me out.”
Toni nodded and made no effort to remove her hand from his.
Richard trailed the finger of his other hand over the engagement ring. “I paid for the ring, it’s yours to keep—I want you to still wear it.”
“You quit your job; your mother sold the company.” Her tone was low and he could tell a whirlwind of emotions rode close to the surface.
“I know, I’ll get to that.” He gently squeezed her hand and met her gaze. “You’re so beautiful and I’m so sorry for everything. I meant what I said. I love you I want a family with you. When Kayla and Andrew had Meghan, I couldn’t help but think I wanted to share that with you. I got scared Toni. I almost got married once, about seven years ago.”
“Why didn’t you tell me?” Defeat coated her words. “I didn’t know.”
“You wouldn’t
have. No one in my family talks about it—surprisingly; not even Erick.” He paused and knew she deserved the whole truth. “Everyone showed up to the wedding. You know my mother so you can imagine it was grandiose affair.”
Toni nodded and smiled weakly.
“The one person who didn’t show up for the wedding was the bride.” Talking about the incident now didn’t bring back an ounce of the pain, like it had in the past. “She called, said she couldn’t do it, apologized and said she was starting over in Manhattan. Six months later she married a broker on Wall Street.”
“I’m so sorry.” Her voice carried a soft sincerity.
“Don’t be. I’m not. This last year, despite the quirkiness and the absurdity at times, has been amazing. I look at love and life so differently. That was another thing that frightened me. I didn’t want to work for a company where I was so miserable and with people who didn’t share my values—or have any at all.” He inhaled and realized she still had her hand in his. “I’m happier and a better man because of you.”
“I love you,” she confessed. Her expression turned thoughtful. “I overheard you telling someone how our marriage was faked and I was crushed. I tried to talk to you and confront you about it, but then you rushed out the door and away on business—not caring what I was trying to say and you didn’t care you were going to be gone for our anniversary.”
“I’m so sorry, if anything it was just the opposite. I wanted us more than ever and that’s why I flew out to Dallas.” He should have taken the time to explain things to her before he left, but all he could think about was changing things.
“I was so heartbroken because I thought what we had was real. I realize now that it was probably Mr. and Mrs. Singh you were telling the truth too.”
He sighed and wished he could just stop hurting. Though he had some comfort just being with her, he wouldn’t feel better until he knew they were going to be okay. “Well, that makes sense for your sudden change in attitude and why you wouldn’t answer my calls or texts.” He again sighed and continued. “I quit the company, because Denshi and Katerina really liked us, but disliked the Stewarts.”
“I can’t say I blame them.” The disdain in her tone made him smile. “There is something to be said about good taste.”
“That’s why I told my mom I quit and I was taking my money and my clients with me. When I explained things to her, she wanted no part of the Stewarts and didn’t want my grandfather’s name on the company. So she put it up for sale and is joining me. I’m opening the new office next week and Singh Capital Trust will not only be our major client, they’re coming on as partners for joint venture projects.”
Sadness washed over her face. “I see. You finally get to build things...I mean more than out of Legos or fruit at brunch.” She debated and then her expression turned to one of defeat. “I got the casino job in Las Vegas. I was planning to move out there for a while.”
His smile broadened. “And you still can.”
“No. Your work is here and I’m having a hard enough time being away from you for three days, I’ll never survive it with you in California.” He could tell she was struggling and her breath became shallow. “I love you.”
“Sweetheart, I love you too.” He lifted the hand not holding hers and cupped her face. “The main office is going to be in Vegas—even if it wasn’t I’d work from home most days just to be with you and the kids.”
The corners of her full lips turned up and a small sparkle reached her eyes. “Speaking of kids, I’m going to want a family.”
Some of his pain started to dissipate and the weight on his chest started to lift. “And like I said, I want the same thing. I don’t know when, but I do know I want it with you.” He finally released her hand from his and gently cupped her neck. “Sweetheart, please come home.”
Water filled her eyes, but no tears fell. “Yes.”
“You know I’m never letting you go right?” Whatever remained of the ache in his heart vanished.
“I won’t let you.” She leaned in and her lashes fluttered closed.
Richard brushed her lips with his and fire ignited his body immediately. Her tongue teased across his mouth before entering and entwining with his. His hand dropped from her face and settled at her waist pulling her curvy frame closer to his body.
“Sorry to interrupt.” His mother’s words followed by her standard throat clearing broke the spell. “I didn’t mean to intrude.”
Yes you did.
“But people are starting to ask for you both.”
“When aren’t they?” his wife giggled.
His mother lifted a brow. “I expect you’re both on your way in to mingle? This is the charity event of the season!”
“We’ll be right there.” He turned to Toni. “Are we okay?”
She smiled. “No, we are definitely better than okay and will pick this up where we left off later.”
“Please keep the public displays of affection to a minimum.”
Both glanced at his mother and then back to each other. “You know what that means right?”
Richard noticed the mischievous spark in her dark eyes and grinned. “Yep, no sex on the stairs.”
“Or in the wine cellar.” Toni added with a playful pout.
“Unbelievable!” His mother rolled her eyes and started walking away. “I’m not hearing this.”
He looked back at his wife who had a thoughtful look on her face. “What is it?”
She met his gaze and smiled. “I was just thinking we have done everything backward. We got arrested, met, got married, had sex, became friends then fell in love.”
“This is true, but it worked out.” He couldn’t control his grin.
“It did,” Toni agreed. “We are like the Jerry Springer version of When Harry Met Sally.”
He blinked. She had a point. Sadly, a very good one. “I’m not sure which I find more disturbing, that my life compares to an eighties chick flick or that it qualifies for a seedy talk show.”
“Knowing you, both are equally as traumatizing.” Toni started to giggle. Richard laughed and tightened his hold on her waist. “I really do love you.”
Her smile was like sunshine after a storm and stole his breath with the expression on her pretty face, “I love you too and I love being your wife.”
He knew they had to go inside, but more than anything—Richard knew he wasn’t ever letting her go.
Epilogue
Think pink…Tickled Pink
Three weeks later Toni stood in the living room of the Las Vegas condo and glanced around. “I don’t even know where to start with these boxes.”
Richard wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her close. “We could start in the bedroom.”
She rested her hands on her husband’s strong shoulders and grinned. “I think us spending the amount of time we do in there is part of the reason we haven’t dealt with these.”
He darted a look around and again met her gaze. “You might have a point.”
Despite the chaos and the hectic schedules they’d both had, Toni couldn’t remember ever being happier. Vette and Boxter were settled in and her relationship with Richard was even better than it had been before—which had been pretty terrific—most of the time.
“Okay let’s see what’s in these and see if we can put them in the storage unit.” He leaned in and brushed his lips against hers. If he kept it up, they would be back in the bedroom and again the boxes would remain in the living room. Not good, since Katerina and Denshi would be back in Las Vegas and were coming over for dinner next week.
Her husband’s hands slid from her waist and cupped her bottom then pulled her closer to his strong frame before again covering her mouth with his. This time his tongue entered her mouth and her skin heated. She moaned softly against his tongue and the bulge behind the zipper of his jeans pressed against her belly.
She eased out of the kiss and then his arms. “Kissing me like that is not helping.”
Richard
grinned and winked. “What can I say; I have a hot wife who I’m completely in love with.”
Her heart fluttered and she stepped over to the small box on the coffee table. She peeled back the brown cardboard flaps and glanced inside. “Stuff from my office.” Her attention fell on the white box with the pink ribbon and she carefully lifted it out.
“What is it?”
She smiled and caressed the lid. “A gift from Kayla and Andrew the day they got married. It’s called Tickled Pink.”
He frowned and a confused expression crossed his handsome face. “Which is?”
As Toni waved her hand, her rings sent a cascade of reflection across the carpet from the sunlight hitting the diamond. Out of nowhere, Boxter surfaced and attacked the spot of light. “It was a vile of pink stuff, and I had to make a wish. I wished for Kayla to be happy, she said seeing me settled, and finding love would make her happy. A few days later I broke your car window.”
His sapphire eyes widened. “Potent stuff.”
The elevator beeped and both turned as Andrew and Kayla stepped off the elevator and walked through the open doors. “We made it!” her friend called. She hurried over to Toni and hugged her tight.
“Where’s Meghan and Gabriel?” Richard asked, worried.
Andrew tilted his head to the side and grinned. “Your sister and Lauren have them so we could have a break, being alone with my wife is becoming a scarce commodity.”
Richard glanced at Toni and frowned. “Maybe, we should rethink you going off the pill after a statement like that.”
“Honey!” She giggled and met his devilish gaze.
Her husband winked and chuckled. “I’m kidding.”
Andrew glanced at the box in Toni’s hand. “Is that the Tickled Pink?”
“Yeah, Toni was just telling me about it.”
She lifted the lid of the box and a strange sensation ran down her spine. The bottle was again full of the foggy pink glitter like substance. “Oh dear!”
“Sweetheart, what’s wrong?” her husband’s hand rested at her lower back and she lifted her gaze to meet his. “The bottle was empty and now…” She glanced back down.