An Accidental Love Affair

by Davida Ann Samenski

  ~ ~ ~

  They joined their families in the kitchen where Maggie had set out lunch for everyone. There were little ham and chicken pastries, salads, and chips.

  Nicole couldn’t meet her father’s eye, keeping her head low as she helped herself to a plate of food.

  “Is everything all right between you now?” Lydia asked Reece as she sat down at the table beside him.

  “I’ll say it is,” Nicholas mumbled between bites. “I think he has things well in hand,” he said, winking at his future son-in-law.

  Nicole further buried her face in her chest. “Can we please not talk about this? I’m embarrassed enough as it is.”

  Nicholas grinned, teasing her once more. “Do you know how tempted I was to yell out, ‘I know what you’re doing!’?”

  Nicole peeked at him from her lowered brows. He smirked at her. “Daddy, stop.”

  Lydia reached over, popping his arm. “Nicholas, this is not a proper table conversation.”

  Nicholas shrugged, taking another bite of his sandwich. “Uptight prudes,” he mumbled. Reece guffawed out loud.

  Lydia popped his arm as well. “Do not encourage him.”

  Nicole cleared her throat. “Can we please talk of something else? Why are all of you here?”

  “We are not at liberty to discuss it, dear,” her mother replied, “but you need to hurry. We have a lot to do today.”

  Nicole glanced around the table and knew she’d get no help from the others. She turned to Reece. “Please tell me what’s going on.”

  He shook his head, leaning forward to kiss her brow. “I keep telling you, it’s a surprise. Just do as your mother commands. I’ll see you soon.”

  Her eyes widened. “You’re leaving? Where are you going?”

  He raised her fingers for a kiss. “I have things to do too.”

  She bit her lip. “Am I going to like this surprise?”

  He smiled. “I certainly hope so.” He rose from the table. “Your dad and I need to go.” He rubbed his thumb across her wrinkled forehead. “Stop worrying so much.”

  Nicole nodded, raising her mouth for a parting kiss. “Please don’t disappear on me.”

  He hugged her close. “Believe me, I’m not going anywhere.”

  ~ ~ ~

  Lindsey and Lydia shoved Nicole into the shower, ordering her to scrub herself quickly but thoroughly. There was a lot to do, and they were already behind schedule.

  She exited the shower ten minutes after she entered and was shoved down on a stool. They began drying her hair and fixing her makeup.

  She didn’t ask questions, but she was beginning to figure it out on her own. When Audrey and Laura arrived a short time later, she knew she was on the right track.

  Was Reece planning to marry her tonight? Was she finally going to be able to lay her fears to rest? There was still the chance he’d wake up, discover he didn’t want her after all, and call the whole thing off. She didn’t want to think about that right now.

  She examined her mother’s reflection. “Do you think this is crazy, Mama?”

  Lydia stopped twisting a curl around her finger. “Do I think what is crazy, Nicole?”

  “Me. Marrying a movie star.”

  Lydia put the brush down, staring back at her daughter. “Being an actor is his job, dear. He’s a man, just like any other. A good man, who happens to love my daughter to distraction.” She smiled.

  Nicole smiled back. “Do you really like him, Mama?”

  She tilted her head. “Would it really matter to you if I didn’t? I think he’s amazing, and I believe he’ll make you happy.” She sniffed. “Well, I already know he does. You light up from the inside whenever he’s near you.” She patted Nicole’s shoulder. “I used to worry about you, Nicole. You were always a dreamer, with your head in the clouds, but as much as you wrote about fairytales and happily ever after’s, I don’t think you truly believed in them until you met Reece. He brought you to life. He breathed light into your soul. You’ve been shining ever since.”

  “I was shining even when I was hurting?”

  “My love, the hurt you felt may have dimmed the light, but it was always there, ready to shine bright again. You’re very lucky to have found a man who does that for you.”

  “Does Daddy do that for you?”

  Lydia nodded. “Your father has been my best friend since before I can remember. He’s always been a part of my life. We’ve struggled.” She rolled her eyes to the ceiling. “Lord knows we’ve struggled. We’ve hurt each other, but our love has always been strong and true. You and Reece have that kind of bond. Don’t waste it, and don’t run from it anymore.”

  “I won’t.” Nicole turned her eyes back to the mirror. “I can’t believe in a few hours I won’t be Nicole DeLancey anymore.”

  “No,” Lydia said, hugging her tight, “but you’ll always be my baby.”

  ~ ~ ~

  Nicole was waiting in the bedroom, fully gowned and coiffed. She had chosen a simple A-line design gown of ivory lace, with one shoulder strap and a sweep/brush train. The beading on the bodice was black, cascading around and down onto the skirt. She felt like a fairytale princess when she first saw herself in the mirror.

  Her long red hair was swept up on her head in barrel roll curls, ringlets cascading along her neck and shoulders, with butterfly pins tucked throughout the coiffure.

  She was willing and eager to take the next step in today’s journey. When the knock came, she called out, watching as her father opened the door.

  Nicholas stood in the doorway, gazing at her. “You take my breath away, Coley.”

  She stared in awe. She’d never seen him in anything but his jeans and flannels with a tool belt around his waist. But today, he was garbed in a tuxedo with tails. “Daddy, you look so . . .”

  “Stupid?”

  “No, distinguished. You clean up real well. I think you should wear that to the store.”

  He grunted. “It’ll scare the customers away.”

  She giggled. “How do I look?”

  “You look like your mother.” He took a step into the room. “I never thought I would think anyone was as beautiful, but you, Coley, are stunning.”

  “Thank you, Daddy.”

  He held her hand. “Before we go out there, I want you to know how proud I am of you. You’ve accomplished every goal you’ve set for yourself and a few you didn’t know were possible. You are a truly amazing creature, and I thank God every day I was blessed to be a part of your life, watching you become the woman you are now.”

  “I couldn’t have done it without your love and support. You know that, right?”

  He nodded. “I’m sorry I wasn’t always so supportive.”

  She smiled. “You were my rock when I needed you. That’s all that matters.”

  Nicholas began to tear up. “I’m not ready to give my little girl away, but I can’t think of a better man to share you with.”

  She hugged him. “I love you too, Daddy.”

  He held out his arm to her. As she turned from picking up her bouquet, she took it and he led her down the hall to the living room. Everyone oohed and ahhhed over her before climbing into the cars.

  She shared the first car with her mother and father, while Lindsey, Laura, and Audrey took the second car. “Range Rovers?” she asked. “Are we going to the ruins?”

  “How did you know?” her mother asked.

  Nicole smiled in memory. “It’s a long story.”

  It wasn’t a long ride. Soon, they were stopping in front of the ruins, but it didn’t look the same. It had been renovated—the outer walls repaired and painted and the grass and weeds pulled from the foundation. A new stone pathway graced the ground, granting them a smooth surface to step upon as they exit
ed the cars.

  As the others went inside, Nicholas and Nicole lingered behind the closed doors. She could hear music playing, not the usual classical, but love songs—the sappy kind Reece swore he hated.

  Nicholas was studying his daughter’s face as she absorbed all that her fiancé had done for her. “He really does love you, Coley.”

  Her hand touched the wooden door, her eyes full of revelation. “I’m finally beginning to believe it.”

  “At last.”

  The music grew louder as the doors opened to the bridal march playing. Nicole crossed over the threshold, hesitating as she made her first step. But as she gazed ahead, finding her groom, her stride grew more confident with every forward step. At one point, it felt like she was dragging her father down the aisle, instead of being led there on his arm.

  “Slow down, girl, he’s not going anywhere,” she heard Davis Sylvester whisper as she glided by.

  She turned her head quickly, blowing him a kiss, but her eyes went straight back to Reece as he stood with the minister in front of the raised dais.

  The great hall was lit only by candles, but it was bright and beautiful. Trestle tables were shoved against the walls, and benches were situated in straight lines across the floor, creating an aisle for them to walk down. There were no flowers, but vines and assorted greenery decorating every surface. It was enchanting.

  Her face lit up as she locked eyes with Reece; his smile was wide as well. She noticed in her peripheral vision a few camera flashes, but not a single paparazzo was present. He had done this for her. His little stunt with the press had given them the privacy they desired.

  Reece held out his hand. She took it, joining him before the minister. He leaned over to whisper in her ear. “You look exquisite.”

  She smiled up at him. “And you, my lord, are very handsome.”

  “Have you met my best man?”

  Nicole figured he’d asked his brother, but when he jerked his head over his shoulder and down, she followed his gaze. Her eyes widened. “Tugger!” she squealed, happily surprised to see her bulldog and in a tuxedo, no less. She laughed at the silly dog.

  “I thought it was time to bring him back to the motherland. He’s the only slobbering male I plan to share you with.” He kissed her forehead. “How do you like your surprise?”

  “I’ll tell you after we share a name.” He chuckled, turning back to the minister.

  The ceremony was quick and their vows traditional. Music played, and at one point N’Sync’s “This I Promise You” was ringing through the hall. Nicole’s eyes welled with tears as she gazed at Reece, while he mouthed the words to her. God, she loved this man!

  The minister led them off to the side to sign the church register before returning them to the center of the aisle. Reece turned her toward him, lowering his head.

  “Hello, Mrs. Woodhouse.”

  She smiled. “Hello, Mr. Woodhouse.” And she kissed him as his lips met hers.

  A cheer rang through the hall as their guests rushed forward to congratulate them. Nicole and Reece accepted hugs and well wishes from their friends and families, but they never relinquished each other’s hands. They remained that way throughout the afternoon and into the evening.

  They disappeared together for a short time—Reece wishing to show her something special. Holding their hands tight, they climbed a hidden staircase, taking them to the top of the tower. There, with the sun bathing the sky in hues of red, Reece positioned Nicole in front of him to watch the sunset on the ocean.

  “I dreamed of this,” he said. “Holding you in my arms, with the wind blowing in your hair.”

  Nicole’s eyes widened, her head tilting back to stare up at him. “I had the same dream. I wrote about it in my journal.”

  He grinned. “I know. That’s why I brought you here.” He released her, striding toward a small table with a wooden box sitting on its surface.

  She watched as he opened the lid, retrieving something from the inside. She gaped as he handed the notebook to her. “You stole my journal? That was private.”

  “I needed to know what was inside, Nicole.” He tapped the cover. “I knew it was about me, but I didn’t know if it was good or bad. I had to know your true feelings.”

  “Why? A girl likes to have a few secrets.”

  He cupped her cheek. “I’ve told you from the beginning how I felt about you, but you’ve never told me you loved me back.”

  Her lips flattened. “Actions speak louder than words, Colin.”

  “That’s true, but words have a power all their own. You, more than anyone, know this.”

  She hugged him around the waist. “People say I love you all the time. It falls from their lips like rain from the sky. As much as I wanted to believe in your love, there was always a lingering doubt. And every time we fought, that doubt was reinforced.”

  “And now? Do you believe me now?”

  She laid her head against his chest, feeling his heart beating. “I believe with my whole heart, Colin.”

  He clasped her head, raising it from the lapel of his coat. “And?”

  “And what?” she asked, grinning with mischief.

  “Tell me you love me.”

  She shook her head. “I can’t. The first rule of writing a romance, is never say I love you until the very end. Otherwise the romance is over, and the reader will move on.” She stepped away, moving toward the tower door. “We better return downstairs. I don’t want to miss my own wedding reception.”

  Reece didn’t move, his jaw hard with frustration. “I’m tempted to beat you until you say it.”

  She lifted her skirts, giving him a glimpse of her backside. “Go ahead, Mr. Woodhouse. We both know how that will turn out.” She giggled at the astounded light in his eyes and disappeared down the stairwell.

  Reece caught up to her, now three steps behind. “You’re a spoiled brat, Nicole.”

  “I know, but you love me anyway.”

  ~ ~ ~

  Reece led Nicole into the middle of the floor for their first dance. Again, a song she was surprised to hear came on. As John Legend sang “All of Me,” so did her new husband. She gazed up at him with adoring eyes as he sang off key, some of the words jumbled because he didn’t know them, but it was beautiful nonetheless.

  “You have the heart of a poet, Mr. Woodhouse.”

  “I’d rather have the heart of a romance author.”

  She laughed. “That has always belonged to you.”

  “And you’ve held my heart in your hands since the moment you let me read your first story.”

  “Actually, my first story was about a cow and a frog.”

  He laughed. “Was it your first try at a romance?”

  “Yes. The cow loved the frog, but the frog didn’t love her back, so she stomped him into the ground. Basically, that was about it.”

  “I’d still love to read it some time.” He twirled her around. “So now that you have me, what will you do . . .” he began, but Marcus ran up to them.

  “I’m sorry to interrupt your dance, but you have to hear the news.”

  Reece stopped moving, turning to his brother. “What news?” he asked, afraid to hear his wedding had leaked out to the press already.

  “You’ve both been nominated.”

  Reece stumbled backward. “Nominated? Are you serious?”

  Marcus nodded. “I just got the call.”

  Nicole glanced between the two Woodhouse brothers. “Nominated? Nominated for what?”

  Reece was speechless as he took her back into his arms, leading her around the floor.

  “Colin, answer me. What are we nominated for?”

  His smile started small, growing bigger as the news spread across the hall. “You won’t believe it. Not even in yo
ur wildest dreams.”

  Epilogue

  Reece exited the limousine, turning, holding his hand out for his wife. In the two months they’d been married, their relationship had bloomed into something beyond words. They were inseparable and in each other’s pockets, never leaving each other’s sight for more than a moment. When his schedule allowed, he traveled with her to conventions and book signings. Although some fans came to see him, most stood in line for hours to meet his beautiful bride.

  She was in the process of writing another book, while also assisting Davis on another screenplay. She was a hot commodity in and out of Hollywood. He was extremely proud of her success.

  They spent their honeymoon holed up in the cottage, locked away from anyone who would pull them away from each other. They stayed naked for two straight weeks, doing nothing more than making love and being with each other.

  When they finally came up for air, unlocking the doors, life intruded in a big way. The news of their marriage spread like wildfire. They were once again followed everywhere by the paparazzi.

  Everyone was vying for interviews from them, including The Today Show, Good Morning America, and the BBC. Everyone wanted to know the story behind the story. They were tight-lipped about their love affair, only answering questions that dealt with their careers.

  Now, here they stood outside the Dolby Theater, hoping another part of their dreams was about to come true. Even if neither of them won tonight, it was still a great honor to be nominated.

  Reece took Nicole’s hand, leading her down the red carpet, stopping to have their pictures taken and to chat with fans. Nicole was just as popular as Reece as dozens of women held out books for her to sign. She was gracious in her thanks, smiling, waving to those too far away but screaming her name.

  They were stopped at the E interview station and asked to pose. Nicole smiled with her arm around her husband’s waist. She was looking dignified and elegant in a floor length, one shoulder gown, the color of her husband’s eyes. In the Grecian style, it included a flowing chiffon sash, embellished with vintage style jewels and a belted waistline nicely accenting her figure.