Michelle might want to marry him for the wrong reason, but she didn’t fall into bed with just anyone, rich or otherwise. Carter was proof of that. So if he couldn’t accept her unconditionally, he would be just using her. And he loved her too much for that.
Some of Michelle’s fears were unjustified. Jonathan came by as usual the next day, acting as though nothing had happened the night before. But Michelle wasn’t fooled. His smile seemed forced and he kept his distance. No more tugging playfully on her hair, or putting his arm casually around her waist.
She must have succeeded in treating him just as casually, because neither her mother nor Lucky appeared to notice any difference. Thankfully the engagement party was drawing near, and after that this ordeal would be over.
Preparations were already started for the party. Trucks came to the service entrance delivering folding chairs to be stored out of sight, and the housemaids were polishing quantities of silver.
None of these preparations involved the family, but they tried not to make extra work for the servants. “Let’s take the boat out today,” Lucky suggested. “We can either have lunch on board or at some marina that looks inviting. Then Bessie won’t have to stop whatever she’s doing to prepare lunch.”
“That sounds lovely, but Mother and I really need to go shopping,” Michelle said.
“Again?” Lucky chuckled. “I thought you went through the stores like a plague of locusts on your last shopping trip.”
“I’m afraid we spent most of the day finding a dress for me. This time we have to concentrate on Mother’s trousseau.”
“She’s right. I do want Michelle’s help and she won’t be here that much longer,” Evelyn said artlessly.
“Stop pushing her out,” Lucky complained. “I like having her around.”
“So do I, but we can’t be selfish. Michelle has a full life of her own in New York.” Evelyn flicked a glance at Jonathan, then returned her gaze to Lucky.
He smiled broadly as he got her message. “I suppose we can’t hope to keep her much longer. There must be a lot of young men waiting impatiently for her to come home. Isn’t that so, Michelle?”
“Hordes of them,” she answered brightly.
“When you finally pick the one and only, perhaps you’ll let us have the wedding down here,” Lucky said.
Jonathan stood. “I’d better check in at the office. Do you have any plans for tonight?” he asked his uncle.
“I thought I’d take the girls to dinner at the Tropicana. You’re welcome to join us, of course.”
Evelyn smiled. “I haven’t been called a girl in years.”
“You’re my girl,” he said fondly.
When Jonathan had left and Michelle had gone upstairs, Lucky said, “You can’t say we didn’t try.”
Evelyn laughed. “Don’t you think that part about having the wedding here was laying it on a little thick?”
“Subtlety hasn’t worked noticeably well,” he answered dryly. “I’m tempted to propose to her for him myself.”
“Your nose isn’t big enough to play Cyrano,” she teased. “Perhaps we should stop meddling. They are adults.”
. “Until they start acting like it, we’ll just have to help them along.”
Michelle’s spirits couldn’t help lifting on the night of the party. The house had been bustling with activity all day. Beautiful floral arrangements were displayed everywhere throughout the spacious rooms, and she could hear musicians tuning their instruments.
A portable dance floor had been laid on the extensive lawn in back. It was circled by round tables and chairs. Off to one side was a red-and-white striped tent where the bar was being set up. In just a short time the house and grounds would be filled with glamorous, well-dressed guests.
Michelle was glad she’d decided to splurge on the red dress. Ashleigh had accepted—naturally. But so had Carter; that was a bonus. At least she wouldn’t have to depend on Jonathan for a partner if Ashleigh decided to monopolize him—which was a foregone conclusion.
Michelle spent so much time perfecting her hair and makeup that the party was already in full swing by the time she got downstairs.
“What took you so long?” Evelyn demanded when Michelle joined her and Lucky on the patio.
“Whatever it was, it was worth it.” Carter had appeared at her side. He held her arms out and looked her over avidly. “You’re always gorgeous, but tonight you’re positively ravishing,” he declared.
“Are you looking for another acquisition?” Jonathan drawled. He’d come over to join their group. “I thought your dance card was already filled.”
“Isn’t that funny? I thought the same thing about yours.” Carter smiled maliciously.
As the two men measured each other, Ashleigh provided an only partially welcome diversion. She came over and linked her arm through Jonathan’s.
“What a fabulous affair!” she told their host. “I always love it when outsiders come to visit. It’s such a good excuse for a party.”
“I prefer to think of Evie and her daughter as guests rather than outsiders,” Lucky said.
“Yes, of course. I do, too. I just meant that Northerners and Southerners don’t really have anything in common. Oh, dear!” Ashleigh laughed gaily. “That doesn’t sound much better. Come and dance with me, Jonathan, before I make an utter idiot of myself.”
“God got there first,” Carter murmured sardonically as she pulled Jonathan away. “Would you care to dance?” he asked Michelle.
She needn’t have worried about being a wallflower. Men flocked around her, drawn like a magnet to the scarlet gown that beckoned to them from the sea of white and pastels the other women had on. Michelle was like an exotic bird, beautiful and prized. Men paid her extravagant compliments, from the trite to the poetic. They praised her deep blue eyes and grew lyrical about the creamy skin of her throat and bare shoulders.
She enjoyed it. What woman wouldn’t? But her flirty eyelashes and alluring smile masked a persistent hurt. Why couldn’t Jonathan feel this way?
She saw him on the dance floor, not always with Ashleigh. But most of the women looked at him in the same way. And Jonathan was charming to all of them. Michelle’s heart twisted as she watched him smile, as if he was having a wonderful time—which he undoubtedly was.
She might not even be there for all he cared. Was it because of Carter’s lavish compliments? Was Jonathan avoiding her because he thought she preferred Carter? Michelle wanted to believe that, but she wasn’t into self-delusion.
“May I cut in?” a low male voice asked, as she tried to focus on her partner.
“Only because it’s your uncle’s party.” Michelle’s partner laughed, relinquishing her reluctantly to Jonathan.
Neither spoke for a few minutes as he folded her in a close embrace. They were content just to be together. Jonathan rested his lips on her temple and moved one hand sensuously over her back. They were oblivious to all the other couples on the floor, lost in their own private world of pleasure in each other.
“Are you having a good time?” he asked finally.
“I’m having a wonderful time,” she answered, determined not to air her grievances. “Everyone has been so nice to me.”
“Yes, I noticed.” He smiled. “You’re the most beautiful woman here. The men have been swarming around you like bees around a fragrant flower—which you resemble.”
“Thanks, I didn’t think you noticed.”
“You can’t believe that. No matter what else you can say about us, we’ve never been indifferent to each other,” he said wryly.
Michelle forgot about appearing unconcerned. “Then why haven’t you danced with me tonight?”
“You were having such a good time. I didn’t want to monopolize you.”
“One dance isn’t a monopoly,” she remarked tartly.
“Once wouldn’t have been enough,” he said in a husky voice.
She was crazy to believe him, but Michelle wanted to. “Does that mean you’r
e going to dance with me again?” she asked, gazing provocatively through her long lashes.
“I’m through being noble.” He kissed the tip of her nose playfully. “I’ve given those other guys all the chances they’re going to get.”
Michelle knew it was insane to let him play with her like a yo-yo, but the surge of pleasure that rushed through her was irresistible.
“Uh-oh,” Jonathan said. “I see Mitchell Thomasen heading this way. Let’s get out of here.” He took her hand and led her off the floor.
There was no place where they could be alone, but Michelle was content just to be with him. Jonathan didn’t let go of her hand as they strolled around the grounds, stopping to talk to different groups of people.
The pool looked spectacular with the underwater lights on and lotus blossoms floating on the surface. They were admiring them along with some other guests when there was a drumroll and the orchestra leader took the microphone and asked for everyone’s attention.
“Will you all gather around,” he requested. “Your host would like to say a few words.”
“This is it.” Jonathan smiled at Michelle.
Ashleigh appeared beside them. “What’s going on?” she asked sharply.
“You’ll find out in a few minutes,” he replied, refusing to answer her insistent questions.
People drifted over to stand around the floor as Lucky walked up to the microphone. After thanking everyone for coming, he held out a hand to Evelyn.
When she was standing beside him, he said, “I asked all of you here this evening to meet Evie—the wonderful woman I’m going to marry.” When excited exclamations broke out, he smiled and held up a hand. “I’m sure you’re all wondering how I convinced this lovely lady to be my bride. I can hardly believe it myself. She’s made me the happiest man in the world.” He put an arm around her shoulders and hugged her close. “I’m not going to make a speech. I just wanted to announce our engagement and tell you how fortunate I feel. Now let’s get back to the party. We invite you all to drink a toast and celebrate along with us.”
Waiters were circulating through the crowd, carrying trays of glasses filled with champagne. An excited buzz filled the air, and people crowded around Lucky and Evelyn.
“You’re getting a real prince,” a man told her.
“I know that,” Evelyn answered softly.
“Have you set a date for the wedding yet?” A woman named Beth asked. “If you need any help with the arrangements, please don’t hesitate to call me. I’m one of Lucky’s oldest friends.”
“I never thought I’d hear you admit it.” Her husband chuckled.
“That’s going to cost you,” she told him with a mock frown. Turning back to Evelyn, she said, “I’ve married off three daughters, so I know everything you need to know about weddings.”
“It’s awfully kind of you to offer, but we plan to be married in New York,” Evelyn said. “That’s where I’m from.”
When they all protested at being left out of the festivities, Lucky promised to have a big reception when they got back from their honeymoon.
Beth and some of the others told Evelyn they wanted to give her a bridal shower. She was touched that Lucky’s friends had accepted her so warmly.
Not everyone was pleased with Lucky’s announcement. Ashleigh was less than thrilled about Michelle’s mother marrying Jonathan’s uncle.
“Isn’t it delicious?” she remarked to a group of their friends, turning to Jonathan. “Lucky’s been like a father to Jonathan, so that will make him and Michelle brother and sister.”
“Not exactly.” He smiled at Michelle. “We’ll be more like kissing cousins.”
Ashleigh tried unsuccessfully to hide her fury. “Really, Jonathan! Wouldn’t any relationship between you two be a little tacky?”
“Is that a question, or a statement?” Carter drawled.
“Don’t you have somebody else to annoy?” she snapped. “Why is it always me?”
“It’s like the reason people climb Mount Everest—because it’s there. You’re here.” He grinned.
Michelle couldn’t help feeling sorry for the woman. She wasn’t a very nice person, but neither was Carter. And Ashleigh was no match for him.
Jonathan took pity on her. “Your humor is getting old, Carter. Take a hike.”
“Is the decision unanimous?” Carter asked Michelle.
She couldn’t be rude, even if he deserved it, so she answered indirectly. “Why don’t you have something to eat before they clear away the buffet? The food is delicious.”
“Okay, doll face, for you, anything.”
Jonathan looked at her enigmatically as Carter ambled away, but he didn’t comment.
The rest of the evening was a delight. Jonathan stayed by her side most of the time. When Lucky called her away to meet one or another of the guests, Michelle would look over to find Jonathan watching her, as though she was the only person there who mattered to him. It was intensely gratifying, yet puzzling.
Michelle knew she should just accept her blessings and leave it at that. But she couldn’t. While they were dancing she approached the subject gingerly.
“It’s funny the way you think you know someone and you don’t really,” she said with a little laugh.
“You mean, like when you see a person on the street and you think they’re somebody else?” Jonathan asked.
“No, I meant someone you see all the time, someone whose moods change and you don’t know why.”
His expression was unreadable. “Were you referring to anyone in particular?”
“Well... you’re an example. Some days I can’t do anything to please you, and other times you couldn’t be nicer to me. I’m not saying our arguments aren’t partly my fault,” she admitted. “But at least you always know why I’m angry.”
“Our quarrels are all over,” he murmured, drawing her closer.
“I doubt that. If there’s something bothering you that I don’t know about, we’re going to keep having misunderstandings.”
“Not anymore. They were mostly my fault to begin with.”
“I don’t want you to take the blame, Jonathan,” she said earnestly. “I want to know why you blow hot and cold.”
He hesitated for a moment, choosing his words carefully. “If I’ve seemed distant at times it was because I was wrestling with my own private devils. I guess I was looking for an ironclad guarantee, when I know they don’t exist. I’ve had big contracts fall apart on me, but it hasn’t stopped me from taking chances.”
Michelle stared at him in bewilderment. “You mean, some problem at the office has been bothering you?”
It didn’t seem possible that would affect their relationship, yet Jonathan must be under great pressure as C.E.O. of a multimillion dollar company. She was so relieved to find out it was nothing personal that she didn’t question his explanation.
“It doesn’t matter anymore.” He cradled her head on his shoulder. “I’ve worked everything out.”
After many sleepless nights, Jonathan had finally realized how bereft he’d feel if he lost Michelle. Lucky’s remark about giving her a gala wedding had been a dose of reality. The thought of her belonging to another man was unthinkable. But he had to make up his mind, because once she left here he might lose her forever. It no longer mattered if her feelings weren’t as deep as his. He would make her so happy that in time she’d come to love him as totally as he loved her.
Lucky was beckoning to them from the grass. “Come over here for a minute, Michelle,” he called. “There’s someone here who says she hasn’t met you yet.”
“Lucky certainly has a lot of friends,” Michelle remarked as they threaded their way through the other couples on the dance floor.
“And they all want to get better acquainted with Evelyn. Before they rope you into their plans, I’d like you to save tomorrow night for me,” Jonathan said.
“They’d probably include you, too.”
“I’m sure they would, but I’d pr
efer a quiet evening alone with you. I thought perhaps we could have dinner at my house.”
“Are you going to barbecue your famous steak?”
“If you like.”
“You’re the host, so you get to choose. Surprise me.” She smiled.
Michelle didn’t care what they ate—or if they ate. An uninterrupted evening alone with Jonathan would be a small slice of heaven.
Chapter Ten
The party didn’t break up until the early hours, so everybody slept late the next morning. Lucky and the two women gathered in the sunroom for a late brunch, and to talk over details of the party.
“Your friends are simply delightful,” Evelyn said.
“They approve of you, too,” Lucky answered fondly. “A lot of them wanted to come to New York for the wedding, but I told them it’s going to be a small affair.”
She looked at him doubtfully. “Maybe it’s selfish of me to want to be married in New York. Michelle could fly back here for the wedding. She’s the one who is really important to me. It doesn’t matter if the others aren’t here.”
“How about your cranky relative, Blanche?” he teased. “You don’t want her to stop talking to you.”
“I could live with it,” Evelyn said dryly.
“Maybe so, but your good friends would be disappointed, too, if they didn’t get invited to your wedding,” Michelle remarked. “You grew up with a lot of them.”
“Of course you should have your family and friends around,” Lucky said. “That part is decided. Now you have to choose where you want to go on our honeymoon.”
It was fun to plan a trip where money was no object, but as her mother and Lucky discussed romantic locales like Venice and Rome, Michelle’s attention wandered. Where was Jonathan? He usually checked in every morning to see what their plans were. If Michelle was busy he went to the office. Otherwise he was available. It was a little strange that he hadn’t phoned.
The telephone had rung steadily that morning, but all the calls were from Lucky’s friends, thanking him for the party. Michelle no longer had high expectations when Lucky answered yet another call.
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