The Billionaire’s Crush

by Tineka Brown

  “Nonsense child, we were just going over some things for the service on Sunday. Elaine dear, Abby is on the phone.” He called out.

  “Abby darling, how are you?” Missionary Elaine’s voice came as if from far away.

  “She is in the kitchen getting some tea dear,” Pastor David told Abby with a fond smile. “So my dear you did not call at this time of the night to chat idly what’s wrong?”

  She had always been able to tell him everything and this was no exception. “David says he wants to marry me,” she blurted out.

  There was silence at the other end and for a moment she wondered if she had done the right thing.

  “That is the best news I have had since I have heard of salvation,” he told her excitedly. “Elaine dear our son finally proposed to Abby.” He called out. She could hear the shriek of excitement coming from a distance and she was a little bit puzzled.

  “Pastor David what do you mean by finally?” she asked him confused.

  “My dear forget about that,” he told her. “I have to put the phone on speaker; Elaine wants to speak to you.”

  “So when is the wedding dear? I am so excited I could burst!” Missionary Elaine exclaimed. “Where is that son of ours? And what about the ring?”

  “I have not accepted.” She finally spoke. The silence was there again and this time Abby felt as if she had committed a crime.

  “Darling whatever do you mean?” Missionary asked puzzled.

  “I am not sure I want to get married,” she said uncertainly.

  “Nonsense child of course you want to,” she brushed it away. “My son probably sprang it on you suddenly. I am so happy for you. Please let us know when we can announce it in church. Welcome to the family darling.” They continued to talk about the wedding as if it was a given and Abby sat there and listened helplessly, promising to call them as soon as the date has been set.

  Abby sat there in a daze and then she started laughing. The idea was beginning to grow on her.

  Chapter 6

  He was already at the breakfast table when she came out of her room at nine the next morning. He looked freshly showered and was wearing a blue polo shirt and faded blue jeans and his dark hair was slightly damp. He looked up from his laptop and gave her a smile. “I understand my parents are planning our wedding,” he said with an amused quirk on his lips.

  “What?” she stopped in the act of pouring herself some coffee.

  “What do you expect Abby?” he shut down the laptop and came towards her. “You told them I proposed to you and right away they hear wedding bells and grandchildren.”

  He grinned at her horrified expression. “I am just kidding. The grandchildren are for much later. I don’t want to share you with anyone just yet.” He was crowding her against the counter and Abby could smell his expensive aftershave.

  “David, I haven’t said yes,” she said a little weakly.

  “I know,” he murmured. “But you’re going to or I wouldn’t hear the last of it from my parents.” He had her trapped between his body and the counter and Abby could not move.

  “David you will change your mind when you get back home,” she said hoarsely.

  “Two years and six months,” he said suddenly.

  “What?” she looked at him confused.

  “That’s how long I have been waiting for you.” He told her huskily.

  “What are you talking about?” Abby asked impatiently.

  “Your second day at the church office and you were wearing a green knit sweater and a black pants and your hair had escaped the twist you had given it and was rioting around your face. Dad had wanted to meet with me over some donations he was asking me for and I was in a rush as I had a board meeting planned for later that day.” He tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “I rushed past you and did not see you and two minutes later you came into Dad’s office to hand him some papers and that was when it hit me. It started then and from that time on I could not get you out of my head. I made up excuses to drop by the office but you would not even look at me and I told Dad that I was interested. He calmly told me that you were rare, not like those flighty girls I was used to and he was not going to stand aside and let me hurt you. Two years and six months Abby. I cannot wait any longer.”

  Abby stared at him in disbelief. She had seen him pop into the office every now and then and had objectively noticed how he looked but she had been so caught up in her own issues that being with a man was the farthest thing from her mind. Pastor David had often mentioned his various business ventures and she had listened and nodded politely, not in the least bit interested.

  “I had no idea,” she whispered, one hand resting against his chest. She could feel his heart beating steadily against her hand and the way his body was fitted against hers.

  “I tried being with other women during that time but I had lost the taste for them. All I wanted was you and the more I saw you the worse it got. When Dad asked me to personally see to this venture and mentioned that you would be going I jumped at the opportunity. Put me out of my misery Abby and marry me, I promise you will not have to wonder if I love you or if I am going to leave; I need you and my wealth and everything else pales beside what I feel for you.” He stood there looking at her; his heart in his eyes and Abby felt as if she was melting.

  “Oh David, I am so afraid!” she cried, her hands clenched on his chest.

  “Don’t be,” he told her softly. “We are not your parents and this is going to be different, please trust me.” He lowered his head and she reached up to meet his lips with hers and with a soft groan his tongue delved inside her mouth, moving slowly as held her against him. Her arms came up and closed around his neck as he deepened the kiss. Her heart was thundering inside her chest and she felt every nerve in her body come alive. She knew then and there without a shadow of a doubt that if she did not marry this man she would spend the rest of her life in regret. She felt the love opening up and blossoming inside her and she knew she wanted to spend the rest of her life with him.

  “I want to marry you,” she whispered against his mouth.

  “What?” he was dazed as his lips left hers and he stared at her.

  “The answer is yes,” she told him softly, her hands framing his face. “I am still a little shaky and I am trying to come to grips with what you told me but I want to be your wife.”

  He did not answer; but stood there looking down at her for a moment. Then with a whoop of joy he picked her up and twirled her around until she was dizzy.

  “David put me down my eyes are turning,” she protested. Instead of putting her down he lifted her and went to sit around the table with her on his lap. He reached for his cell phone and started dialing. “What are you doing?” she asked him.

  “Calling my parents and telling them the good news,” he murmured; putting the phone to his ear. “Dad, is Mom beside you?” The answer was apparently yes because he blurted out. “She said yes Dad. Abby and I are getting married!”

  The excitement was contagious and David had to pass the phone to her for her to tell them herself that she had accepted his proposal. They insisted that they start the planning straight away and David assured them that he was going to start the planning.

  Abby knew the next move was to call her mother and she was dreading it.

  “Want to talk about it?” he asked her gently. They were seated on the sofa and even though he was supposed to get some last minute things done he was loathed to leave her just yet. She was also planning on visiting some sick members but she wanted to be with him a little while longer. The novelty of being with the man she was planning on marrying was still a little scary and she needed his arms around her a little while longer.

  “I have to call my mother,” she told him helplessly.

  “I want you to do something for me baby,” he said softly; turning her around to face him. “I want you to put yourself in her shoes for just one second and try to imagine what she must be going through. She pushed away the peop
le she loved and now she has to spend the time alone regretting it and being too proud to admit it.”

  Abby stared at him. “I never thought of it that way.” She sighed and went back into the circle of his arms. “I spent so many years resenting her David that I find it hard to even care what happens to her.”

  “She is your mother baby and you have to remember that, no matter what.” He told her tenderly. “Call her and let us talk to her together.”

  “Are you sure?” she lifted her head and looked at him uncertainly.

  “I am positive. We are a team now baby and that means we share everything, no holding back.” He bent his head and kissed her gently. It was a few minutes before she could make the call as she wrapped her arms around his neck and deepened the kiss; her mouth seeking his with an intensity that left them both shaken to the core. They had to wait a little while longer while their breathing settled and her hands stopped trembling.

  “Mom, I have something to tell you,” she murmured as soon as her mother came on the phone.

  “I hope it’s something good because I could use some good news in my life,” Ellen Walters said gruffly. Abby closed her eyes briefly and then feeling David’s hands on her arm she continued. “I am getting married.” There was silence at the other end of the line and she could hear her mother breathing. “Well I hope it last longer than mine,” she said with a harsh laugh. David took the phone from her just then as he saw the expression on her face.

  “Ellen, hi this is David Wade, your daughter’s fiancé and I want to thank for this lovely daughter of yours.” He winked at Abby. “I promise to take the best care of your most prized possession and look forward to having you at the wedding because it would not be the same without you there.” He paused and then nodded. “Of course, we will let you know the arrangements as soon as possible and we can go from there.” After listening for a few more seconds he said goodbye and handed the phone back to her.

  “Well he sounds like a right enough young man,” her mother said grudgingly. “I am going to have to get myself something to wear.” She added. “Well congratulations.” She said before hanging up.

  “You are good,” Abby said in admiration, staring at him in wonder.

  “I know,” he told her smugly, pulling her back into his arms. “You haven’t told me yet.”

  “Told you what?” she asked him.

  “That you love me.”

  “I love you David Wade,” she held his face between her hands and gazed into his intense blue eyes. “How can I help it? I love you.” She brushed her lips against his before pulling out of his arms to go to her room.

  “Where are you going?” David protested. “We have a wedding to plan and I have to make a list.” She called behind her; then she stopped as if she had thought of something important. “Wait, where are we getting married?”

  “Where do you want to get married? “He asked her.

  “Can we do it here?” she asked her eyes brightening at the prospect. “But no, if we get married here how would your parents, my mom and the others get to be here?”

  “You’re forgetting one tiny detail,” he told her in amusement.

  “What’s that?” she asked as he came up behind her.

  “I happen to have a lot of money at my disposal and I pretty much do a lot of things with my money. I can get them here so that’s no problem.” He murmured, nuzzling her neck. “Just tell me when.”

  “About your money David,” she began.

  She felt him stiffen behind her. “Is my money going to be a problem between us Abby? Because I have to tell you right now that I intend to spend lavishly on you so please get used to it.”

  “Okay fine,” she told him laughingly. “I promise not to make it an issue between us but I refuse to allow you to spoil me.”

  “We’ll see about that,” he murmured; kissing her gently. He had to drag himself away from her and went to see about the things he needed and he had some other things to take care of. His money was far reaching powers and he was going to use that power to take care of some things right now.

  *****

  They told Deacon Williams and in excitement, they announced it at church the following day. They all crowded around them after service and expressed their hope that the wedding would be kept there. David assured them that it would. The women told them not to worry about food as it would be their pleasure to provide and cook the food.

  The building was almost finished and David had hired a landscaper to deal with the yard. It was going to be lovely when it was completed.

  The children at the home had come to church and David and some of the men had taken them back after they had been treated to ice cream and cake and there were plans afoot to get a bus for the church.

  They had decided to have the wedding in two weeks’ time and Abby had protested that it was too soon. What could be done in two weeks?

  She was at home on Tuesday when they came. Selections of wedding dresses, one more beautiful than the next. Along with a wedding planner. Her name was Mabel and she spoke with a phony French accent.

  “I am here to make your troubles go away mademoiselle,” she waved a long bony hand in the air. “Just leave everything to me; all you and Monsieur David will have to do is show up. I need to see the church of course and the place where the reception will be held.” She was dressed in purple lounge pants and an orange silk blouse and looked like a peacock.

  David came by just as she was about to leave for the hotel. Abby had been made to try on the dresses and after much oohing and aahing they came to an agreement on one which was stunning in its simplicity. Dazzling white with tiny pearls at the cinched in waist and around the neck; it flared gently to the ground and the arms were cut deep, exposing her caramel skin. The woman had told her that if she had skin like hers she would walk naked every day. Her hair would be gelled and twisted on top of her head and there was a tiny tiara to be placed on top. “Don’t worry, I do make up as well,” she laughed as she saw Abby eyeing her own garishly made up face and remarked. “This is me Cherie not you.”

  “Ah Mabel how are you?” He greeted the strange woman with a kiss on the cheek, looking over at Abby.

  “Very well Monsieur David.” She beamed. “I need to know where the reception will be to start thinking about decorations.”

  “I need to discuss that with Abby and we will let you know. In the meantime, I have booked you into a hotel and a car is outside to take you there.” He told her.

  She left immediately and promised to be there in the morning to finish discussing things.

  “This is too much David,” Abby protested as he pulled her into his arms.

  “You promised not to let money get in the way Abby,” he said looking at her.

  “It’s just that I am not used to all this.” The other wedding dresses had been packed carefully in their boxes and the one she had chosen was hanging in the closet along with the white satin shoes and tiara. He had even seen to the jewelry. A stunning teardrop diamond suspended on a white gold chain and matching earrings.

  “I hate to think what you are going to say about this,” he said with a sigh as he seated her on the sofa and went down on one knee before her. He took a black velvet box from his top shirt pocket and opened it. “Abigail Walters would you do me the extreme honor of marrying me?” The ring was topaz and unlike any other she had ever seen. It sparkled in the light; flashes of golden flame and she stared at it mesmerized. “I thought it matches your eyes.” He told her.

  “Yes,” she whispered, tearing her gaze away from the ring to look at him. She held out her left hand and he slipped the ring on her finger. It fit perfectly! “It’s beautiful.” She breathed. “I love you David Wade. You sweep me off my feet and leave me speechless.”

  He got up and sat on the sofa; pulling her against him. “I want to spoil you Abby and I want you to allow me to do so.” He whispered against her ear. “I promise I won’t overpower you with my wealth; I just want to love you an
d show you how much.”

  “David!” she breathed, touching his face. “I love you so much,”

  He bent his head and took her lips with his in a tender kiss that lasted a while.

  *****

  Mabel was a whiz at planning a wedding and she made sure that everyone knew what they were supposed to do and when.

  The wedding reception was going to be at the one hotel that the town boasted. It was not a five star but it had a huge conference room which was available for that afternoon. Abby had asked Sister Edith Williams to be her matron of honor; Deacon Williams’ wife and she had said she would be honored. It was fast approaching the day of the wedding and Abby was getting very nervous. David was in and out tying up loose ends both at the church and his corporate office because he would be taking an extra two weeks for the honeymoon. He still had not told here where they would be going and had told her it was a surprise.

  She would be using Moira as a flower girl and had bought the little girl a beautiful pale pink dress at one of the local stores. She had been spending most of the afternoon at the children’s home and had started a reading program there where she helped out.

  “I haven’t heard from my dad in weeks,” Abby told David. They were sitting together watching a movie. It was a couple of days away from the wedding day and the church members were planning to start on the preparation of food on Friday.

  “He usually called you how often?” They were stretched out full length on the sofa and her head was buried on his chest.

  “At least once a week. I wanted to tell him about the wedding but I haven’t heard from him,” she murmured.

  “Why don’t you call him?”

  “I don’t have a number.” She shrugged. “I guess he thought I would give it to Mom so he was the one who always called on a private number.”

  “I am sure he’ll call soon,” he reassured her; giving her a gentle squeeze. “I went to the children’s home today to let them install an air conditioner in the reading room.”