by Robyn Grady
“What if you screw up?”
“Work damn hard to make sure you don’t.”
Zack swallowed against the hollow feeling rising in his gut. “No matter how hard I work, Trinity won’t want to see me again.”
When his father sat back and thatched fingers on his lap, preparing to listen, Zack surprised himself and let the whole story out, including his offer of marriage.
“I’ve seen her angry at me, frustrated, but seeing the disappointment in her eyes that day just about killed me.”
“It’s not something that can be mended?” his father asked.
“I don’t see how.”
“Maybe the family needs to throw another engagement party soon.”
Zack tried not to sound annoyed. “Dad, I told you she’s not interested.”
“Perhaps you didn’t ask her the right way.” His father got to his feet. “You were always so sure of yourself and that largely has to do with instinct.” He clasped his son’s shoulder and squeezed. “Surrender to your instincts now and you might end up scoring the deal of your life.”
Sixteen
Trinity was heading back inside after making sure Maggie had caught her lift into town safely, when something odd caught her eye. Something small, round and clear glinting in the sunshine in the garden.
She, Maggie and the baby had moved back to Denver two weeks ago and there was still plenty to do to make this single-story three-bedroom rental feel more like a home. The walls longed for a fresh coat of paint, the furniture needed updating and the yard couldn’t wait for leaves to be raked and some bright spring blooms to be planted. Remembering Mrs. Dale, Trinity had thought dianthus. She planned to start gardening this weekend.
But with her foot on the first porch step, she wondered if she ought to start on that tidying now. Bel was asleep in the front room and it was such a gorgeous morning. So different than the day she and Bel had first met. The day dynamo Zack Harrison had blown in to her life.
And had blown right out again, Trinity reminded herself as she headed for that curious spot in the garden. She wondered how many other women would turn down the chance to be Zack’s wife, even when the marriage was purely for show. Sometimes, when she felt lonely and wondered if tossing out her old life for a new one was totally insane, she’d think about how pleased he’d looked after offering what he must have believed to be a very attractive out for her.
Chivalrous in his own way, she supposed, as that glint caught her eye again. Maybe if she hadn’t cared so much—if she hadn’t fallen in love—she might have accepted the deal for the baby’s sake. Had she been selfish in refusing his proposal? Should she have thought of Bel first and her own feelings not at all?
But those doubts never lasted long. In her heart she knew what that child—any child—needed most. Not money or a person to call daddy whenever he could slot in a visit and jet into town. Trinity also knew what she needed. She might not have felt loved growing up but now she was grown—now she had a say and a choice—she wouldn’t settle for anything less than the real deal.
Kneeling in the garden now, she brushed away the dried leaves built up around that piece of glinting glass and, in a heartbeat, reality seemed to turn in on itself. Scooping the piece up, she examined it from every angle while her stomach pitched and her thoughts began to fly.
This wasn’t a random piece of glass. She’d found a replica of the snow globe Zack had given her. Only the scene inside this one was different. A man and woman stood side by side, a groom and his bride. They were waiting outside a chapel. A message was engraved on the gold plaque.
Marry Me.
Taken aback, Trinity fell sideways and almost dropped the globe. Zack had been here, had left this. But when? How? What was she supposed to think, to do, to say?
“You found my surprise.”
At the familiar deep tones, Trinity swung around. Zack stood an arm’s length away wearing blue jeans and a sexy white T-shirt. She tried to speak but her mind was whirling too fast. Surprise, affront, even wild, silly hope, were barraging her from every angle. Zack took pity on her.
“I should explain,” he said.
Shaky, she held up the globe. “If this is some sick way of tabling that marriage of convenience again, the answer’s still no.”
“Haven’t lost that temper, I see.”
“Don’t turn this around. Zack, I asked you to leave us alone.” To let her heal. To forget.
Not only did he ignore that. He moved closer.
“I heard from Mrs. Dale this morning,” he said. “They’re moving into a retirement apartment. She wondered if I knew a good home for Cruiser. I said I did.”
An image of that big, beautiful hound flashed to the forefront of her mind and Trinity smiled. “Who?”
“Me.”
“You’re going to take Cruiser to New York?”
“As it turns out, no. I also spoke with James Dirkins recently. Hope you don’t mind but I put your offer to him. I asked whether he’d consider being my partner in owning and running his hotel. Took him two seconds to agree. Said it was the perfect solution and he’s very much looking forward to working with me.” His expression sobered. “Seems I remind him of his son.”
“I’m happy for him.” She truly was. “But how does that tie in with Cruiser. Does Mr. Dirkins want a dog?”
“Cruiser will be staying with me. I’m moving here, permanently.” While she stared in stunned disbelief, he slipped the globe from her hand. “Which brings us to this.”
When he shook the globe and snow rained down on the happy scene, she brought herself back.
“No, Zack. I said no.”
“You haven’t heard me out.”
“I don’t need to. I’m not going to be anyone’s convenience. Maggie, Bel and I will do fine on our own. Kate’s given me freelance work editing for Story—jobs I can do from here. And I have two other publications interested in the same type of thing.”
But Zack seemed to be only half listening. Rather he was busy unscrewing the globe’s base. From a secret compartment, he slid out a ring…a beautiful stone the color of her eyes surrounded by a ring of sparkling diamonds. Her head began to swim.
This was too much.
Trinity shook her head slowly, tried to back away. “This isn’t fair.”
He reached for her hand. “I’m talking about a marriage based on mutual respect. A union, Trinity, based on love. My love for you and yours for me.” His dark eyes burned into hers. “I want you to be my bride. And I’d want that whether there was a beautiful baby needing us or not.”
For a short, sweet moment, the words sang around in her head. He wanted them to be married—for real. But it didn’t make sense. Not after all he’d said and explained about a career-first mind-set getting in the way of a sound marriage. And didn’t his parents’ rocky marriage support that claim?
“You as good as said yourself. When a man takes his work as a mistress, sooner or later resentment sinks in. If you want the best for Bel, if you really love me—”
“I really do.”
“—then you’d walk away now. Bel needs stability.”
He nodded as if he understood. “I’ve told my father and the rest of the mob, I’m stepping down from the role of chairman-in-waiting. In fact, I offered my resignation from the family board.”
Trinity blinked as the words hit then sank in. That couldn’t be. “But you are Harrison Hotels.”
“Was. Now I’m Bel’s future father. Your future husband. That is, if you say yes.”
“Zack, this is crazy. You need to think this through.”
“I’ve done nothing but think. Now it’s time to act.” He wound an arm around her waist and pressed her near. “I love you, and that’s a thousand times more important than wheeling and dealing. Turns out I’m exactly like my brothers. I want to settle down. Have a family.” He dropped a kiss on the side of her mouth. “I want that with you. Only you.”
She breathed out a question. “And Bel?”
“She’ll be the jewel in our crown. The happy ending to our story.”
Trinity felt her eyes prickle and fill. All at once, she felt so happy. Bubbling and wanting to cry with it. A happy ending.She siphoned down a breath then said, “I’ve always wanted one of those.”
“I know what I want. You.”
“Are you sure?”
He grinned. “I’m so sure, it’s scary.”
Her heart was pounding so hard, and she didn’t feel as if she could get enough air. She couldn’t believe it. “You really love me?”
“Until the day I die.”
That happy sob building in her throat finally escaped over a heartfelt smile. Suddenly she felt so full she wondered if she might burst.
“I didn’t want to tell you…”
“Tell me what?”
She surrendered. “That I love you, too.” Hopelessly and with all her heart. It had killed her to tell him to leave that day. She never thought she’d see him again.
He was slipping the ring on her finger, bringing her hand to his lips and, as tears spilled down her cheeks, for the first time in her life Trinity felt truly whole.
When he gathered her close, she had to say, “I just hope you don’t miss any of your old life.”
“Not a chance,” he said.
And a heartbeat before his mouth covered hers, in love’s sweetest words, he told her why.
Epilogue
Nine months later
Surrounded by a sea of smiling faces, Trinity felt like a princess standing beside the man who had stolen and would always keep her heart. As they cut through the bottom tier of their soaring wedding cake and enthusiastic applause went up in the Denver Dirkins-Harrison Hotel ballroom, she let out a laugh of sheer joy and lifted her face to accept a kiss from the handsome groom. Although they’d planned this special day for months, brimming with emotion now, Trinity couldn’t quite believe this dream had come true.
When the applause and flashes finally died, looking dynamic in his tuxedo, his dark hair combed back and onyx eyes sparkling, Zack broke the kiss but stayed close to murmur against her cheek.
“Are you tired of smiling for the cameras yet?”
She snatched a kiss from his strong jaw, drank in his familiar masculine scent and confessed, “I don’t think I’ll ever stop smiling.”
Today she’d not only said “I do” to the most wonderful man on the planet, she’d also been formally welcomed into his family. She’d almost cried she’d been so moved by Dylan’s speech announcing how pleased all the Harrisons were to have her join their fold. Zack’s parents and siblings, in-laws and their children had also welcomed in another lucky person, a beautiful shining soul she and Zack fell more in love with each and every day.
Since their attorney had finalized the open adoption, Belinda—or Bonnie Bell as she’d become known—had stayed full-time with them in their Colorado cabin. But Maggie was welcome whenever and as often as she pleased. They never wanted their baby girl to forget her biological mother—a young woman who grew stronger every day and was doing so well, via Harrison sponsorship, at a nearby college studying law.
Maggie had been invited today, but casting a quick glance over their guests now, Trinity couldn’t spot either Maggie or Bel. Zack must have read her look.
“There’s Maggie.” Zack gestured to the wedding gift table where Maggie was speaking with Sienna, who had been thrilled to be a bridesmaid. “But I can’t see the baby.”
“You look down that way and I’ll take this end.”
Before she could shoot off, he cupped her bare shoulders and peered patiently into her eyes.
“Honey, we’re among friends and family. Not to mention security personnel manning the exits.” A gate-crasher measure more than anything. “I’m sure someone has Bonnie at their table, telling her how pretty she is as she totters around on those new little shoes she loves.”
Trinity nodded and found a smile. “Guess I’m feeling a little anxious—” guilty “—over leaving her for a whole week for our honeymoon in Italy.”
“She’ll be with Maggie and my mother, too.” He lifted her hand and dropped a tender kiss on the sensitive underside of her wrist. “She’ll be so spoiled we’ll have to put her in baby boot camp when we get back.”
Trinity laughed but couldn’t pretend she didn’t already feel that “something missing” sensation, the one she’d first experienced the second day they’d spent cut off from the rest of the world in his cabin. The unease must have shown on her face.
He brought her hands folded in his to his chest. “Trin, you haven’t got a neglectful bone in your body. You’re an amazing mom. That little girl’s face lights up whenever you’re around.”
Trinity melted. “She’s pretty fond of you, too.”
The music faded at the same time MC Dylan clicked on the mic to make an announcement. It was time for the bridal waltz.
The lights went down and a show of slow, spinning lights rotated around the floor as the twelve-piece band kicked off a moving song they’d both chosen. Their audience sighed as he took her in his arms and, with expert skill, moved her around beneath the “stars.”
With everyone watching, but for her ears only, Zack said, “I thank my lucky stars you jumped into my cab that day and found us.” Trinity’s breath caught high in her chest at the depth of feeling shining in those intelligent dark eyes. “I can’t bear to think of never having met you, of missing out on knowing and loving you both. I’ll miss Bel, too, when we’re on our honeymoon, but a week will fly by.”
“And next vacation, we’ll take her.”
“This time Italy. Next vacation, what about Disney World?”
Her heart leaped. “Oh, Bonnie will love it!” So would she.
He laughed. “Disney World it is.”
Without warning, he caught her waist and, next minute, her feet were off the ground and her voluminous fairy-tale skirt whooshed out as he spun her around. The crowd clapped and more flashes went off before he set her gently down and his focus shifted.
“There she is.”
Trinity looked over her shoulder. The baby was sitting on her grandfather’s hip, studying him solemnly as she pulled his moustache and he talked, probably passing on some Harrison family story. Zack’s mother joined the pair. She said something to them both, pointed to the dance floor, and all three laughed and group hugged. Trinity’s heart swelled to double its size. Bel couldn’t have wished for better grandparents.
“I’m glad your parents have worked out their differences,” she said as they continued to dance and other couples began to join in.
“Dad always said that for any venture to succeed you must be prepared to weather the storms. After all these years of hard slog, my mother wanted some time with him. It was hard to let go and give up what he’d worked his whole life to achieve.”
“But he hasn’t given it up. He’s passed it on.”
“An equal share to all his children with each sibling having an equal say in decisions.”
“Do you ever feel cheated? I mean you wanted to be the sole chairman of Harrison Hotels for so long.”
“I feel only blessed.” His palm ironed up the back of her gown as he urged her closer still. “The worst time of my life was when I thought I’d lost you. Anything to do with the company pales in comparison. I intend to spend the rest of my life making certain we stay as happy as we are tonight. I want to wake up to your beautiful, smiling face every morning for the next fifty or sixty years, until we’re confined to wheelchairs, content to watch our hoards of great-grandchildren grow up.”
She blinked back happy tears enough to ask, “Are you saying…?”
“We’ll discuss it later, when we’re alone and can invest some quality time in pursuing the matter of expanding our family.”
Trinity’s step faltered and she tramped on his foot. Had she understood right? They’d had hypothetical discussions but hadn’t made any firm decision, as far as she knew.
&
nbsp; His gaze on her lips, he curved a fingertip around her cheek and chin. “You still want to try for a baby, don’t you, honey?”
Tears filled her eyes, clogged her throat. Her reply was husky, trembling. Overjoyed!
“Zack, I’ve never wanted anything more in my life. I want Bel to have brothers and sisters.” The wish was so strong, she felt weak with the hope.
“Then let’s get started.” He nudged his chin one brother’s way. “Mason’s got three and one on the way. Reckon we can top that?”
“I’d like to try.”
As they laughed and spun around on the floor, Trinity concentrated to remember every detail and then lock this instant of pure perfection away in her heart forever. Those moments were building up and she knew there’d be so many more.
“You’re the most beautiful bride that’s ever been,” he told her. “I can’t believe how lucky I am.”
“I wonder if you’ll think that when those 3:00 a.m. feedings come around.”
“I’m looking forward to it, the same way I’m looking forward to every minute of our lives together.”
Never more content, she drank in the handsome, strong lines of his face. “How is it that every single day there’s something more to love about you?”
Zack looked at her with only devotion and delight in his eyes and then his head lowered and his wonderful smile covered hers.
As Trinity gave herself over to the sparks flying through her blood and dreams of tomorrow forming in her head, for a heartbeat she remembered how dark her existence had once been a long time ago. But she’d weathered each day and each fateful step had led her to this phenomenal present…to a wonderful husband, beautiful child and fabulous future she couldn’t wait to meet.
* * * * *
Keep reading for an excerpt of His Marriage to Remember by Kathie DeNosky!
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