by Jenna Brandt
Immediately, warning bells went off in Conrad’s head. Did Boswell Senior call him here today to cancel his contract with Boswell Oil because of what happened between him and Tiffany? Did someone see them? Or worse, did Tiffany tell him?
“I think a man has a right to confront his accuser. Whatever they told you, there’s always two sides to a story.”
“I know that, and for the record, it was my wife. She was heading to the ladies’ room when she saw the two of you kissing.”
Of all the possibilities, this was the worst one. There was no way Mrs. Boswell would want someone like Conrad ending up with her blue-stocking daughter. She probably came right home and complained to Boswell Senior, demanding he get rid of him at once.
“I can explain what happened. It was—”
Boswell Senior raised his hand. “There’s no need for that. I have a good idea of what is going on. You’re here for another matter. As you probably know, my son and Celeste decided to move their wedding date up due to the rapid progression of my illness. Roger insists that I be there, and he’s worried if they wait for their spring wedding date, it will be too late.”
Conrad nodded. “I’m sure everyone will be busy with helping out. I can handle everything for the energy division until afterward.”
“I appreciate your offer, but this is why you are here.” Boswell Senior slid an envelope across the desk.
Conrad picked it up and opened it. To his complete surprise, a wedding invitation was inside. “Is Roger okay with this?” Conrad inquired, thinking that despite disliking the man, he didn’t want to upset Tiffany by causing a scene at her brother’s wedding if Roger didn’t want him there.
“I really don’t care what my son’s okay with. Besides, I’ll make sure he knows I invited you. He won’t deny his dying father a final request, and if I have to use that card to get you at that wedding, I will.”
“Why is this so important to you?”
“I have to do what is right for my children, and you need a good excuse to spend more time with my daughter in a social setting. I’ve come to realize, she doesn’t need a soft man like the ones who were raised in her social circle. You’ve worked hard for all you have, pushed and clawed your way to the top. If you are willing to fight for what you want, you’ll do the same for my daughter.”
“I have to say, I’m rather surprised to hear you say that. Though our country is modern in so many ways, there’s still a stigma of being new money.”
“My grandfather came from new money. He worked hard for every penny he earned, and I see a lot of him in you. I see that same gumption in Roger’s soon-to-be-wife. My wife was leery of Celeste’s lack of pedigree, worried she wouldn’t mesh with what she’d always envisioned for our son. However, as I’ve watched Celeste and Roger together over the past months, I’ve realized she is exactly what he needs. I think you can be the same for my daughter.”
“Sir, I appreciate your candor, but it was only one kiss. I don’t even know how Tiffany feels about it or me.”
“If I’m honest with you, she might be a tough nut to crack. She’s been wounded badly by her last relationship, and she doesn’t trust easily anymore. I can assure you though, if you work hard at it, and she lets you break through, it will be worth it. I just want your word, you’ll try.”
Conrad paused for a long moment, debating in his head whether he should make such a promise considering what his plans for Boswell Oil were. Could he try to pursue something with Tiffany knowing that he wanted to take her company from her family? What type of man would that make him? Not one he wanted to be, that was for sure. If he was honest with himself, he had grown to respect Tiffany, not only as a smart, savvy business person, but as a woman he cared about. Maybe it was time he shifted his priorities and didn’t make money and revenge his only ambitions.
“Sir, I give you my word; I will do right by your daughter.”
As Conrad exited Remington Tower, he wondered if he did the right thing. He had put a lot of time and money into his plan to destroy Roger and take Boswell Oil from him. Was he willing to give up sweet revenge for a pretty face? Would he be able to live with that choice if he did?
The truth was, somewhere along the line, Tiffany Boswell had become important to him, more important than his plan. He wasn’t sure how or why, but he wanted to make good on his promise to Boswell Senior, and he was going to start on that goal tomorrow at the wedding.
Tiffany wasn’t the typical girl that swooned in awe of every wedding she attended, but she couldn’t help but get butterflies as she saw Celeste in her gorgeous custom Vera Wang gown. It fit her perfectly, snug at the waist with rows of iridescent pearls, then flared out at the waist in tiers of tulle and lace. The train was cathedral-length, with a matching veil, and a tiara of pearls dotted her golden crown of locks that were piled high on her head. She truly looked like a princess.
“I can’t believe you’re going to be married in just a few minutes,” Lana Montgomery, Celeste’s best friend and TV star, gushed. “We’re so lucky to be best friends who married best friends.”
“I’m going to admit, I never thought this would happen when those two came into our lives,” Celeste confessed. “Roger and I started out rocky, but I can honestly say, I can’t imagine my life without him and Marcus in it.” Then turning her attention to Tiffany, she added, “And I get a new sister out of it, which is a wonderful bonus.”
“I feel the same,” Tiffany said, reaching out and squeezing Celeste’s hand. “Roger really did find the perfect woman for him and our family.”
The wedding planner, a tall brunette woman in a pink business suit, came into the bride’s changing room and glanced around. “Is everyone ready? The orchestra is in place and the groom and his men are all in place. It’s time for all of you.”
Lana, Megan (Celeste’s former roommate), and Tiffany all inspected one another, making sure their black with gold-trim floor-length bridesmaid dresses were buttoned in all the right places, and draping perfectly over their bodies. Then they checked Celeste’s gown one more time before leaving the bridal chamber.
They made their way into the back of Journey Church, where Marcus was waiting in a tuxedo and holding a ring bearer pillow with the wedding rings tied onto it. Beside him was Lana’s niece, Carrie, her arm firmly wrapped through Marcus’s.
He didn’t look happy about it, but ever since Lana and Bryce’s wedding earlier in the year, Carrie had claimed Marcus for herself. At any family activity, she was constantly chasing him around and telling him how much she loved him, while he ran away saying girls had cooties. Apparently, today Carrie had caught her prey and he wasn’t getting away.
Celeste smiled at the adorable little couple. “You both look lovely.”
Marcus’s bottom lip stuck out in a pout as he shook his head.
“I’m sorry, let me correct that; you look very handsome Marcus.”
His frown turned into a smile. “Thanks. You look really pretty, Celeste. I can’t wait until I can start calling you Mom after the wedding.”
Celeste’s eyes filled with tears as she nodded. “I can’t wait for that too, though I already feel like you’re my son.”
The little boy pulled free from Carrie and rushed forward and hugged Celeste. She patted his back until Carrie rushed forward, saying, “Hey, hands off my man.” She pulled him back and looped her arms back through his.
Celeste’s eyes grew round with shock, then she let out a laugh. “I get that reaction, Carrie. Marcus is one awesome guy.”
The music began to play, letting them know it was time. The bridal party turned to face the set of closed double doors that lead to the sanctuary.
They opened, and Marcus went down the aisle, followed by Carrie. Next, Megan headed down, trailed by Tiffany.
The room was filled with close to a thousand people. The Boswells made sure all of their friends and extended family were present. Celeste had far fewer invitees, with a handful of cousins, her mother, and a couple of co-w
orkers, but the Boswell side filled in towards the back.
To her surprise, out of the corner of her eye, Tiffany recognized Conrad at the edge of a back row. She hadn’t expected him to be there and had to force herself not to react. He looked good in his black tuxedo, as good as the last time when she saw him at the company Christmas party, the night they kissed.
Their eyes locked for a moment, and she could tell from the desire in his eyes, he was thinking about the same thing. She felt herself blush, and quickly averted her eyes before finishing the rest of her walk.
Lana came down the aisle next, and took her spot next to Tiffany. The music switched to Wagner’s Bridal Chorus, and the door opened again to reveal Celeste standing in her regal beauty.
Tiffany heard Roger gasp and she looked over to see her brother’s eyes were filling with tears. It was a rare occasion to see her brother crying, let alone over a woman. If anyone had any doubt how much he loved Celeste, that alone should make it abundantly clear.
Everyone stood to their feet as Celeste floated down the aisle. She reached Roger’s side, gave her bouquet of white roses to Lana, and took Roger’s hands in hers.
“Friends and Family, we are gathered here today to celebrate with Celeste and Roger as they choose to join their lives together. They fell in love by chance, but they’re here by choice. They are choosing each other, today and every day going forward.” Pastor Greg gave them both a smile, then continued. “Today you are choosing to vow to take care of each other, to stand up for one another, and to find happiness in the other. In so doing, you’re promising to be a team, to say, ‘Every experience I’m going to have, I want you to be a part of it.
“Do you, Celeste Allen, take Roger Boswell, to be your wedded husband, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, until death do you part?”
Celeste nodded. “I do.”
The pastor repeated the question to Roger, who also agreed.
“Often, we hear that rings have no beginning and no end, but that’s not true. The rings you are about to give one another did have a beginning. They started out as raw elements and stones, formed deep inside the earth. After a long time, they rose to the surface, someone found them, and then another person painstakingly worked to make something beautiful from them.
“Love is just like that; from humble beginnings, and through hard work and dedication, you’re able to create something wonderful. As you look at these rings over the years, I hope they are a constant reminder that you’ve created something invaluable together.”
Pastor Greg retrieved the rings from Marcus, then handed them to the couple.
“Roger, as you place this ring on Celeste’s finger, repeat these words after me: This ring symbolizes the work I have and will continue to do every day to show you how much I love you.”
He did as he was directed and then Celeste did the same. They lit a unity candle while a special singer dazzled the guests with a rendition of the couple’s favorite pop song.
They came back to the spot underneath the large flower-covered arch and turned to face Pastor Greg a final time.
“It’s with my greatest pleasure to announce you as husband and wife,” Pastor Greg proclaimed with a giant grin. “You may kiss your bride.”
Roger reached out and pulled Celeste to him. He leaned down and gently kissed her lips. The guests cheered and clapped until they pulled a part.
“They look so happy,” Lana admired, just loud enough for the other bridesmaids to hear.
Tiffany nodded her head and wondered if she would ever be lucky enough to find that kind of love. She hadn’t been bred for it, that was for sure. Her parents put more emphasis on finding a match that was financially and socially beneficial, than on finding a mate based on feelings or fidelity. Maybe that was her problem; she wanted something she was never meant to have. Love wasn’t on the agenda for Tiffany, and the sooner she accepted that, the better off she would be.
The wedding party spent the next half hour taking photos, then the women changed into their designer knee-length cocktail dresses before heading over to the reception that was being held at The Spot.
The place was gorgeous, decked out in black and gold everywhere, in honor of it being a New Year’s Eve wedding. There were balloons and streamers that filled the area, along with crystal vases of long-stem white roses dusted with gold on every table. There was also an ice sculpture of two swans kissing, their necks making the shape of a heart in the center of the head table.
“Everything turned out splendid,” Megan exclaimed as they entered the restaurant. “I can’t believe Celeste pulled all of this off in such a short time.”
“Well, she had some help,” Lana pointed out. “Celeste told me that Tiffany is a secret romantic and helped get everything ready. I wish I could have done more but being in LA put me at a disadvantage.”
“You did far more than most people do, even from that far away,” Tiffany countered. “Your idea for the ice sculpture was perfect.”
“I think all of you have done enough patting yourselves on the back,” Roger teased. “Though I have to admit, my wife is very lucky to have such great friends.” His face scrunched up in surprise for a moment. “That’s the first time I’ve called you my wife,” he said, kissing Celeste.
“And how does it feel? Please tell me you like the sound of it,” Celeste jested in return.
“Good, really good,” Roger confirmed with a nod. “Best decision I ever made.”
Bryce chuckled. “Never thought I would see the day that Roger Boswell was not only officially off-the-market, but happy about it.”
“It just takes the love of a good woman,” Roger explained.
“I couldn’t agree more,” the unwelcome voice of Artie Frankhurst agreed from behind her.
Tiffany let out a sigh, turning around to face her ex. “What do you want?”
“I was hoping you would want to dance, or at the very least talk with me for a bit.”
“No, that’s not going to happen,” Tiffany rejected his offer firmly. “There’s nothing left to say. It’s why I blocked your number and all your social media accounts.”
“And banned me from entering your office and apartment building. Geez, Tiff, you’re treating me like I’m a stalker.”
Her eyebrows arched as she shrugged. “You said it, not me.”
“I only want you to give me a chance to explain what happened,” Artie begged, reaching out to touch her. “You shouldn’t throw away what we could have over something so trivial.”
Tiffany shrank back, giving him a dirty look.
Roger stepped forward and between them. “Look, Artie, I know your family was invited to my wedding by my parents, but it’d be best if you leave now.”
Artie’s face scrunched up in hurt and anger. “Roger, we’re old friends. I can’t believe you don’t want me at your wedding.”
“Considering how you treated my sister, you shouldn’t be surprised that our friendship is over,” Roger explained.
Artie hung his head and turned around to leave.
Out of the corner of her eye, Tiffany noticed that Conrad was watching them from a distance. Did Conrad know what was going on? Could he tell Artie was her ex? She hadn’t expected to see Conrad at the wedding and wasn’t even sure what to think of it. Pushing both men out of her mind, she turned her attention back to the rest of the bridal party.
Everyone spent the next hour eating and talking, then it was time for toasts, followed by the cake cutting, the first dance, and finally the garter and bouquet toss. By the end of the whirlwind of activity, Tiffany was exhausted, and decided to take a seat when Roger and his groomsmen grabbed Celeste and her bridesmaids for dancing.
“You sure you don’t want to join us on the dance floor?” Celeste coaxed. “I’m sure any number of the eligible men around here would love to dance with you.”
Tiffany shook her head. “I’m good. I’d rather just watch from here.”
“How
about your father? Are you willing to let me whirl you around the dance floor?” Boswell Senior asked as he came up to the group.
“Are you feeling up to it, Dad?”
“I wouldn’t have asked if I wasn’t,” her father said reaching out his hand to her. “Don’t know how many more I have in me, so I should take advantage of it while I can.”
Tiffany took his hand and let him guide her onto the glowing dance floor in the middle of the room. “You look very pretty today, Tiffany.”
“Thank you,” she replied, still a little surprised at the compliment.
“I have something I wish to discuss with you…”
It figured. Her father never paid her a compliment, so it was just a way for him to diffuse her before he blasted her with either a criticism or a correction.
“Dad, today has been a long day. If you need to talk with me about something to do with work, can it wait until Monday?”
“No, this has nothing to do with work,” her father corrected. “I want to discuss Conrad Gaines.”
“I thought you said this has nothing to do with work,” Tiffany objected, stiffening in her father’s arms.
“It doesn’t. It’s a personal matter.”
“What do you mean?” Tiffany questioned with apprehension. Did her father know about the kiss? Had someone seen her with Conrad after all? If that was the case, he probably wanted to chastise her for her unprofessional behavior, perhaps even discuss removing her from her position. How was she going to convince him he didn’t need to do that? Her mind starting going over her counter arguments. To her surprise, what he said next wasn’t a scolding at all.
“I wanted to let you know, I was the one who invited Conrad to the wedding.”
“Why did you do that? You know that Roger doesn’t get along with him,” Tiffany objected, though her real reason for being upset wasn’t about her brother at all, but because she didn’t want to find herself alone with Conrad. If she did, she might let him kiss her again.
“I do, but frankly, Roger needs to grow up and let it go. Conrad is not only good for the company, he’s good for you, too.”