Chapter 6
It would have been perfect if it had been a real wedding. The idea filtered into her mind as soon as she rose from bed and wandered to the window.
It was her last few hours at the apartment. She had said her goodbyes and gifted a few of her neighbors with items she would not be taking with her.
Several personal possessions had been moved to the manor when Craig sent a moving truck. The rest would go into storage.
Wrapping the silk robe around her, she gazed at the yellow and black butterfly flitting from petal to petal and just hovering, wings flapping wildly. Opening her window, she leaned out to embrace the clean air.
Last night her brother had dropped by to give her moral support. Not that she needed it.
She and Craig had come to a mutual understanding. They had gone out a couple of times to give the impression of two engaged couples going out on dates, but he had not touched her like that anymore, other than a casual hand wrapped around her elbow as he escorted her inside the restaurant.
She told herself very firmly that it was not regret she was feeling, but relief. She did not need the complication.
Ignoring the knot that had formed inside her stomach, she turned away from the window to go to the kitchen. She needed her fix of caffeine.
She had visited her salon yesterday where Sylvia had done something with her locks. She had shampooed and deep conditioned the coils, meticulously oiled the scalp, and brightened the tips.
Regina had plans to twist the front away from her face and add tiny rosebuds.
She was out the door when she caught sight of the dress hanging in the closet. A gift from Kelly, outrageously expensive.
A Romano's original, of course. Now Monique was roped into the charade as well.
Hesitating briefly, she let out a huff of breath and strode towards the closet. It was wrapped in protective tissue, and it had thrilled her despite her misgivings the moment she opened the box.
The material was a light blend of cotton and silk and draped over her right shoulder, leaving the other one bare. It was a perfect fit, molding to her bodice, before flaring out at the waist.
Tiny pearls were at the waist, the sheen highlighting the color. There were shoes to match.
Something high and strappy and very comfortable.
She was definitely going to look like a bride. The queasiness erupted inside her stomach and had her pressing a hand to it.
Putting the dress back, she spun away and walked hurriedly out of the room and down the stairs.
A pang went through her as she made her way to the kitchen to start the coffee.
She was digging through the almost empty pantry for a cup when her phone rang.
Looking at the readout, she felt her breath coming fast between her lips when she saw the name.
Taking a deep breath, she answered casually.
"Are you checking to see if I'm still on board?" She measured coffee beans and pushed the button.
The scent had her closing her eyes.
"Something like that." Craig, wearing only a robe over his nakedness, wandered to the window.
Even though it was a small ceremony, they had sprung for a wedding planner, and the woman and her efficient team had transformed the place into one of staggering beauty.
"How are you?"
"I'm fine. Making coffee. You?"
"Watching Maya and her team work their magic. The pergola looks unrecognizable. It's a perfect day."
"I noticed that."
There was silence for a few seconds before he spoke again. "Regina, I want to thank you."
"For?"
"Doing this. It means a lot to me."
"Mutually beneficial," she reminded him. Her coffee was ready and she was inhaling the scent.
Settling on the stool, she hitched the phone between shoulder and ear to wrap her hands around the cup.
"I know, but still." He paused again.
"Millicent made room in the closet for your stuff. You have a lot of shoes. How on earth do you find time to wear all of them?"
She laughed at that and felt herself relaxing.
"One does not come between a woman and her shoes. That relationship is sacred. Are you wearing a tux?"
He grimaced.
"Absolutely not. A sports jacket is good enough. Listen, we're leaving right after the ceremony."
Her stomach clenched again. "You're still not telling me where we're going?"
"No. It's a surprise."
"This is ridiculous. We don't have to go anywhere at all."
"In order to pull off the plan, I'm afraid that's necessary. I intend to carry my briefcase stuffed with paperwork for the project. You should do the same."
"Good idea." She had procured the building, and she had done her celebrating.
Her money was tucked away in the bank, less the amount she had negotiated for the building. As soon as they returned from their "honeymoon," work would start on the building.
She wanted it up and running by December or even sooner.
"You're right."
"I'll let you go now. See you soon?"
"Count on it."
They both lapsed into silence as if they wanted to say something more.
"Well, goodbye," she muttered.
"Bye." He hung up and just stood staring out the window, a frown touching his brow.
She would be sharing the room. And his bed.
It was a very big bed, but she would be on it with him. They would be sleeping together.
His stomach was in distress, just thinking of her being in the same space. Hissing out a breath, he turned at the knock on the door and smiled when Millicent came in with a tray.
"You're the best."
"Don't I know it." Beaming at him, she set the tray on the table in front of the pale blue and white sofa.
"Eat up."
"Yes, ma'am."
*****
"We come bearing gifts and more gifts," Kelly announced as soon as Regina opened the door.
"Leesa!" Her quick gaze swung to Kelly, brows raised.
"I told her, sue me."
"And I'm here to ream you out for not telling me yourself." Leesa, looking incredibly chic and elegant in a rose-colored pantsuit, sailed in with a huge purse, the size of Arkansas.
"It's not--"
"A real wedding, I got that." Strolling into the kitchen, she plucked out a bottle of champagne and three glasses.
"Still, we want to be supportive, and don't worry, darling, lips sealed. Not even my darling Brad is aware of what's going on. Besides, he's away on business."
She popped the cork expertly and poured, the bubbles foaming over the rims.
"Now, we're here to make you look even more fabulous, and bitch, that skin. How much do I hate you right now?"
Regina grinned, feeling the tension easing in her chest.
"Good genes and proper maintenance."
"My ass." Leesa grumbled as she picked up her glass.
"Love the hair."
"I love the dress and was afraid to look at the price tag."
"There was none." Kelly told her cheerfully.
"Just what I was afraid of. What else is in the bag?"
"Your bouquet. Baby's breath, peonies, and gardenia. Even if it's not a real wedding there's no need not to follow tradition. And something old and blue as well as borrowed."
"You guys are blowing this way out of proportion. Oh!"
Regina lowered her glass and stared at the beautiful sapphire pendant in an antique setting.
"It belonged to my grandmother. I wore it at my wedding and am still enjoying marital bliss."
"This is not--"
"Real. We get it."
Leesa grinned.
"Now drink up. Oh, we brought a traditional breakfast compliments of the chef from Solitude."
"Oh!" There was absolutely no reason for her to be tearing up, but she did.
"I don't know what to say."
"Say thank you." Kelly advised.
"Thank you."
*****
"Nervous, boy?"
Craig was so deep in thought he had not heard his grandfather come into the room.
"Not really." His eyes met the old man's in the mirror as he fussed with the collar of his shirt.
"Liar." Clive cackled as he eased further into the room, leaning heavily on the cane.
"I'm looking forward to seeing what your woman will be wearing. Something skimpy as usual."
"Possibly. She's her own woman."
"You're going to need to rein her in."
Craig's eyes darkened. "Like a bloody horse?"
"Exactly like a horse. Women have a way of getting out of hand and wanting their own way. You need to nip that in the bud."
"Thanks for your advice, but it's not needed."
Clive tapped his cane on the floor. "I've seen the way you look at her."
"Really?" Turning away from the mirror, he reached for the navy jacket to wear with his tan slacks.
His shave was close and his hair was trimmed. He was ready and his stomach was tied up.
He did not need the confrontation right now. He just wanted to get this over and done with.
"What way is that?"
"Like something precious."
"She is."
"Wearing your heart on your sleeve will get you hurt and make you soft. Your father was a prime example."
Craig's eyes flashed dangerously, and he had to fight really hard not to let his temper spew.
"My father was the best man I knew, and he and my mother loved each other very much. You never had that, and you're the poorer for it."
Clive felt the regret but brushed it aside.
"I'm my own man. Always have been."
"Loving someone doesn't mean giving away yourself. It just means sharing the most essential part of you. It makes you a better person."
The cackle came, followed by the cough.
Craig's anger turned to concern as he continued to cough.
"My pills." Clive gasped.
"Where?"
"In my room."
Brushing by him, Craig raced down the hall and into the bedroom. Picking up the pill case, he hurried back and went to get some water.
"Damn nuisance," Clive muttered when he swallowed the pills and handed him the glass.
Craig stood there staring at him and wondered if he should summon the doctor.
"What?" Clive asked with a belligerent sneer.
"You looked flushed."
"That's because I had a damn coughing fit. No need to worry about me."
"I'm not." Craig told him calmly.
"I just don't want you ruining my wedding."
Clive stared at him for a minute, before laughing out loud, eyes dancing.
"You really are a cold son of a gun, aren't you, boy? Deny it all you want, but you're more like me than you care to admit."
"Oh, please don't insult me."
The droll comment brought on another fit of laughter.
"Let's go get you hitched."
Craig had to hide the smile as they left the room.
*****