Chapter Thirteen
Cedar
Seated in the hospital cafeteria—surrounded by the familiar clinks of utensils, hushed conversations, and the occasional beep of a pager—my thoughts turned to Connie.
It had been two weeks since her surgery, and she was doing remarkably well. I still remembered how overjoyed she was when I told her she’d be going home soon.?She's been through quite a lot and still happens wear a smile on her face.
Across from me sat Nurse Katie and Dr. Lee, both eyeing my phone with intense curiosity. They were among the few colleagues I allowed into my personal space—an absolute delight to be around. Suddenly my phone ping.
“Who’s got you all smiles and giggles?” Katie asked, her voice low and conspiratorial.
I grinned, typing a reply on my phone. “No one.”
Dr. Lee raised an eyebrow. “Save it, Cedar. We know you’re texting your fiancé. What’s he saying that’s got you so happy?”
Laughing, I shook my head. “I’m not telling.”
Katie leaned in, her grin turning mischievous. “Ooh, Dr. Cedar… is he sending you dirty messages?”
Heat rushed to my cheeks, and I glanced around, hoping no one was eavesdropping. “Katie, seriously, stop.”
Dr. Lee chuckled. “Come on, Cedar, spill. We’re dying here.”
I dodged their prying questions with more laughter and teasing, offering no real answers.
Katie sat back in her chair, letting out a dreamy sigh. “I’ll never forget the time Flynn jumped in to defend you against Dr. Stephen.”
Dr. Lee nodded enthusiastically. “That was epic! I’ve never seen anyone make Dr. Stephen look so rattled.”
A sudden memory tugged at me—Flynn standing tall, his voice carrying in the hallway, protective energy radiating from him like a shield. I’d never seen Dr. Stephen so meek before. Even now, I felt a small flutter in my stomach remembering the admiration I’d felt for Flynn in that moment.
My face grew warm again. I stole a quick look at the table where Dr. Stephen was chatting up a new resident. Catching my eye, Katie and Dr. Lee stifled giggles. “I wouldn’t say he peed his pants, but Flynn definitely shook him up,” I murmured.
“Exactly,” Katie said, wiping tears of laughter from her eyes. “Sadly, Dr. Stephen doesn’t seem to have learned much. He’ll flirt with anything that has a chest and a decent butt.”
Dr. Lee shrugged. “I’ll give him points for persistence, though.”
I shook my head, smiling. “You two are terrible.”
Katie leaned forward again. “So, Cedar, how’s married life going to be? Are you ready to be Mrs. Flynn Jefferson?”
A flutter shot through my chest as I glanced at the ring on my finger. “I think I’m going to like it.”
If it wasn’t just for business….
The thought sent a pang of uncertainty through my core. Was I truly ready for the label and the responsibility that came with it—even if the marriage is based on necessity?
Dr. Lee’s eyes shone with envy. “You’re so lucky, Cedar. Flynn is gorgeous, and he’s obviously head over heels for you.”
Katie nodded vigorously. “And he’s romantic! I’m calling dibs on being your maid of honor.”
I laughed, picturing a perfect wedding scene. “Slow down, ma’am.”
Dr. Lee leaned in, lowering her voice. “You know, if you ever let Flynn go, I’m swooping in. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
Katie and I burst out laughing, and I rolled my eyes in playful exasperation. “You guys are impossible.”
After more teasing and banter, they finally got the truth out of me.
“Okay, fine,” I said, raising both hands in surrender. “I’ll tell you why I’m so happy.”
They scooted closer, eyes gleaming with anticipation.
“I’m going on vacation with Flynn,” I said, trying to hide my excitement behind a casual shrug.
Katie squealed, and Dr. Lee clapped her hands. “That’s amazing! Where to?”
I hesitated, realizing we’d drawn a bit of attention. Lowering my voice, I whispered, “Zanzibar.”
Katie frowned. “Where’s that?”
“Oh… it’s an island off the coast of Tanzania in East Africa.”
Dr. Lee’s grin nearly matched mine. “I’m so jealous. You have to send us pictures.”
Visions of sunny beaches, turquoise waters, and Flynn by my side flitted through my mind, warming me from within. I could hardly believe I’d be stepping into a whole new world, even if just for a short while.
I nodded. “Definitely.”
I made them promise not to spill the beans, even though we all knew Katie couldn’t keep a secret if her life depended on it. As I gathered my things, a spark of anticipation fluttered in my chest. A part of me worried about juggling work, the sham engagement, and my own restless feelings toward Flynn—but right now, excitement won out.
“All right, ladies. I gotta go file my leave request. See you later,” I said, getting to my feet.
***
Later, I was in my room, zipping up my suitcase and placing the finishing touches on my packing. The doorbell rang, and I grinned—Flynn had arrived. Downstairs, I could hear murmured voices and my mom’s laughter.
A moment later, she called up, “Cedar, Flynn’s here!”
“I’ll be right down!” I replied, tossing my purse over my shoulder.
Mom offered to help, but I assured her I was almost done. I hurried to the living room, where Flynn was chatting with my parents. Mom beamed at him, while Dad asked about our plans for the trip.
“We’ll relax on the beach, take some boat tours, and enjoy each other’s company,” Flynn said. “We’ll also explore historic Stone Town, visit Prison Island, and take a sunset cruise to see dolphins. If Cedar’s up for it, we might go snorkeling or diving at Mnemba Atoll. And maybe a spice tour for local cuisine and fragrances.”
Dad’s eyes twinkled. “Sounds like a wonderful itinerary. Just make sure you take care of my little girl.”
Flynn nodded, all seriousness. “I promise, Mr. Rowan, I’ll look after her.”
Slipping quietly into the room, I caught Flynn’s gaze. His face lit up with a warm smile.
“Hey, wow,” he said, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “You look beautiful.”
I felt a delightful rush of self-consciousness. Even though his words should have felt routine by now, each compliment from him sent my pulse racing. Sometimes I wondered if it was more than a pretend arrangement for both of us.
“Thanks,” I mumbled, cheeks heated.
Mom was practically glowing. “I think you two should get going,” she said. “Have a lovely time—and call me when you’re settled.”
I nodded, pushing back a wave of emotion. Flynn hefted my luggage and slung it over his shoulder.
“Ready?” he asked softly.
“Yeah.”
Stepping outside, I turned to him. “Don’t you think it’s time you told me the real reason for this vacation? And don’t tell me it’s only for fun.”
Flynn chuckled, opening the car door for me. “Just trust me, love. I’ll explain everything once we’re there.”
I arched an eyebrow, half-amused, half-worried. Trust was a big word in our situation, but for now, I decided to let my guard down and enjoy the idea of ‘us.’
***
As we stepped off the plane in Zanzibar, a rush of excitement washed over me. Warm, tropical air enveloped my skin, and I took a deep breath, letting the tensions of the past few weeks dissolve.
Our total travel time, including a connecting flight from Kailua to Tanzania, then a private charter to Zanzibar, was about twenty-two hours—long, but worth it.
We collected our luggage and headed to our resort, a breathtaking five-star property. Along the drive, glimpses of the turquoise ocean made my heart flutter. You’d think growing up on an island might diminish the allure of the sea, but I never got tired of it.
Upon arrival, I was momentarily speechless. The property was stunning, full of traditional décor and lush gardens. Greeters welcomed us with warm smiles and refreshing coconut drinks, and I felt like I’d stepped into paradise.
Salt-tinged air caressed my face, mingling with the sweet scent of frangipani blossoms. It reminded me of home—yet this was different, more exotic, and somehow charged with possibility.
I couldn’t help noticing older couples strolling hand in hand, sneaking sweet kisses amid the foliage. A tiny part of me wished Flynn and I would someday be like that.
Our villa was incredible—complete with a private pool and a panoramic view of the ocean. My heart soared; I couldn’t wait to spend the next two weeks unwinding with Flynn.
A flicker of hope raced through me, suggesting that maybe this vacation could be something more than just a cover story.
A knock sounded at the door just as we finished settling in. Flynn opened it, revealing Nelly, Heather, and another woman I didn’t recognize.
I shot Flynn a confused look. He didn’t appear surprised by their arrival. Heather must’ve noticed my perplexed expression because she glared at Flynn.
“You didn’t tell her?” she asked.
“Tell me what?” I interjected.
Flynn cleared his throat. “Cedar, I wanted us to settle in before talking about… business.”
“Business? I thought this was supposed to be a vacation—just the two of us.”
“It is, but…” he trailed off.
“Oh, spit it out, brother,” Heather snapped.
Flynn sighed and came over to my side. “Babe, this is the team that’s going to help transform you into the perfect fiancée.”
I blinked. “What do you mean, ‘transform’?”
“As my fiancée, you’ll be attending a lot more events—charities, galas, investor meetings. I need you to feel comfortable dealing with shareholders and potential partners. I want you by my side, not just there as my plus-one.”
His words both flattered and alarmed me. I had so many questions, I hardly knew where to start.
A knot tightened in my stomach—was this the real reason Flynn had brought me here? Was I just a piece in a bigger chess game?
“For Pete’s sake, Flynn… speak in words she can understand,” Heather groaned.
Chuckling, Flynn handed me a glass of champagne. “Sorry, babe. I guess what I’m trying to say is that… well, you might need a little help.”
Heather folded her arms. “What my thick-headed brother is really saying is that some people aren’t thrilled about your engagement. They’ll look for any excuse to undermine you—and by extension, undermine Flynn.”
My stomach twisted at her implication. “Undermine me… how?”
Heather’s gaze was frank. “You’re not used to the high-society scene our family runs in. No offense, but you’re just not… polished. Some people might try to embarrass you, make you look bad, or intimidate you. If that happens, it gives them leverage to go after Flynn.”
A spark of hurt flared. I might not be polished, but I wasn’t a total lost cause, was I? Still, the idea of facing those circles without any prep made my palms sweat.
I felt a jolt of betrayal that Flynn hadn’t warned me. “Why didn’t you tell me?” I asked him quietly.
He squeezed my hand. “I didn’t want you to worry. I know you can handle it.”
Heather took over again. “Cedar, you need to learn how to navigate this world. Smile in front of the wealthy wives, build alliances, keep it classy, and earn their respect. If they like you, they’ll pressure their husbands to stay on Flynn’s side.”
My head buzzed with all the new information. “Okay, I think I follow.”
Nelly spoke up. “In five days, we will have a crucial dinner with one of Flynn’s top investors. We need you well-prepared. No surprises.”
I glanced at Flynn, feeling overwhelmed. “What’s the plan for that dinner?”
Nelly smiled. “Don’t worry, Cedar. We’ll coach you on everything you need to know—etiquette, conversation points, the investor’s background. We’ll practice… well, everything.”
Heather chimed in. “We’ll also work on your wardrobe. You need to dress the part. That means designer gowns, heels, and some coaching on posture and poise.”
I swallowed hard, struggling not to back away. “I don’t know if I can do all this.”
Heather gave my arm a reassuring pat. “It sounds like a lot, but once we start, it’s just small tweaks here and there. We’ll be with you every step. Trust me, you’ll be a pro in no time.”
I looked down at the champagne flute in my hand, noticing my reflection in the pale golden liquid. Was I ready to become someone else, even temporarily? For Flynn… or for me?
I took a long, steadying breath, my nerves dancing. Glancing at Flynn, I couldn’t help wondering what I’d gotten myself into.
“So… the next two weeks are, what, training camp for me?” I ventured, my voice uneven.
Finally, the woman I didn’t recognize spoke up. “We’ll cover everything from etiquette to dealing with the media—helping you step into the role of a businesswoman. I’m Laura, by the way, your etiquette and business coach.”
I forced a polite smile as my heart pounded. This was so far out of my comfort zone, but it felt like a line I had to cross. If I was going to be Flynn’s fiancée—fake or not—I couldn’t let him down. Maybe I could even prove something to myself in the process.