Wanderlust Wedding (Wedding Season Series)

by Rebecca Gallo

  She turns her attention on me, a warm smile on her lips and a content look in her eye. “I didn’t realize how much I missed Boston.”

  “It’s a lovely city but not as lovely as London.”

  She sticks her tongue out but her expression quickly sours. “How long do you think it’ll take to deal with Alistair?”

  “I’m hoping only a few days. I have a really good group of investors who I think are loyal. Alistair can be pretty convincing.”

  “What time is your flight?”

  “Bloody early. I’ll take the rental car back when I leave for the airport.”

  “What? You don’t want me to go with you?” She looks absolutely stricken. I reach across the table to take one of her hands in mine. It’s the left hand and I can’t help but admire the way my ring looks on her finger, the way the diamond glitters in the sunlight. This is absolutely meant to be and I’ve no doubt things with Alistair will be wrapped up quickly. Hopefully I won’t have to sacrifice too much of my pride to make it happen.

  “It’s only a quick trip. I’ll be back before you know it.”

  But things with Alistair take longer than expected and I feel like a fucking liar. Not to mention, I convinced Milly she didn’t need to go the airport so I also feel like a total prick.

  When I land in London, I race to Seamus’s office. “Have any investors jumped ship yet?” It’s the first thing I ask him.

  “Mills and Barnes are waffling,” he tells me with an uneasy face. “The rest are solid.”

  “How much will Alistair get if Mills and Barnes sell their interest?”

  “Not much. Around five percent.”

  I nod my approval. “If that’s all he gets, fine but I need you to do something for me. Alistair is recently engaged to Vanessa Hargreaves. Find out what kind of deal my brother has with his future father-in-law. Alistair is broke so the money to buy out Mills and Barnes is coming from somewhere.”

  Milly was right to question Alistair’s motives. Something is making him eager to get me involved in his plan and I suspect it has something to do with his recent engagement. Seamus agrees to look into the matter and before I leave his office, I call to check in with Milly. I give her a quick rundown of the day’s events

  “You have two more days, sir. And then I’m finding another Ben Waterstone to marry.”

  “Absolutely not,” I scoff.

  “Don’t tempt me. Wrap it up so we can get hitched.”

  “Yes ma’am.”

  When our conversation ends, I head to the pub for a pint.

  “What the fuck are you doing here,” Lewis bellows from behind the bar. “Did your bird fly the nest already?”

  “No, you wanker. My idiot brother is making my life a bit difficult at the moment.”

  “Yeah. He came sniffing around here earlier. Didn’t stay long.”

  “What did he say?”

  “Nothing. Just wiped his fingers along the bar top and scowled like a prick. Then he walked away.”

  God, Alistair is so uppity sometimes. The title, which really means nothing, has gone right to his head.

  “Tosser,” I mutter right before I lift my pint to my lips and take a sip.

  The next morning, I get bad news from Seamus.

  “Victor Hargreaves is making moves against your investors. Mills and Barnes sold out to Alistair, but Victor is going big. He’s going after Wilkes.”

  Jagger Wilkes was my first, and largest, investor. He owns the most shares and is the shrewdest businessman I know. In addition to the twenty percent, he also has veto power. Even if everyone agrees on a plan, he can ruin everything with just the swipe of his pen.

  “Set up a meeting. See what he wants,” I tell Seamus.

  “He doesn’t have to,” Jagger says, walking into the room. “I’m right here and I can tell you what I want.”

  A lump forms in my throat and my stomach drops. Will I have to make a deal with one devil to get rid of another?

  “You own a few properties in Battersea Reach. I’d like to take those off your hands.”

  “You can fuck right off if you think you’re getting those! They’re worth more than your twenty-percent.” His request is non-negotiable. I worked hard for each and every one of those properties.

  “Well, then I guess I’ll be selling to your brother and Victor Hargreaves. They’ll have twenty-five percent and veto power.”

  My hand balls into a fist. I’d love to send it right through Jagger’s smug, satisfied look. How dare he trade his loyalty for million-pound properties. But I know better than to accept the first offer and I’m not just going to walk away.

  “I’ll give you two of those properties.” I counter. “And I happen to know a few more owners will be selling soon.”

  Jagger appears not interested. “I want all of the units, Ben.”

  “Not going to happen. These properties aren’t for sale but I’m willing to negotiate.”

  “Fine. I’ll give you what you paid for them.”

  I glance toward Seamus who raises an eyebrow. “I need to talk it over with him first.”

  Jagger leaves us and Seamus pulls out the books. He studies them for a few minutes before glancing up at me. “I’m not your accountant but it looks like a good deal.”

  With my hands on my hips, I nod. “I’ll talk with him. Tell me what you found out about Alistair and Victor’s deal. Why is Hargreaves so interested in the expansion of Waterstone Hall?”

  Seamus sits back in chair and reaches for a cigar. “Now, that’s interesting. Hargreaves Development signed a contract with Waterstone Hall for the exclusive rights to build more lodges.”

  “What? I didn’t sign any contract.”

  He lights the cigar and takes a long drag before exhaling the smoke. “Didn’t think so. Their contract is null and void if your signature is forged. I’ve already requested copies of the contract. You don’t need to worry about this, Ben. I’ll shut down their deal.”

  Seamus is a man I can trust and when he tells me not to worry, I believe him. I sit down on the black leather sofa across from his desk. There’s a crystal decanter full of Scotch on the coffee table in front of me and I lean forward to pour two drinks. “Have a drink with me Seamus, because in the very, very near future, I’m going to be a married man.”

  Milly

  I am not one of those girls who pouts until she gets her way. I don’t throw fits very often, and not without good reason. But Ben has been gone almost two weeks and right now, it seems like the perfect time to have an epic meltdown.

  “This is so unfair,” I tell Ben over the phone. “It’s like they’re holding you hostage.”

  “I know. This is a tricky situation. Too many complicated deals happening all at once.”

  “But it all has a happy ending, right? Alistair is stopped, George keeps his property and your businesses don’t suffer.”

  “Well……..”

  I don’t like the sound of that. “What does that mean?”

  “I’ve had to part with a few choice flats in Battersea Reach to appease one of my investors.”

  “How is that fair?”

  “Jagger Wilkes was my first investor; I had to make him happy or risk losing him.”

  My eyes flick up to the calendar above my desk. “When do you think you’re going to come back? We only have sixty days to get married.”

  “Not that long, sweetheart! I’ll be shagging you senseless by week’s end, wait and see. Now, let’s talk about a honeymoon.”

  “A honeymoon isn’t necessary, Ben.”

  “Of course it is! And I’ve already planned it. Total secret.”

  A slow smile spreads across my lips. The idea of a secret honeymoon thrills me more than expected. “What should I pack?”

  “Absolutely nothing.”

  “So, you want everyone to see me naked?”

  “On second thought, bikinis and lingerie. Maybe a dress and one of those kaftan things. You’ll be wearing as little as possible.”
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br />   “Is this the trip where I find out you own an overwater bungalow in Bali?”

  Ben scoffs. “Don’t be ridiculous, Milly.”

  A laugh bubbles its way to the surface followed by a sigh. “I really do love you, Ben. And I can’t wait to be your wife.”

  “That’s it. Business be damned. I’m hopping on the earliest flight back to America!”

  I don’t believe him until he calls me from the airport the next day. “This is really embarrassing but I need your address.”

  “For what?” I’m barely awake and have not been properly caffeinated. “Are you sending me something?”

  “I need to give it to the Uber driver.”

  Who needs coffee when your fiancé is waiting at the airport unexpectedly? “What? You’re actually in Boston?”

  “You didn’t believe me?”

  “No, I didn’t.”

  “Bloody hell, woman! Do you want to get married or not?”

  I give him my address and after calculating how long it will take him to arrive, I hop out of bed and take the shortest shower in history. The moment I hear his feet on the steps in the hallway outside, I race to the door and throw it open. His foot touches the landing and I launch myself at him, wrapping my arms and legs around him and peppering his cheeks with kisses until finally, I reach his lips.

  He tastes so good. Like home. Like love. Like forever. Like mine.

  His arms hold me tight as he carries me back inside. We kiss and kiss and kiss until we’re breathless. Until I taste salt because I’m crying buckets of tears.

  “I’ll never doubt you again,” I breathe out through my sniffles.

  “As much as I’d love to shag you, let’s call city hall and see if we can get married tomorrow.”

  * * *

  On a Thursday morning, Ben and I travel via a sleek, black town car to Boston City Hall. Today, we’re getting married. All around us, people are commuting to work, getting ready to start their day and I’m on my way to becoming Mrs. Benjamin Waterstone.

  Despite it being almost September, the city is brutally hot. Thankfully, Ben’s light blue suit is linen and he looks so damn handsome in it. Right before we exit the car, he adjusts his polka dotted tie and winks.

  “You look absolutely stunning,” Ben says as he reaches out a hand to me. His eyes travel the length of my body and his lips form the biggest grin I’ve ever seen.

  The sheer lace tea length dress is a bit formal for a wedding at City Hall but when I saw it in the window of a bridal shop, I knew it was perfect. The straps are thin, ideal for the hot, sunny day and the skirt flares out just above my knees.

  “Thank you,” I reply quietly.

  When Ben came back from London, we called City Hall straight away to see if they had an opening the next day. Since they don’t perform wedding ceremonies on Wednesdays, we had to wait and snatched the only available appointment.

  So, here we are at 9:50 am, dressed in our wedding best, walking hand-in-hand into City Hall.

  “Are you nervous,” Ben asks as we wait.

  I suck in a sharp breath and think for a moment. “No, I’m not. I’m totally confident we are meant to be together. I’m ready to become your wife.”

  The City Clerk calls us and begins to perform the very simple ceremony. When it’s time for the vows, Ben holds up a hand and asks if he can say his own. The Clerk looks taken aback but finally relents after Ben agrees to pay the late fee for the next couple.

  He reaches out and takes both of my hands, his thumbs stroking the backs. His legs shake and for the first time, I see a hint of nerves.

  “Milly Elizabeth Hanson, you are my happily ever after. You are the kindest woman I know. I love your sense of adventure and your courage to try new things. I promise to be the cure to your wanderlust forever but to always give you the freedom to roam. I promise to explore the world beside you as your partner and husband. I promise to love you faithfully until the day I die. Today, I commit myself to you for all eternity.”

  As he slips the simple wedding band onto my finger, someone sniffles quietly. We both turn to catch the City Clerk wiping tears from his cheeks.

  “Do you have your own as well,” the Clerk asks.

  I don’t but I lie and say, “Yes.” Idiot. Ben’s vows were amazing and now I’m going to sound foolish.

  “Benjamin Michael Waterstone, today, I finally become your wife. It seems like I’ve waited a lifetime for this moment but in reality, it’s only been a few short months. And in that time, I’ve found my partner, my soul mate, my forever. I promise to support all of your endeavors and to be the beacon guiding you home after a long day or a difficult journey. I promise to love you unconditionally and faithfully until I take my last breath. And I promise to never take for granted the love, respect, and freedom you give to me. Today, I commit myself to you for all eternity.”

  “Copycat,” Ben whispers, causing me to giggle.

  The Clerk clears his throat, wipes away more tears and finishes the ceremony. On time.

  “Can I kiss my wife now,” Ben asks.

  “You better,” I tease.

  When we kiss as husband and wife, it feels like the first time. There are butterflies in my stomach waiting for the moment when our lips will finally connect. My nerves settle when Ben leans forward slightly, brushes his hand across my cheeks and places a soft kiss on my lips. I take a step forward and kiss him back, gripping the lapels of his jacket in my hands. I kiss him hard and deep, sealing my promises to him forever.

  “Are you ready for the adventure of a lifetime, Mrs. Waterstone?”

  The sound of my new name makes me positively giddy. My heart thumps wildly in my chest. I’m Mrs. Waterstone! “Absolutely Mr. Waterstone but only if it will last forever.”

  Milly

  The Mediterranean Sea is an ideal place for a honeymoon. But if you’re my husband, cruising the Mediterranean Sea aboard a super yacht is the perfect honeymoon. Especially if your plans were delayed.

  As planned, after our wedding, I applied for my new visa and Ben paid the obscene fee to have my application expedited. We waited until I was cleared to travel before returning to London because he still had business to finish.

  The deal with Jagger Wilkes was straightforward and settled quickly. It guaranteed Jagger’s loyalty and gave Ben the reassurance he needed to continue his path to success as a restauranteur.

  Dealing with Alistair took a bit longer. Until Ben realized the only way to stop his brother was to buy George’s property himself.

  “I don’t understand. I thought you wanted George to keep his home.” I needed clarification because Ben’s plan was confusing.

  “I do, and he can live there for as long as he wants. Or he can retire and move to Spain if he wants. Either way, it blocks Alistair from owning George’s land and prevents him from turning Waterstone Hall into a full-blown mini break resort!”

  Surprisingly, George was amenable to Ben’s offer and accepted it. Also, not surprisingly, Ben’s family was livid when they discovered what he’d done. Alistair came to our flat to confront Ben and there was a lot of shouting. I tried to keep track of how many times Ben said “fuck” but it became too confusing after a while.

  “You know the solution to our problem, Alistair. You’re just too big of a fucking wanker to do anything,” Ben goaded his brother. “Buy me out.”

  “You know I don’t have the fucking money to do that.”

  “Then get the fuck out of my flat and don’t fucking talk to me ever again unless it’s through my lawyer.”

  After the big blow out with Alistair, Ben’s mother called. Their conversation was more polite but ended much the same way.

  “Mum, there’s only one solution and unfortunately, Alistair doesn’t have the money to buy my half of the estate. So, until that happens, kindly leave me and Milly the fuck alone.” There was a slight pause before Ben said, “Please give dad my love. Bye.”

  When the phone call ended, I flopped across the sofa and s
ighed dramatically. “Can we please just go on our honeymoon already? I have a suitcase full of nothing packed!”

  Honestly, it didn’t even feel like we were even married. Once we returned to London, we lived separate lives for a few weeks while Ben handled business. The only indication we were newlyweds was the sex. So much dirty, delicious sex. It was like we were both insatiable teenagers. But I wanted my husband all to myself for a while; I hated sharing him with lawyers and investor meetings.

  “We’re leaving tomorrow,” Ben informed me matter-of-factly.

  * * *

  This super yacht Ben chartered is massive. It’s shiny and sleek but since we came aboard, I haven’t seen much of it. My only priorities including sleeping, eating the fresh, delicious Italian food, and sunbathing on the upper deck.

  “That bikini is obscene,” Ben drools. “I love it.”

  I adjust the tiny emerald green cups of the top a bit and recline further in my lounger. “Just following your orders, Mr. Waterstone.”

  Ben leans down and kisses me thoroughly. His finger trails down my chest, in between my breasts, and catches on the fabric of my bikini. He tugs it down until the strings around my neck have no choice but to loosen. Ben pulls the scrap of fabric away from my body and tosses it to the ground.

  “That’s much better,” he says with a devilish smile. My hands fly up to cover myself but he stops me. “We’re in the middle of the Mediterranean and the crew have been ordered to disappear. No one will see you.”

  This is one of the reasons I love Ben. He pushes my boundaries but ensures my safety.

  He arranges himself on the lounger next to mine. His well-muscled body and tattoos are on full display. My mouth waters at the sinful things his navy-blue swimsuit is doing for his lower half.

  “Do you want a glass of champagne?” He offers.

  “No thank you.”