“I’ll send her plane tickets for any time she wants, just let me know when. Do you think she could come out early?” he asked.
“Well, I doubt it, but I can ask. She could stay with us, it would be fun.” She said, beginning to get really excited.
“Maybe I’ll ask my mom if she can stay at the estate, I don’t know if I could keep my hands off you while she was here.” He said, sliding his hand up her leg, sending shivers of desire shooting through her stomach.
“You’re freezing, let’s go upstairs and get you warmed up. I can think of a few ways to get you nice and warm.” He said, his hand continuing its explorations.
*****
Kendra was on the phone to her mother as soon as the time difference would allow. Her mother, while happy about the wedding, was a little concerned about how quickly the whole thing had happened. Being involved in the process might help her to see how wonderful Remy and his family were. She was also hoping that her mom might be able to come early.
Her mother was not only thrilled with the idea but able to come early, since Remy was going to pay for the plane ticket and she wouldn’t have to pay for a hotel, it would be an entire month early. She had already planned it, but was glad that Kendra had asked. Kendra wasn’t the least bit surprised to learn that Barbra had already been in touch with her mother. They had made the plans together, just the first of many they would make.
Kendra had decided that the best idea was to just let her mother and Barbra have their way. Left on their own they would plan the perfect wedding, Barbra knew about planning and executing lavish celebrations and her mother knew her. It would be the perfect combination. In only two weeks, they had finalized the guest list, picked out invitations, and chosen the wedding party.
She was headed to the estate now to go over their choices and give her final approval. There had been no mention of the wedding dress, but she knew the topic would be coming up soon. Kendra had been willing to give on most of the decisions, but she wasn’t going to be married in anything that had underskirts, hoops, miles of lace, or jewels.
She was sad that her mother wouldn’t be there to help her pick it out but it couldn’t wait. If alterations were needed, it would take time and they were only a few months from the big day. Kendra decided that she would talk to Barbra about it tonight. Her plan was to ask Margot to go with her first, they could select a few that she liked best, then bring Barbra to see those few. She hoped to avoid any confrontations this way.
Barbra greeted her warmly when she got to the estate. They settled in the family room, which was furnished for comfort.
“I can’t wait to show you everything we’ve done.” Barbra was clearly excited.
“I’m so glad you and my mom are getting along so well, most mother in laws hate each other.” Kendra said.
Waving her thanks away, Barbra said, “Oh, she’s a doll. We’re having so much fun.”
Over the next hour, she and Barbra went over the guest list and Kendra even managed to get her to take a few names off. She loved the invitations they had chosen and was satisfied with the members of the wedding party. She didn’t know many of them, but Barbra cheerfully assured her, she would get to know them at all the engagement parties they would be attending.
“Engagement parties...” Kendra said, clearly confused.
“Oh, my yes, everyone will want to host the happy couple. The older family members will all host dinner parties in your honor. It’s a tradition that dates back hundreds of years, when a couple was engaged they would make the rounds of the elder family members seeking their approval. The dinners have survived, although the need for elder approval certainly hasn’t.” Barbra explained.
“Just how many parties are we talking about?” Kendra asked, “I have to work and nights are my busy time.”
“Don’t worry, I’ve already talked to the family and we’ve agreed on eight. One every two weeks until the wedding. That will allow the groups to be small enough that everyone will have a chance to talk to you a little.” Barbra said.
“I suppose I will need clothes for these parties. I don’t think I’ve ever owned that many outfits at once. Will you help me pick out the right things?”
“Of course, we’ll call my personal shopper and she’ll do all the work. It’s nice sometimes to have money.” Barbra said, reaching for her address book.
“So she’ll pick out clothes and bring them to me?” Kendra said, thinking she might be able to handle that.
“Believe it or not, I hate shopping. This way I know I’ll have choices that are tailored to me, not half the world.”
“I could get used to that.” Kendra said, thinking that here finally was a benefit of being rich.
Kendra knew that the time had come to talk about the wedding dress, she didn’t want Barbra sending her personal buyer out looking for her wedding dress.
“Barbra, I wanted to talk to you about my wedding dress. I really appreciate all you and mom have been doing for the wedding, but I want to pick out my own dress.”
“Well...I had already put some thought into the dress but if you don’t like what I’ve found, you can pick something else. Will you take a look? I think it’s perfect for you.”
Kendra followed her upstairs to one of the bedrooms on the second floor. There hanging on a rack was the most beautiful wedding dress she had ever seen. It was ivory, not white, which was what Kendra had wanted. The color would make her skin glow. There were no flounces, lace or jewels. It was simple with classic lines, clearly old.
“It was Remy’s grandmother’s dress. I thought it would be perfect for you. Try it on, let’s see how it looks.” Barbra said, seeing Kendra’s face when she saw the dress.
Kendra wasted no time, stripping off her clothes and slipping into the dress. It fit like it was made for her, showing off all her best features. She was speechless when she saw her reflection in the mirror. Close to tears, she threw her arms around Barbra and gave her a big hug.
“It’s all I ever imagined. How did you know?” Kendra asked.
“It’s been hanging in the storage closet for years just waiting for you. Welcome to the family.”
*****
Time flew and before Kendra and Remy knew it the wedding was only a week away. Her brother had arrived safely, but was avoiding the preparations by hanging out with Remy. Their mothers had everything well in hand, any last minute emergencies would be handled with as much efficiency as everything else had been.
Kendra had endured one dinner party after another, some had actually been fun, but she was ready for the entire affair to be over. The one benefit of all the fuss and bother was that Kendra was more than sure she would be able handle being the matron of the family.
She would be taking the next three weeks off from the restaurant, but this time she had gotten someone to cover for her. She and Remy would be spending two weeks touring Italy. She was looking forward to tasting true Italian cooking, and maybe bringing some new ideas home with her.
As they sat, bundled up, on the balcony with only 7 days until they would be husband and wife, Remy too, was ready for the whole experience to be over. He had been pulled from one place to another, doing all those traditional things his mother thought were so important. He’d spent more time with his family in the last two months, than he had in his entire life.
“Are you ready for the big day?” Remy asked.
“Honestly, I have mixed emotions. On the one hand it’s been so nice having my mom here, but on the other, I think that if I had to go to one more dinner party my clothes wouldn’t fit.” Kendra said.
“I know what you mean. We should have just snuck off and gotten married. It would have been easier.”
“Yeah, and our mothers wouldn’t have talked to us for years. It probably would have taken grandchildren to get them to forgive us.” Kendra said, shaking her head.
“I just wish you didn’t have to go stay at the estate for a week. I’ve gotten
used to you being around, don’t know if I’ll be able to sleep.”
“Somehow I doubt it's sleep you’re worried about going without.” Kendra said, snuggling up against him suggestively.
“Keep doing that, and you won’t be going anywhere anytime soon.” Remy said, reaching around and cupping her breast in his big hand.
“Well, tradition might dictate that we can’t see each other for a week before the wedding, but there are no rules that say we can’t make the most of the last few hours we have.
“What an excellent idea.” She said, pulling him inside the apartment.
*****
The morning of the wedding dawned clear and bright. It would be a lovely winter day, the perfect day for a wedding in Paris. There would be heaters to keep the tents warm, but they might not even be needed until that night. The house was full of people and more would be attending the ceremony and reception after.
Extra help had been brought in to help take care of everyone staying at the house, plus the caterers and workers setting up for the ceremony, so there were people everywhere. Kendra was sequestered in her room, waiting for her bride’s maids to join her for a private brunch while they were getting ready for the ceremony. Barbra had been right, she had gotten to know her bride’s maids and found them all to be great company. Of course, Margot was her maid of honor and had been her rock though all the preparations.
She was the first to arrive, full of smiles and giggles. “I’m so excited, today is going to be wonderful.”
“I’m so nervous, I don’t know how I’m going to get through today. Everyone will be watching me, what if I trip.” Kendra said, pacing the room.
“Enough of that. You’re a world renowned chef, you were on a television show that was watched by millions of people. I think you can handle a short walk down the aisle.” Margot said, pushing Kendra into a chair and making her a plate from the buffet set up in the room.
“You’re right.” Kendra said, squaring her shoulders.
Just then the rest of the bride’s maids arrived and the rest of the morning and early afternoon flew by as makeup artists and stylists worked their magic, transforming each of the girls into a vision of beauty.
Kendra had never been this pampered in her entire life. From the tip of her toes to the top of her head, each piece of skin, every muscle had been worked over. She glowed and felt like it. When it came time to put on her dress, everyone gathered around to help. Surrounded as she was it wasn’t until they stepped back and she got a look at herself that she realized that this was really happening.
Just then her mother and Barbra stepped into the room to see if everyone was ready. One look at Kendra and they both teared up. Barbra was the first to give Kendra a big hug and ask if she was ready. Kendra could only nod her head yes. Satisfied, Barbra rounded up everyone else but Kendra’s mother and shooed them out of the room.
“Let’s give them a few minutes.” Barbra said, gesturing for everyone to leave.
Kendra and her mother had been able to spend a lot of time together over the last month, so there wasn’t a lot left to say.
“Honey, I love you and want you to be happy. I’ve seen how Remy looks at you and you at him, you two will be just fine. But I do want you to remember that marriage takes work. Put in the time and you will have a happy marriage.” She said, pulling a small box out of her pocket.
“Oh, I think I’ve already had a good dose of making things work.” Kendra said.
“Yeah, I suppose you’ve already gotten an idea of how to compromise.” Her mom said, handing her the box.
“Your father gave this necklace to me on our wedding day. I want you to have it now. I may not have had him with me for long, but I loved him deeply. We too had our problems, but when he was at his most frustrating or we were fighting, I would get this out and wear it. It always made me feel better.” Her mom said, giving her a hug.
“Thank you, mom. I’ll treasure it always, but I think I’ll wear it when I’m missing you.”
“Alright, no more mushy stuff. Let’s get you married.”
The grounds were a vision of white, lavender, and peach, Kendra’s favorite colors. Hundreds of guests were seated under the giant tents that would later provide dinner seating and a dance floor. Remy’s dad was going to give Kendra away since her dad couldn’t, so he was waiting for Kendra when she came out of the house.
“Ready?” He said, taking her arm. “You look incredible, my grandmother would have been proud to see you in that dress.”
Kendra was only able to smile, her heart was beating so hard and she felt like she could hardly breathe. Taking a deep breath, she nodded her head and they began the long trip down the aisle. Her legs were shaking as she walked, but as soon as she saw Remy at the end of the aisle, her heart calmed and she was able to breathe again.
If she had any doubts about this marriage, seeing him standing there in his tux, looking as nervous as she, those doubts disappeared. She truly loved him and they would have a wonderful life together. It might not always be easy, they were different in many ways, but together they would make it work.
As she joined Remy at the altar, Kendra looked into his eyes to see a few tears. Smiling, she took his hand and gave it a gentle squeeze, returning her smile, then together they turned to face the minister. With all the traditions that had been a part of getting married she had expected the ceremony to be a long one, but instead it was a simple but moving event.
When the minister pronounced them husband and wife, Remy kissed her and the rest of the world melted away. They would have the rest of their lives together, but first they had a wonderful party to attend. Their mother’s had planned the perfect reception and everyone was ready to enjoy themselves.
The party lasted well into the night, everyone drank and ate until they couldn’t hold any more. Kendra and Remy greeted and chatted with as many guests as they could, but finally, completely worn out Kendra suggested that it was time for them to leave.
After the garter and the bouquet were thrown, the top of the cake stashed, Remy and Kendra changed their clothes and jumped in the limo that would take them to the airport. They were flying to Italy tonight and staying in the best hotel for a few days. Then they would tour the country, staying in small hotels and inns for the rest of their stay.
Once they were on the plane, they could both relax, the next two weeks belonged to them. No work, no family, no interruptions.
“So, tell me do you feel different now that you’re an old married lady?” Remy asked, nuzzling her neck.
“Mm, that feels the same.” She said, tilting her head to give him better accesses.
“Good thing this flight is only an hour and a half, I might not be able to behave myself much longer than that. It’s been a whole week since we’ve been together, I seriously considered climbing up the side of the house. ”
“I would have left the window open if you’d called. Of, course your mother put me on the third floor, probably because she knew you might try that.” She said, with a smile.
“Yeah, I asked her which room she put you in, and she was much too proud of herself for that little move.” He said, shaking his head.
“Well, no more separate rooms for us, unless you develop a snoring habit.” She said, snuggling into his arms. “I’m going to sleep a bit, it’s been a long day.”
Chapter 8
The honey moon had been everything they had hoped for. They had never really had time by themselves, no matter where they were someone was always demanding their attention. Even when they had been traveling last fall, there had been dinner meetings and tea with the wives. It had been wonderful to do what they wanted when they wanted to. Including staying in bed the entire day, making love and planning the future.
As their trip was winding down, Remy’s mother called, she had promised not to call and had held to that promise. Kendra could tell from his body language that it was bad news. His shoulders were slumped
and he was tapping his foot, a sure sign that he was upset.
When he finished the call, it took him a minute to get his emotions under control.
“Father has had a stroke.” He said, reaching for Kendra.
She went willingly into his arms, “How bad is it?” She asked.
“He’s going to be okay, but he’s lost some function on the left side. It’s fairly minor and should return to normal but it’s going to take time.”
“We need to go home. I’ll go downstairs and use the computer, get us plane reservations, and we’ll get there as fast as we can.” Kendra said.
“Okay, I’ll start packing.” He started to get up from the couch, but Kendra enveloped him in a big hug before letting him go.
They landed late that night and went straight to the hospital, Remy’s father was doing fine but Remy needed to see him, just to reassure himself. It was after visiting hours but the nurse let them in for just a few minutes. His father was awake and happy to see them, but sorry that they had cut their trip short.
They only stayed for a few minutes, promising to come back tomorrow. Remy was relieved that his father appeared fairly unchanged. The doctors said he would make a full recovery and he would be able return to work soon. In the meantime Remy would fill in for his father, it was winter so the work load was light. He assumed he would be able to handle any minor problems that might creep up in his father’s absence.
Back home they both fell into bed exhausted, it had been almost 24 hours since they had slept. Cuddled up together, sleep claimed them before they could even say goodnight.
The next morning Kendra went to the hospital while Remy went to the office, the staff needed to be assured that it would be business as usual and Remy was the best person to deliver that message. Most of the staff had been with the company for years and were like family, in fact most had been at the wedding.
Je t'aime: A Billionaire BWWM French Man Marriage Romance Page 8
