by Tara Brent
To that end, every night we Skype with Mia back in San Francisco, to discuss the arrangements. We’ve all agreed that the wedding should be in San Francisco, it will be so much easier for guests and family. We suggested Mia find us a Wedding Planner but she wants to organize it herself. She loves to be busy and seeing as it also involves catering, she’s perfect for the role.
Since he joined us, Callum has been in his element. He adores Nico’s ranch and is very spoiled by his two grandma’s. Calvin’s mom is lovely. She’s a born and bred Texan and she’s been educating Ali and me on the history of the area.
Calvin finally got around to telling me about his plans for our new home. When he realized I already had an inkling, he said that Ali and I are attached by our brains. Our new home's still being built. Calvin and my mom had some input on the design. She knows exactly what my dream house should look like. I've nattered to her enough over the years and made enough drawings of it when I was a child. Always the house stays the same in my mind. They’d kept it a secret until the financial side deal was complete. I’m getting used to living in Texas. Even though it's only been a few months, I don't miss San Francisco and my old way of life.
Living in the middle of nowhere will be a little bit daunting. I’m used to civilization being close by. Our closest neighbors will be Nico and Ali's ranch. Even then it will be a drive, or even a horse ride, to get to them. The house won’t be ready before the wedding, so we'll be staying at Nico’s until then. The prospect of running a horse ranch is also a little daunting. Calvin thought of everything and invited the previous owner to stay on to help us settle and learn the ropes, pun intended. There's a separate house for the ranch hands which is the owner's old ranch house. We decided to leave it standing as it had too much character to pull down.
Mom’s decided she’s going to live in the older ranch house, along with the staff, as she wants to be the main cook. She hasn’t had any independence for such a long time and believes this is her calling. It's her means of contributing to the new venture. I felt appalled at the idea of my mom working, but she’s threatening to stay with Ali if I don’t let her. It seems we’re all adapting to our new lifestyle.
“My belly's fat,” Ali interrupts me from my thoughts. “For the first time in my life, I want to get big and fat.”
“Don’t rush it, girl,” I tell her. “Once you’re waddling around ‘cos of a big fat baby, you’ll be wanting it all over with.”
My phone rings and I answer.
“What? Really? Are you certain? ” I say, my eyes going wide with dismay. “Okay, okay, I will do, thanks, Trevor. I’ll see you soon.”
“Is that Trevor, the doctor that I’m seeing?” Ali asks, not hiding her curiosity.
“Y...y...yes,” I reply, stuttering with a cheesy grin on my face.
“Well, spit it out,” she insists. “What are you grinning at?”
“I...erm...I dropped off a urine sample thinking I had a UTI,” I explain. My stomach has a million butterflies flapping around inside. “It...seems...I’m pregnant too!”
“What!” Ali screams in excitement. “Oh, Tiffany this is fantastic, our babies will be like sisters, or brothers, or sister and brother.” She gets confused with all the possible options, but she's right.
I can’t wait to tell Callum he’s going to be a brother," I say. "Better still, I can’t wait to tell Calvin we’re having another child."
The Big Day
Today the big day has finally arrived, it’s our wedding day.
Calvin
With the news of another baby, I didn’t think I could love Tiffany any more than I already do, but when I see her in that wedding dress it takes my breath away.
Choosing the venue was easy. With Mia as our Wedding Planner, we decided on our family hotel in San Francisco. We've taken over the top two floors for a week, so our guests can stay there, and so can we. I want to give Tiffany a wedding she’ll never forget. Initially, she was against a big wedding but everyone else was so keen and she didn’t want to spoil it for Ali, so she agreed. I do feel for them both though as three-quarters of the guests here are complete strangers to them. Mia's making sure they're both the center of attention and she's done a great job of organizing it all.
All over our floors of the renaissance style hotel, are bouquets of the most exquisite flowers I've ever seen. I’ve been all around the globe and never seen anything like them. Not that I’m knowledgeable about flowers but each floor is pungent with the sweet aroma of nature's own scent. I don’t know how Mia has done it, but I know it pleases Tiffany, so it pleases me too. The rooftop is already fitted out with water features and potted trees and flora. The setting is perfect and this will be a day to remember for the rest of our lives.
We all four stand together in front of the official woman who is about to conduct the ceremony. Finally, we get to the part where we've said our vows and I place the ring on Tiffany's long, delicate finger. I can feel her hand has a slight tremor. It makes me want to embrace her and tell her not to be so nervous but all eyes are upon us. Instead, I lift the delicately embroidered veil from her face and speak to her with my eyes. Her body relaxes as she looks back at me, and I’m pleased I've managed to put her at ease. That’s my job, to care for my wife. I want to be the one who makes her feel safe and secure. I can’t believe how lucky I am that we've come together again, and now, here we are getting married. The official says you can now kiss the bride, and I do.
Tiffany
There are so many people here and most of them I've never met. Yet, they're all here to see me and Ali marry two handsome Italian brothers. As Calvin takes my hand to place the ring on my finger, my hand trembles. The reassuring look he gives me soon settles my nerves. He looks so handsome in his tuxedo. I feel a stirring between my legs and my thoughts immediately turn to my marriage bed tonight.
My dress is an exquisite lacy design by Oscar de la Renta. Though not in any way revealing, it does accentuate my shape which is now showing the tell-tale bump of our child. Ali chose a more daring design, although it covers her leg that's still in a brace. She's chosen a low back, low front, and all the ruffles and sparkles that any wedding dress could possibly ever have. Even though her bump is bigger than ever.
Of course, Callum plays the most important role in our wedding so he feels a part of it. The whole day is like a fairy tale as we go from one wonder to the next. I was at my most nervous as Calvin put on my ring, but now it's all over. The guests follow us as we descend from the rooftop down a large, ornate staircase in the center of the reception area. Bright camera flashes blind us as the uninvited media take their photographs. This is a well-publicized event and will be all over the society magazines this weekend. I would have preferred a more informal occasion but I’ve accepted how much my life is about to change. The Luca family are far more influential than I thought. It's something I have to accept if I want to be with the man I love.
I feel an overwhelming sense of relief when the ceremony finally ended. As I leave the crowd, I quickly down one of Mia’s famous cocktails. Calvin whispers in my ear asking if I’m ready to be introduced to my wedding guests. I’m grateful for the alcohol in Mia's drink. If anything, it calms my nerves for the moment I’ve been dreading. I promise myself this is my last alcoholic drink while I am pregnant. Now to meet hundreds of complete strangers. Fortunately, the four of us do it together, which is a great relief. Still, it takes over an hour to go round every single table and meet business acquaintances, friends and distant family members. By the end of the day, I’m exhausted.
As the sun begins to set, it all comes to an end. I’ve loved marrying the man of my dreams. All four of us ride away in a carriage pulled by four beautiful horses. No expense has been spared for this day, and I will remember it for the rest of my life.
Finally, I kiss Callum goodbye and our carriage takes us to the yacht. There we will spend the night. Tomorrow, we fly to some exotic destination that I can’t even pronounce. Nico and Ali are post
poning their honeymoon as her date is almost due. They'll take the boat out for a few days and do something together when their baby arrives.
I lean into my husband's arms and he places a hand on my tummy. As if on cue, our baby kicks at his palm.
I must be one of the happiest women in the whole world, with Ali being the other.
I am looking forward to being Mrs. Luca-for the rest of my life.
The End
Chapter 1
A Preview - Curvy Attraction
“Jiminy Crickets; what in the heck am I going to do with a house this size?” murmured Bethany Ballard when she arrived in front of her newly inherited home.
“The neighbor’s house is even more imposing,” noted her father, Isaiah.
“Dad clearly that’s a hotel, don’t be a dingus,” she joked.
“That’s Fairfield County for you,” her dad said. “Here, let’s start getting your bags inside.”
“We’re a long way from Utah,” sighed Bethany. “It’s a lot to get used to at once. And to think, I was just starting to make headway in my career back home. Not that I mind the change, of course,” she added quickly. “And who am I to refuse Granny’s wishes?”
“My mom was definitely an oddball in life,” Isaiah said. “It was strange enough that she remarried an east-coast Jew—”
“Dad!”
“What? It’s unusual is all! But to think that she’d expect you to essentially uproot to come out here,” he shook his head. “I just don’t know. I suppose it’ll be a new adventure for you though, won’t it?”
“That’s for sure,” she said. “Probably should have tried to snag a job before the move though,” she added through a grimace. “I’d imagine that the upkeep for this house will be quite the burden.”
“Bunch of rich suburbanites with too much money and time on their hands sounds like prime clients for you,” her dad pointed out.
“I don’t know,” she said, shifting awkwardly. “I’d imagine that most of them want therapists who have some kind of doctorate, you know?”
He shrugged. “Well, there’s always Bridgeport and Norwalk.”
“Hardy-har,” she said. “I’m updating my CV but I guess I had a private practice back home. No reason I can’t start one up here.” She paused a moment. “Do you think we should introduce ourselves to the neighbor before we start moving things in earnest?”
"Let them come to you," said Isaiah, "I say we unload your things, and then I'll treat you to dinner somewhere around here. Sound good?"
She grinned. “I guess you’re right. Let’s get going!”
* * *
While sipping a cosmopolitan, Colleen Blackwood peered out her window at who she could only imagine was her new neighbor. She had been friendly with the prior owners, whose lives both ended tragically a couple months prior. Nathan Katz had only remarried (to one Judith Ballard) a few years prior. Before they could even get bored of one another—as Colleen believed all successful couples were wont to do—Nathan was diagnosed with a fairly severe case of cardiovascular disease, which they only discovered after a heart attack. He put on a smile and tried to focus on enjoying his remaining time with Judith, never for a moment expecting to outlive her. But thanks to a careless driver and slick roads, Judith died in an auto wreck. Nathan's heart gave out within a week. Colleen pursed her lips at the memory. The gall to actually die from a broken heart! So disgustingly poetic.
She knew that Nathan and his first wife never had any children, so it came as no surprise to Colleen that the pair below her looked so reminiscent of Judith with the same big blue eyes and strawberry-blond hair. The granddaughter (or so she assumed) even had Judith’s curvy features. Colleen pursed her lips. Well, she was not going to allow herself to be considered a bad neighbor.
“Orson,” she called out, swigging the last of her cosmopolitan.
Her butler made his presence known quickly. “Ma’am?”
“Another cosmo if you please. I’m going to meet our new neighbors.”
“I’ll have it at once,” he said, taking her empty glass.
Five minutes later, she made her way outside, glass in hand.
“Good evening,” she said aloud.
The young lady looked up. “Oh! Hi. You live next door?”
“For quite some time, yes,” she said. Colleen looked her new neighbor up and down. “I can only imagine that you are Judith’s granddaughter? You look quite alike.”
“You have a good eye,” said the young lady, smiling. She extended her hand. “Bethany Ballard. It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance.”
“Colleen Blackwood,” she said. “I admit that I did not know your grandmother especially well, but we were friendly enough. I got along with her better than I did her husband, at any rate. No offense meant, of course. Years ago he accused my late precious pooch, Theodora, of digging up his garden!”
“Well... did she?” asked Bethany awkwardly.
“That’s neither here nor there,” said Colleen. “One does not simply hurl accusations at Tibetan Mastiffs!”
“Aren’t those roughly ten grand a puppy?” asked Bethany, wide-eyed.
“You get what you pay for,” said Colleen simply. “Ah, so this must be your father?”
Bethany’s dad had just come back outside after carrying her suitcases inside. “Oh!” he said, “Hi there. The name’s Isaiah Ballard.”
“Isaiah? One does not meet many of those in a lifetime,” said Colleen.
“Well, it’s pretty common in Utah, believe it or not. But yeah, around here, can’t imagine there are all that many.”
“I see. Well, I would offer to help, save for my back. It’s more than a bit stiff. However, I do insist that you join me for dinner, if not tonight then soon.”
“That’s so nice of you!” said Bethany. “We were going to do a father-daughter thing tonight, but I would love to take you up on your offer soon. And perhaps I can return the favor soon thereafter.”
“Certainly. Well, enjoy. We should talk soon.” She began walking away.
“I’m going to bring this inside,” said Isaiah, heaving a cardboard box of electronics onto his shoulder and marching forth.
“Miss Blackwood?” asked Bethany.
Colleen stopped and turned. “Yes?”
“Well, thanks for being so nice. You could have just ignored us so it’s nice to feel welcome. Even if you are a bit cuckoo for cocoa puffs, you’re kind too. Not too shabby.”
“Kind is a word rarely used to describe me,” said Colleen, deliberately ignoring the implication that she was somehow driven crazy by chocolate breakfast cereal, “but I would be lying if the tragedy that befell your grandparents didn’t shake me to the core. I will make sure you are welcome here. Oh,” she added, wringing her hands slightly. “There is one thing.”
“Yes?”
“You may see a man visit my house from time to time. In all likelihood, he will be wearing all black. I would advise you to stay as far away from him as possible.”
“Is he dangerous?”
Colleen snorted. “Only if you are comfortable with your heart remaining unbroken. The man is a pestilence upon all the women who know him bar none. You seem sweet and somehow pure and it would be devastating to see a genuinely nice girl be caught up in his web.”
“If I might ask, Ms. Blackwood, why would he visit if you find him so terrible?”
“Because he is my...” she glanced to the side uncomfortably. “Well, he’s my younger brother. Much younger, I might add. He’s closer in age to you than to me, in fact.” Colleen took out a cigarette and lit it. Bethany wrinkled her nose. “You are welcome in my home any time and I am determined to help you settle in, but do yourself a favor and steer clear.”
Bethany laughed. “Right, cuz your lady-killing brother is going to waste time with the chubster next door.” Colleen raised an eyebrow. “What? I don’t care, I like how I look, and there are plenty of guys who would want aaaallllllllll of this,” she said, drizzli
ng her fingers down her torso. “But if he’s a typical player like you’re saying, doesn’t he only go out with skinny model-types?”
“Au contraire my dear,” said Colleen. “For better or worse, you are exactly his type.” With that, she strode off.
Bethany stood there, her heart slightly a-flutter. For better or worse, you are exactly his type.
Back home, Bethany was used to rules and living comfortably within the confines of said rules, whether they came from her family or her school or (most often) from her church. The rules made her feel secure and safe, even if her snarky attitude led most to think that safety wasn’t a prime concern for her.
But out here? A new home time zones away from where she grew up? All new possibilities, and as much as she liked Ms. Blackwood, being told not to do something made her want to do it all the more.
So even before meeting this man in black Bethany knew that she had a new mission in life.
...Then she remembered that she had no job or any means by which to maintain her new home. “All right,” she murmured, “Operation Defloration can hold off until I’ve resolved Operation Sustainable Income.”
“You just standing out here now?” asked Isaiah.
“Oh! Sorry, spaced out,” she said. “Okay yeah, I’ll come help.”
* * *
Colleen sat in front of the fire as her butler poured her a third glass of Jules Robin Vintage Cognac. “Thank you Orson,” she said.
“I see you greeted the new neighbors, ma’am?”
“Indeed. There is something enchanting about her. But I’m terrified that my... brother... will sink his talons into her eventually. Perhaps I am being selfish by getting close to her.”
“How do you mean, if I may be so bold?”
