The Ramseys Boxed Set

by Altonya Washington

  Quest and Michaela decided to keep Houston’s sudden disappearance away from the family until all the festivities had ended. In truth, they hadn’t thought much else about it once the wedding events began. The entire group was elated and truly happy for the bride and groom. People mingled, danced and ate from the huge pre-ceremony spread. The gathering was made even lovelier by the fact that Marcus had decided not to attend. Many thought little of it and it seemed that no one really missed him or Houston.

  ~~~

  Tykira and Bobbie arrived in the entryway to the room where the vows would be exchanged. Ty stood mesmerized by the enchanting scene that met her eyes. It was to be a night wedding and the sunroom was a vision of candlelight that flickered and danced all about. The room of glass windows and ceiling offered a captivating view of the starry wintery sky. A cello, flute, violin and oboe quartet completed the fairytale like ambience.

  Ty was a vision of classy chic in a creation of chiffon and satin. The gown itself was straight and accentuated her tall, svelte figure. The empire waistline cinched right below her breasts to emphasize their fullness. The sleeves were long and tapered to her wrists while a straight coat of chiffon trailed behind. The coat’s upturned collar flattered the graceful line of her neck that was adorned by a thin silver necklace, her only jewelry.

  Bobbie barely managed to keep her tears at bay. Tykira looked down at her mother and chuckled at her emotional state. Bobbie uttered a quick ‘shhh’ in response.

  “My big girl,” Bobbie cooed, pulling Ty close then. “All my love and happiness. You’ve waited so long,” she fiddled with the spiral curls that fell from Ty’s upswept coiffure to frame her face.

  “It was worth the wait, Mommie,” Ty sniffled when she and her mother pulled apart.

  Bobbie cupped Ty’s face and then turned to signal the quartet leader who instructed the group to segue into the wedding march.

  Satisfied, Bobbie nodded and winked at her daughter. “Let’s go get your man,” she said.

  Arm in arm, the two strode the aisle. Everyone ‘ahhed’ or grew misty eyed over the beautiful picture Ty made as well as the fact that her mother was giving her away.

  Tykira prayed she wouldn’t stumble when she caught sight of Quaysar. He stood between Quest-the best man- and the minister. He was riveting in a gorgeous black satin tux. His gaze was smoldering and intense and he watched Tykira as though there were nothing and no one else in the room.

  Side by side, the bride and groom turned to the minister who had married Quay’s parents. Sniffles could be heard from the audience as the minister delivered his sage words. The minute snap and crackle of the candles sounded ever so often. Then, the minister announced that the couple had vows to speak. He instructed Tykira to begin. Smiling demurely, she took a deep breath before turning to Quay.

  “I loved you the first time I met you Quay. Security and protection always surrounded me whenever you were near and somehow I always knew that no bad thing would ever touch me as long as you existed. My love for you never died or dwindled even through our darkest times.” She squeezed his hands tightly. “The only place I will ever want to be is by your side. I’ll love you forever.”

  The minister nodded and then instructed Quaysar to begin.

  “Tyke, I believe I loved you before I even knew I liked girls.” He cleared his throat and looked adorably nervous while the audience chuckled over his opening statement. “There’ve been so many ups and downs,” he continued, “I’ve done so many things to make myself forget you when our darkest times seemed they would never end. But I could never stop loving you. Now and forever the only place I’ll ever want you to be is by my side.” He raised both her hands and pressed a kiss to the back of each. “I love you. Always.”

  The minister cleared his throat to speak his binding words. “Now, by the power vested in me by the state of Georgia, I pronounce you husband and wife. Quaysar you may kiss your bride.”

  Cheers rose seconds after Quay pulled Ty into a crushing embrace.

  “Sisters and Brothers, may I present Mr. and Mrs. Quaysar and Tykira Ramsey!” The minister announced.

  Everyone rushed to their feet with more cheers and applause. Quay already had his wife in his arms and was carrying her down the aisle amidst a sea of colorful confetti and best wishes.

  ~~~

  “Quay where are we going?” Ty inquired, breathless from laughing. She saw that her husband hadn’t stopped walking. He headed right out of the sunroom, through the house and down the majestic front porch steps to the carriage that waited out front. “I thought we were taking a car to the airport?” she said.

  Quay’s midnight eyes twinkled gleefully as he settled her into the carriage. “Patience, Mrs. Ramsey.”

  Thoroughly content, Ty snuggled next to her husband when he joined her inside the cozy carriage. The walkway was lined with brass lamps that shed golden light to mark the path. Eventually, Ty realized they weren’t headed for the road, but deeper into the estate. She steeled herself against asking more questions and waited. Her eyes narrowed when she spotted a construction coming into view.

  “Quay,” she gasped, finally realizing where they were. “I had no idea it was still here. I didn’t even want to ask,” she clutched his hand while looking upon the quaint cottage where she and Quay first made love so long ago. It had obviously been completely refurbished for it looked newly built and freshly painted where it sat in the middle of the moonlit forest.

  Quay left the carriage and walked around to open her side. He cupped her face, holding her still before she could exit. “This place. Our place will always be here and we’ll be here for at least a week,” he dropped a kiss to her nose.

  “An entire week?” Ty marveled as he pulled her from the carriage and into his arms once more. “Just the two of us?” she smoothed her fingertips across his jaw.

  Quay shrugged. “With the exception of the caretakers and security guards who know they’ll be taking their lives into their own hands if they even think about disturbing us.”

  Ty looked back toward the cottage. “I never dreamed the next time I saw this place I would be your wife.”

  Quay stopped walking then. He planted a tender kiss just below her ear. “My wife, my love, my life,” he vowed.

  This Ends A Lover’s Pretense

  And Now:

  A Lover’s Mask

  A LOVER’S MASK

  THE RAMSEYS BOOK III

  PROLOGUE

  Seattle, Washington

  A brisk wind blew, adding an even deeper chill to the overcast mid-morning air. The Ramsey jets had just landed, following the return trip from Banff, Canada, where the family had just celebrated the completion of another Ramsey Group real estate project. As they departed the jets, some of the passengers were solemn, regarding the terrible scene at the dinner the night before. Others appeared weary or just downright wary.

  The dinner was supposed to be a celebration to announce the engagement of Quaysar Ramsey and his longtime love Tykira Lowery. The gathering however, was marred by the appearance of Wake Robinson. Wake, an old friend of Quaysar’s, chose to pay an unexpected visit and revealed various pieces of information regarding the night of Sera Black’s death. The murder of the teen had haunted the family for decades. Needless to say, Wake’s appearance had cast a sour element to the event. The exquisite trip to Banff, the successful completion of the project and even the beautiful engagement announcement had been irrevocably marred.

  For Chicago publisher Contessa Warren, it was her top author and best friend Michaela Ramsey’s discovery that one of the elder Ramseys was responsible for young Sera Black’s death. Another thing that weighed on County was knowing how Mick’s discovery was affecting her health. At least Quay and Ty looked happy, County thought. She smiled, watching the newly engaged couple embracing where they leaned against one of the limos on hand to take the group back to their various destinations.

  County smoothed her hands across the sleeves of the aubergine wool j
acket and shook her head. She supposed love and happiness could battle the ugliness of the world if it was strong enough. Her smile faded and she acknowledged that she really wouldn’t know. Love and happiness hadn’t seen fit as yet to pay her a visit.

  Clearing her throat, County focused on her friend Mick and her husband, Quest Ramsey. Ahh...more love and happiness, she noted and smiled again. If anyone deserved to be happy it was her best friend.

  Mick stopped next to County where she stood near the limo’s open door. “How long can you stay?” She asked, her eyes filling with apprehension.

  County patted her cheek. “Only a few days and no more,” she added when Mick opened her mouth to argue. “You need to focus on resting and the baby and not cackling with me or worrying over any of this other mess.”

  Mick rolled her eyes and flicked a windblown curl from her cheek. “And I suppose you won’t be coming down to Savannah for Quay and Ty’s wedding, either?” she knowingly asked.

  “Oh honey, I can’t. I can just imagine the work that’s waiting for me,” County said in excuse, not about to tell her friend that she was in no mood to attend a wedding. “I’ll be giving Quay and Ty my gift before I head back to Chicago,” she said.

  Mick sighed defeatedly and accepted that County’s mind was made. Looking back at Quest, she gave a slight nod and let him get her settled in the back of the car.

  “Is she going to be alright?” County asked Quest once he’d gotten his wife comfortable.

  Quest nodded, though his haunting eyes were dark with concern. “She’ll be fine,” he said and patted County’s hand to assure her. “I already put in a call to her OB. He’s about to put her on bed rest for a few weeks.”

  “Good,” County nodded her satisfaction.

  Quest squeezed her wrist one last time and then looked out over the landing strip. “We’ll be ready to pull out in about ten minutes,” he said.

  County nodded, watching Quest walk off to speak with his twin brother Quaysar. She leaned against the limo, letting the brisk wind hit her face a second or two longer. She was about to join Mick when she felt a hand cup her elbow. Turning, her lips parted as she looked way up to find Fernando Ramsey at her side.

  “Mr. Ramsey,” her luminous brown eyes narrowed a bit as she studied his incredible features.

  “She alright?” Fernando inquired of his cousin’s wife while nodding toward the limo’s interior.

  County glanced across her shoulder. “I think so. Quest says her doctor may put her on a few weeks bed rest.”

  Fernando’s translucent brown gaze became fixed on County’s face then. “Will you be staying with them?” he asked.

  “Only for a few days. Then it’s back to Chicago and work. Two things I’ve missed way too much of.”

  “Hmph, yeah, the world of the Ramseys can be a bit much.”

  County’s brows raised a notch. “Hmph, a bit.”

  “Would you have a cup of coffee with me before you leave?”

  County wondered if any other man could make a simple request for coffee sound like a request for seduction. She shivered beneath her quarter length jacket as though her spine had been kissed by a freezing breeze. “Didn’t I cut you down enough on the plane?” she asked after ordering herself to calm down.

  Fernando smiled and Contessa found herself returning the sentiment in reaction to the way his mesmerizing eyes crinkled at the corners.

  “Obviously I survived,” he surmised.

  County smoothed one hand across the sleeve of her jacket. “Whatever would we talk about?” she playfully sighed. “Somehow I don’t think your family is the most fun topic.”

  Fernando bowed his head and County took a moment to admire the crop of gorgeous brown curls he possessed.

  “I think we could come up with quite a few fun things to talk about,” he predicted.

  “And you won’t take no for an answer?” she guessed.

  Broad shoulders rose in a slow shrug as Fernando stepped closer. “I’ll take no if I really, really have to. But I really, really don’t want to,” he eased massive hands into the pockets of his black overcoat. “Besides, I may never see you again and I’d regret not asking you to come with me forever.”

  Lord, did all the Ramseys have such a way with words? County thought, shocked by a stab of something scandalous that stirred someplace unmentionable.

  Again, he stepped closer. “Well?” he taunted.

  The scent of his cologne enveloped her and County swallowed as though the action would do something to diminish it. This man was beautifully overwhelming and so very tempting. What harm could talking do?

  “Just let me say goodbye to Mick,” she said and watched as he strolled away. Shaking her head, she bent into the car and snapped her fingers to get Michaela’s attention. “I’m gonna come to the house later, okay?”

  “Why? What’s wrong?” Mick wanted to know, a frown already marring her brow.

  “Nothing, nothing. The trip was just so intense and the day is so refreshing. I guess I want to be out in it a little longer before heading inside,” she explained cooly.

  “You’re sure you’re okay? Do we need to get another car for you?”

  “Mick, Mick, I’m fine. Stop worrying.” County leaned close to plant a kiss to her friend’s cheek. “I’ll be to the house in a couple of hours. I promise.”

  “Okay...well, be careful,” Mick ordered and then handed Contessa her purse from the opposite seat.

  County accepted the purse, blew a kiss to Mick and stood. She took in the sight of Fernando standing a few feet away. Careful? Ha! That word and that man were clearly a mixed match, but she was far too intrigued to turn back.

  CHAPTER ONE

  Chicago- New Year’s Eve

  Contessa realized she was going to have to make her great escape from this party and soon. She’d just used her last excuse not to dance or engage in conversation that would only give one of the many available men there the idea that he’d be leaving with her for the evening. She cursed herself for even accepting the invite to the New Year’s bash, but it was New Year’s.

  It was New Year’s Eve and she was alone and it was by choice. And it scared the hell out of her. She’d thought of calling and sharing her woes with Michaela, but knew her best friend was busy with her husband and the special evening. Her husband. Mick being married had put so much in perspective for her. County found herself sick with fear that she’d wind up an old maid with a house full of cats. Or dogs. Or cats and dogs.

  “Dammit why am I doing this to myself now?” She raged, looking down to her lap as she hissed the question. This is stupid, County. That life isn’t for you. You know that. Then why was she finding herself wishing for it more and more over the last couple of years.

  Suddenly, she blinked, tilting her head to get a better look at what had caught her eye across the crowded dining area.

  What in the world is he doing here? County made the silent inquiry.

  From her spot at her favorite corner table she could see that she had a perfect view-stress on the word perfect. Much as it unnerved her to admit, he’d occupied a great portion of her thoughts since the Banff trip. Actually, it was the drinks they’d shared afterward and the conversation that went along. It felt too good to vent, she remembered. They spoke of Mick and County voiced her concerns over wanting her best friend to rest and how the case was just becoming more and more complex.

  Conversation wasn’t forced or uncomfortable. It flowed. They discussed, they debated, they bantered and the only reason they parted company after three hours was because Mick called worried and wondering when she was coming home. Contessa had always believed she preferred her men leanly muscular, not blatantly massive and powerful. Fernando Ramsey, however, was precisely that.

  The caramel toned devil in her sights now was that and more. Besides, she’d always reasoned a man who worked so hard to maintain upper body power usually lost out on something in more important areas, right? Of course, she wasn’t one to spec
ulate. Should the opportunity ever present itself for more...verification, she thought she’d be quite willing to investigate.

  She had, however, taken the opportunity to evaluate the man during their time together after the Banff trip. A brief time, but enough for her to agree that he was indeed a delicious thing. His skin was flawless- rare for a man to have such perfect skin. Her time around the Ramsey men, though, had told her whatever interior imperfections they might possess, it was impossible to judge by outward appearances.

  As most of the men in his family were dark, Fernando was a rich caramel shade- as if he’d been drenched in the stuff. Everything about him was large and cool, from the mesmerizing shade of his deep-set eyes to the close cut beard of dark brown that added a certain roguish element to his face. Unconsciously, County rubbed her fingers together and imagined what it might feel like to bury them in the silky close cut curls covering his head.

  Closing her eyes, County told herself she was getting carried away. This lack of sex, companionship or whatever was really starting to get to her. Of course, she was always careful in her choice of men and not nearly as fancy-free as her best friend Mick may have believed. Still, she’d had her share of encounters. Sadly, true commitment continued to elude her. County couldn’t help but wonder if that was the fault of the man or herself.

  What the hell? She decided finally, brows rising a few notches as she continued to regard Fernando. It couldn’t hurt to send a bottle of champagne to his table. After all, it was New Year’s. Besides, she had the feeling he’d want to keep the drinks coming judging from the looks of his two female companions who’d already finished off one bottle of wine and were at work on a second.

  Trailing petal pink manicured nails across her bare arms, she again wondered what he was doing there. Chicago was a bit removed from his Seattle stomping ground. She wondered if he knew her friend James Aston who owned the yacht restaurant where the celebration was being held.