A Pregnancy, a Party & a Proposal

by Teresa Carpenter

  She blinked and the schedule spreadsheet came back into view. By sheer strength of will she finished it and handed it off to her assistant, deliberately leaving Tori and herself off the assignment delegation. They’d both be there, but this way Tori got to enjoy herself. And Lauren could be wherever she was needed.

  After the success of Obsidian Studio’s event at the Hollywood Hills Film Festival, Obsidian’s after-party was being hyped as the event not to miss. It was the pinnacle of By Arrangement’s achievements. Not even her current heartache could steal her pride in their accomplishments. This party signified everything she’d been working for.

  Logistics-wise, there really was no reason she couldn’t attend the awards with Ray. With the adjustments she’d made, her assistant and Tori’s should be able to handle both events without the company’s owners. Plus, the two of them would be attending the Obsidian Studio party and could step in if needed.

  But it was to be her night, her success, and she needed to be in the midst of it...

  Still, she remembered the thrill when he’d asked her to attend the awards with him—the longing to go. Not because it put her closer to her career goals, but because she wanted to support him. His brilliance deserved to be honored and something instinctual in her demanded she be by his side.

  Except the day had to belong to her. If she gave it up, did that prove she was right back to putting a man’s desires before her own?

  Not forgetting the fact that the world believed her to be his fiancée. How could she walk the red carpet at his side, pretending all the time they were together, when in truth they’d never been further apart?

  * * *

  By Sunday morning Lauren still hadn’t made up her mind. Her emotions rode a teeter-totter ride—up one moment, down the next. She went from wanting to support Ray to needing the validation of self-worth that would come with working the party. Giving it up would diminish her power. Which was exactly what she feared happening.

  Of course Ray completely ignored her attempt to put him off until Monday. At ten a courier arrived in her office with an envelope. Inside was her ticket to the award ceremony and a note:

  It’ll be a crush at the theater. I wanted to save you the trouble of going after the ticket. I’m hoping you’ll be my lucky charm.

  Ray

  His lucky charm. No pressure there. And he didn’t fool her—he wanted to make it easy so she had no excuse for not doing what he wanted.

  Yeah, that was going to work. But along with annoyance came a little thrill of flattery. He really had no need for her to join him. He usually walked the red carpet alone. With her along the attention would flip from the potential of his movie winning to their faux engagement. She would literally be stealing his limelight.

  An hour later another courier arrived, carrying three large stacked boxes tied with five-inch-wide red ribbon and a huge red bow.

  “No. N. O. I’m not accepting this,” she told the wiry teenager in a gray tee and jeans. “Take it back.”

  “Sorry, ma’am.”

  Ma’am? Seriously? Okay, yeah, she’d be a mother soon, but she was way too young to be called “ma’am.”

  “There’s a no return flag. I’m not allowed to take it back.” He gave her a big grin. “Got a nice tip, though. You enjoy, now.”

  He practically ran out the door. No doubt in a hurry to spend his “nice tip”.

  Hands on hips, body and soul at odds, she sighed, eying the stacked boxes. Her fingers itched to tear into the ribbon to see what the white boxes hid. A dress, for certain, and possibly shoes. A weakness of hers. But if she saw, she’d want. And he was manipulating her. Seducing her with niceties and beautiful things into going with him instead of working.

  And he was getting to her. But she lacked the skill-set to spend hours in his company pretending there weren’t unresolved issues between them. If nothing else the New York trip had proved that beyond all doubt.

  She tore into the boxes. Temptation, thy name is Ray. And, yes, the biggest held a dress. An Eve Gardner. Oh, he was good.

  She’d tried this black gown on in New York and it had fit like a dream, with a fitted bodice with narrow straps and a square neckline low enough to display the rising swell of her breasts. The dress had clung to her curves, the material flowing over her body with a soft sheen. Too daring for the mayor’s reception...tame by Hollywood standards.

  The smallest box held shoes—strappy silver heels, with rhinestones and a lifted sole that made her drool.

  No fair. He knew her too well. And he’d hit her weaknesses dead target.

  The last box surprised her. It held the red leather jacket he’d bought her in New York. The one it had broken her heart to leave behind. She clutched it to her like she’d found an old friend.

  A note slipped to the table.

  Something to wear. And shoes, because a special dress deserves new shoes. Or so Kyla assured me. No lingerie, because frankly I don’t care if you wear any. And the jacket because I plan to buy you many things through the years. Best to get used to it now.

  Ray

  She folded the jacket and put it back in the box. Tucked the dress and shoes out of sight too. His reference to “through the years” yanked at her heart strings. A master at setting scenes, his message today hinted at a future together. But she didn’t dare assume.

  She fingered the phone in her skirt pocket, longing to call him.

  But, no. Their conversation, when they had it, needed to be in person. If she called he’d try to charm her into going to the awards and all her progress would be lost. Best to tough it out.

  A task made more difficult when the staff spied the boxes and demanded to see their contents. Oohs and aahs echoed through the room, but what really cut through her resolve was when her assistant, Maria, pulled her aside and assured Lauren she could handle the party.

  “I’ve learned so much from you. I can do this. You should go to the awards—have fun.”

  “This is a big event. It’s not fair to ask you—”

  “You’re not asking. You’ve trained us to be a well-oiled machine. You should take advantage of what you’ve wrought and live the life the rest of us only dream about.”

  “Thanks, Maria. I’ll think about it.” An easy promise to make as her thoughts revolved around little else.

  * * *

  Just before noon Lauren stood at her desk, gathering her things to move over to the Lowes Hotel—the venue for tonight’s party. It was adjacent to the theater which was the home of the awards ceremony.

  She glanced up at the sound of the bell to see two men in their display showroom. One wore an expensive suit and the other a security guard’s uniform.

  Smoothing her hands over her blue skirt, she went to greet them. When they saw her they advanced to meet her. On closer view, she noted that the guard was armed and the man in the suit carried a metal case handcuffed to his wrist.

  Good gracious, Ray, what have you done?

  “Gentlemen, I’m Lauren Randall—how can I help you?”

  “Yes, Ms. Randall. I have a delivery for you. Might we go somewhere more private?” asked the suited man.

  “This will have to do.” Her office wouldn’t hold the three of them.

  “Very well.” He set the briefcase on the nearest display table. “May I see some identification, please?”

  “And if I say no...?”

  “I’ve been instructed to stay with you until I’ve made the delivery.”

  “Of course you have.” She went to her desk, grabbed her purse, returned to show him her ID.

  Suit Man opened the case and lifted out a long, flat velvet jewelry box. With practiced ceremony he opened the hinged case and displayed the dazzling contents.

  “The Sabina of the Claudia Collection, House of Brandia.”

/>   Diamond layers about an inch wide formed a pattern that reminded her of leaves. The avant-garde neck-piece was designed to flow around the neck and almost meet at the front. One point, formed of three oval rubies, would hit the center of her chest above her breasts, then the collar would wrap around her neck and the second ruby-tipped end would stop two inches above the first point, leaving an inch of skin between the two points. Matching earrings completed the set.

  Speechless, Lauren simply stared. The set had a name—the Sabina. She loved the avant-garde design of the pieces. But she couldn’t wear them. Not in a million years. Not if its delivery required an armed guard escort. This went so far beyond the red jacket it was ridiculous.

  What was Ray thinking?

  “And there’s this.” Suit held out a small box.

  Lauren’s heart jumped into her throat. A tremble revealed her state as she reached for the ring box. It shook in the palm of her hand.

  Suit reached into his front breast pocket. “Mr. Donovan also sent a missive.” He offered the envelope with a flourish.

  Missive? The dude clearly liked his drama.

  As did Ray.

  “You need to take this back,” she informed Suit, and included Security Guard just to cover all bases. “I can’t be responsible for this.”

  “May I suggest you read the letter, Ms. Randall?”

  The hefty guard nodded.

  Of course they’d stick together.

  Turning away from the two men, she tore into the envelope.

  Dynamite

  Don’t freak out. The jewels are on loan. Just a few baubles to add to your enjoyment of the night. I hope you like them. When I saw the necklace I thought of you. A special piece for a special woman.

  The ring is my grandmother’s wedding ring. She gave it to me fifteen years ago to give to the woman I would marry. Camilla didn’t deserve it. I couldn’t give it to her.

  Will you wear it tonight? With you by my side I’ll be a winner regardless of the results revealed on stage. Afterward we’ll go to your party and I can watch you work. So sexy.

  I love you, Lauren. I want to live my life with you and our twins and our future children. I admit it took me a while to get to this point. But it feels right.

  We have much to talk about. Much to look forward to.

  Tonight our journey begins.

  With all my love,

  Ray.

  Lauren opened the ring box, drew in a sharp breath. Stunning—just stunning. An oval of small diamonds framed three raised round diamonds, the middle one bigger than the top and bottom gems. Two rows of diamonds flowed off each side into a platinum band.

  It fit perfectly on her finger.

  She was so lost.

  * * *

  From the vantage point of the Panorama Suite of the Lowes Hotel Lauren watched the frantic activity down below as the Hollywood elite started to arrive for the big night. The limo line would be non-stop for the next four hours as the five-hundred-foot red carpet and then the theater filled. The people filling the seven hundred bleacher seats had been in place for hours.

  Behind her the thirty-five-hundred square foot suite, complete with baby grand piano, was ready except for the food and servers—but this was just the escape route, or more accurately the end-game.

  Downstairs her team was putting the final touches on the transformation of the main ballroom into an upscale club with a sexy edge. Music, dancing, and live performances would take the party into the wee hours.

  Along with the Panorama Suite, Obsidian had taken a full floor of rooms. Some were for performers, others for executives, and half were set aside as changing rooms. Many stars liked to change after the awards. Lauren had convinced Obsidian to offer them a place to do so.

  Her own finery was spread out on the bed in her room.

  The problem? She still ping-ponged about whether to go with Ray or stay and work.

  She’d texted him not to send a car for her; said she was working at the Lowes. Vague, much?

  He’d proposed, sent her a beautiful ring she had yet to remove, had been the first to admit his feelings. Pretty brave, considering she hadn’t spoken to him since leaving New York. She owed him a real response.

  More importantly, she owed herself an honest response.

  “Hey.” Tori’s heels clicked on the hardwood floor. “We’re heading out. Garrett wants to get a quick bite to eat before we meet up with Ray in an hour.”

  “Have fun,” Lauren urged without turning around.

  “I’m still hoping you’ll join us.” Warm arms enfolded her in a hug. “I wish it were as clear to you as it is to me. You love him, he loves you, you’re having twins. You belong together.”

  Lauren curled her arms over Tori’s, savoring the familiar touch, the unconditional love.

  “I wish it were that simple, too.”

  Suddenly bigger arms, stronger arms, enveloped the both of them as Garrett added his support. His deep voice sounded close to her ear.

  “He’s the best man I know.”

  “Of course you think so.” Tears welled up. A half-sob escaped as her breath hitched. “He’s your best friend.”

  “Yeah, but you’re my sister now,” Garrett said. “I wouldn’t tell you something I don’t believe to be true.”

  “Thank you.”

  His support touched her. A loving family was a new concept for him, so she knew what reaching out cost him. She turned around and hugged them both.

  “I love you.” She pulled free. “Now, go. I’ll see you later.”

  After a last hug from Tori, they left.

  At the door, Tori looked back. “Get out of your head. As long as you’re replaying the same loop you’re going to get the same answer.” She waved and was gone.

  Get out of her head? If only she could. Unbidden, Tori’s words from yesterday came back to Lauren.

  “If you don’t allow yourself to love again, then Brad is still controlling you.”

  She clenched her hands until her nails bit into her palms. No way was she letting that happen. So enough, already. No more internal fighting. She needed to let go of what she should do and focus on what she wanted to do. In other words: get out of her head.

  Eyes closed, taking deep breaths, she let it all go. Counting...ten in, ten out. Three times. It was the most peace she’d had in hours. Days.

  Her hand found her stomach and she focused on the twins growing within her. She imagined holding them in her arms, guiding them through their first steps, trying to decipher twin-talk, taking them to preschool, ballet classes, T-ball, puppy dogs, high school drama and graduation.

  She stopped there because she had her answer.

  Through all her visions of laughter and chatter, pirouettes and proms, doggies and dugouts Ray stood by her side, guiding, dancing, scooping, and beaming: a family.

  By her side. Not leading or directing, but sharing—a partner in life.

  Tension drained out of her as she accepted the truth.

  She’d been doing to him what she’d feared he’d do to her: punishing him for another’s sins. She’d worried she’d lose herself to Ray’s dominant personality as she had to Brad’s. Not going to happen. As Tori had said, Lauren was aware. She knew what to watch for. The problem was she hadn’t been paying attention.

  Ray was a self-confident, take-charge kind of man, used to getting his way and directing events to his liking. Yes, he manipulated—but he did it in your face. No snarky, sneaky moves for him. And he’d never guilted or maneuvered her into doing something she didn’t want to do.

  That had been Brad’s style. Always using faux understanding or disappointment as a tool to make her do as he wanted. He’d made it seem as if she were deciding to do something when he’d actually used her emotions against he
r to get his way. Her desire to compromise had eventually become habit, until she’d always deferred to his will.

  In truth, the two men couldn’t be more different.

  She loved Ray. There was nothing wrong with wanting to be with him on this exciting day in his career. In fact it was normal.

  With her decision made, she felt the anxiety surrounding her work disappear. Yes, this event represented everything she and Tori had been working toward. But just because she wasn’t overseeing every little detail it didn’t take any of the responsibility or success away from her. She’d built the business into what it was. And she’d be there. Available to assist if needed. The best of both worlds.

  Ray knew how important her career was to her. He’d never try to get in the way of it. In fact he’d written something in that last note. What was it? She’d read right over it, too stunned by everything else in the message.

  She found her purse and the note tucked inside. Now she was free of conflict the romance of it struck her anew. He’d honored her request not to contact her until Monday while completely disregarding it at the same time.

  Here it was:

  Afterward, we’ll go to your party and I can watch you work. So sexy.

  Her heart swelled even fuller. He was the best man she knew, too.

  A glance at the clock revealed an hour had passed since Tori and Garrett had left. They’d be starting on the red carpet soon.

  She reached for the zipper on her dress, yanked it down as she kicked out of her heels. Hurry! Thank the angels her hair and make-up were already done.

  The beep of her phone announced a text. From Ray.

  Lauren. I’m at the theater and you’re not with me. I understand. We have a lot to talk about. This changes nothing for me. I hold you in my heart, so you are with me even when you’re not. It just means we’ll have one more thing to celebrate tomorrow when we do get together. I’ll see you at the party. You couldn’t keep me away. Fair warning, Dynamite: Monday starts at midnight. I love you. Ray