“It’s okay.” His beautiful blue eyes were filled with warmth as he stared at her.
“There’s one more thing I wanted to tell you.” Rory hesitated, and Gabe waited patiently for her to go on. She worked up the courage to tell Gabe her decision. “I’ve thought about your offer and I accept with one condition.”
The corner of his lips turned up. “What’s that?”
“All I ask is that my aunts don’t find out that this a marriage-in-name-only.” Rory watched as Gabe nodded.
“I agree. And the same thing holds true for my family. My mom and grandparents need to believe we married for love. So we’re agreed?”
“Yes.” All of a sudden in that moment a memory came back to Rory. “Besides, you did promise when I was six and so scared when I first moved to your Island, that when I was older you would marry me and keep me safe.”
She grinned at the memory of the wide-eyed boy back then who had looked so uncertain as seeing this new girl in tears. She had cried in fear and misery at the recent loss of her parents. Being suddenly thrust onto this Island with three Aunts she didn’t know very well — her mom’s sisters — had made her feel insecure. It was all very new and overwhelming.
Rory had been so fearful, but Gabe had encouraged her that he’d spend time with her and show her things on the Island which made it more exciting. But at the same time he’d also promised to marry her if when she grew up she still felt fearful, he’d marry her and help her feel safe.
Gabe’s expression shifted and his blue eyes gleamed as he stared into her eyes. “So I did.”
All of a sudden the room sparked with the electricity of their attraction.
His hand brushed against her arm and moved up to tuck a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “I did make that promise. Now I intend to keep it.”
A sizzling trail of heat burned her skin wherever he touched her.
Rory grew nervous as his gaze moved down to her lips. She suddenly became very aware of the fact that she was still sitting on his lap.
Scurrying over to her cushion, she searched for anything that would divert his attention from her. With shaky hands she reached for her glass of orange juice and took a sip.
She started babbling again. “Well, I’m glad we got that settled.”
“Not quite. We need to set a date. I think we should get married next week.” Gabe sounded very confident in his decision.
Rory thought of her aunts, uncertain of their response. “I’m not sure how I’ll be able to explain our quick wedding to my aunts.”
“We’ll tell both our families that we fell in love and didn’t want to wait.”
Rory sent Gabe a nervous smile and nodded.
She hoped they would both be very good at acting like a couple in love.
For her part in this fake marriage, she was very much afraid she wouldn’t be acting. She was very much afraid that she was falling in love.
Chapter Six
The red-orange glow of the sun was just beginning to touch the edge of the river behind them as Rory walked toward Gabe. She wore her grandmother’s wedding dress — an Audrey Hepburn style cocktail length 1950s wedding dress so similar to the one the actress wore in the movie Funny Face. It had been her grandmother’s dress when she was married. Aunt Merrie had tucked it safely away all these years, but brought it out for her niece to wear for her wedding day.
His bride looked beautiful.
Ever since Rory’s sixteenth birthday he’d appreciated how attractive she was, but today she looked stunning.
Shifting his feet he resisted the urge to loosen his tie.
He was still in shock that he was actually doing this. He was actually marrying Rory Shepherd. If Winny O heard about this, she would be pleased he took her advice and married his childhood friend.
Sitting in the front row were the smiling faces of his Mom and Grandmom and his two brothers and their wives making this all too real. His younger brothers Zach and Luke sat beside their mom.
Rory had agreed with him, that a small wedding with only family and a few friends would be best.
As his bride walked closer looking as beautiful and pure as an untouched flower, Gabe wished suddenly that this wedding could be more than a marriage-of-convenience. Rory, deserved better. She deserved a man who would love her and commit to her for a lifetime.
Where did all these thoughts come from? Gabe shoved them back down before they had a chance to resurface. No, they needed to stick to the plan. He had experienced that too many women turned manipulative once they got a taste of his money and fame.
He didn’t really believe Rory was like that, but given time who knew what would happen?
Yet, the warm look in her eyes as she looked up at Gabe’s Granddad and then turned to her groom, a shy smile hovering over her lips, mocked his cynical thoughts.
Now she stood in front of him, looking as beautiful and pure as an untouched flower.
She was a rare woman.
He would need to watch himself that he didn’t go beyond the boundaries they’d set up for this fake marriage.
All their relationship could be was friendship, not love. But, he would make this year of marriage worth her while. He’d protect her and her aunts and do whatever he could to help with those things she cared about most.
As he held his arm out she lightly put her hand on top of his and they turned to face each other.
Gabe hardly heard a word the pastor said as his gaze was glued to his bride.
His skin tingled with the light touch of her hand in his. Violet blue eyes shimmered like diamonds and he was drawn to his bride like a sailor longed for the sea.
He didn’t know how long he stood there gazing into her eyes, but all of a sudden the pastor’s words interrupted his churning thoughts.
“Gabriel Stevenson, do you take Aurora Shepherd to be your wedded wife?”
His voice cracked. “I do.”
Rory’s soft whisper repeated the words.
“You may kiss your bride.”
In spite of his recent vow to keep a respectable distance from his fake wife Gabe found himself anticipating his first taste of her sweet lips. He swept the shimmering veil away from her face and stepped close slipping one hand around her waist. He pulled her close and with his other hand caressed her jawline. With slow movements he leaned down and gently pressed his lips to hers.
He pressed closer, wanting more.
His bride tasted like strawberry and cream. His bride made him think of warm summers and Island breezes. His bride reminded him of what it might feel like to love a woman with all his heart.
Abruptly he stepped back shocked at the raw emotions running through him.
Wide-eyed, he stared at Rory his heart racing with electricity of their kiss.
Rory didn’t want Gabe’s kiss to end.
Enfolded in her new husband’s arms, she felt the safest she’d ever been.
Not just safe, but peaceful. And beyond that, she felt loved.
Now that she’d said I do, he was her husband and she wanted to go on kissing him forever. Her breath stilled as Gabe’s mouth captured hers fully. Nipping and pulling, his lips caressed hers.
His warm lips molded against hers until she didn’t know where his ended and hers began.
Her heart shuddered away in her ears like a loose wheel.
It was as if he had branded her, making her his.
Her legs melted and she tightened her grip on his arms.
She would gladly have kissed Gabe for much longer, but suddenly he stepped away from her.
Gabe stared into her eyes, like he’d never seen her before.
She understood the feeling.
Only she could tell he wasn’t pleased that their kiss had affected him.
Her own thoughts barged in, setting up a barricade against her hopes and dreams. Remember Rory, you agreed to be Gabe’s wife-in-name-only. Don’t you dare let your heart get involved or you’ll end up with it broken into tiny pieces. Besid
es, you can tell your new husband is not happy about that kiss. So just smile and pretend for today. You can do this.
Gabe’s arm went around her waist and they both turned to look at their guests as the pastor announced them as husband and wife.
The wedding guests’ clapped loudly and she forced a smile. She turned toward them, a smile pasted on her lips.
It didn’t take long before they were surrounded by family members who gave them their well wishes.
“Oh, Rory, you look dazzling in your Grandmother’s wedding dress.” Aunt Merrie kissed her cheek moisture in her grey eyes. “I thought I’d never want to see that dress again since I was left at the altar over thirty years ago. But, seeing you wearing it today has convinced me to change my mind.”
Rory squeezed her aunt a little tighter feeling an inexplicable sadness at her heartache.
“It’s okay my dear. I’ve had years to heal.” Aunt Merrie whispered in her ear before she stepped back. She looked at her two sisters who were close behind her. “If your blessed mama and grandmother were here, they would agree you look so beautiful.”
“I agree.” Aunt Fawn stepped slowly up to Rory, her cane wobbling slightly.
Rory wrapped her arms around her. “Thanks for being here today, Aunt Fawn. I know you must be in a lot of pain with all the walking you’ve done.”
“Always so thoughtful. Thank you Rory for thinking of me, but you know I wouldn’t miss your wedding day for the world.”
Aunt Florrie stood behind Aunt Fawn helping to hold her steady. “I agree. You are so beautiful.” She gave her a quick hug before she continued, “But I think it’s time we got your Aunt Fawn to someplace she can sit down.”
Rory nodded. “Yes of course.” She was already missing her three Aunts as they walked away.
It wasn’t long before Rory was engulfed in massive hugs from Gabe’s two single brothers. “Happy you’re part of our family now, sis. I just wanted to give you a heads up. Don’t let my big brother railroad you into doing anything you don’t want to do.” Luke winked at her and kissed her cheek.
Heat burned Rory’s cheeks. She was sure her cheeks were red from all the attention. Not growing up with brothers put her at a distinct disadvantage. She didn’t know what to do with all this brotherly attention and advice.
“Don’t listen to my little brother, darling.” Gabe leaned down and whispered, his lips moving against her ear. “Besides I wouldn’t railroad you into doing something, I’d charm you instead. That would be much more appealing.”
The warmth of Gabe’s breath against her ear caused a shiver to run up her spine. She liked it when he used endearments when he spoke to her. Problem was, she liked it a little too much. Rory had to quickly remind herself that Gabe was simply acting his part.
Turning to him, she gave him her warmest smile. “I think I agree.”
“Ugh, newlyweds.” Rory giggled when she heard Luke’s exaggerated sigh before he walked away.
Soon Adam and Elle gave them their congratulations, as did Jack and Bella.
“Welcome to the Stevenson family, Rory. I look forward to getting to know you. It’s an adventure to be part of this family, but I wouldn’t change it for anything.” Elle hugged her. “We’ll need to get to know each other. Maybe you can come riding at the ranch sometime.”
“I would love that.” Rory remembered hearing how Elle had nearly lost her father’s ranch. Adam had bought the place and given her the deed. But, Elle had helped to save Adam too and got him unstuck from a cycle of self-blame.
Bella was standing right behind Elle. Rory knew Bella better as they had worked at the Library together for a while before Bella married Jack. Now, they would be family as well as friends — at least for a little while.
“Rory, you are beautiful today. Welcome to the Stevenson family. I’m so happy that now you’re my sister.” Bella grabbed her in a big hug. Bella had always been a hugger and her tight embrace helped Rory feel so welcome.
Gabe’s Granddad grabbed him in a quick hug. “I hope you know we came home early from a nice sunny vacation for this. But never mind, it was worth it.”
“Hush William, our grandchildren are going to think a vacation is more important than they are. Which certainly isn’t true.”
Gabe pulled his Grandmother into a soft hug, a grin on his face. “You tell him Grandmom.”
“Rory, these two Stevensons are rascals and more alike than they want to admit. It’s up to us, their wives to help bring out their softer sides.” Catherine Stevenson winked at Rory.
She grinned at the teasing between these two. “I’ll do my best.”
“That’s my girl. Welcome to the family, my dear.” Gabe’s Grandmom and Grandad each wrapped her in a close embrace. Rory was overwhelmed by all the love shown to her.
“Rory, my newest daughter.” Eliza Stevenson approached her with eyes shining with unshed tears. “All those summers we spent with Gabe’s great-grandfather and the family here on the Island, and I never realized my son was falling in love with the girl-next-door. I’m so glad he did. Welcome to the family.” Eliza’s gentle embrace was Rory’s undoing.
Swallowing back tears that threatened to choke her, Rory savored being encircled in her new mother-in-law’s arms. Memories came back of when she was a little girl and running into her mom’s arms whenever something important happened in her life. Now being in Gabe’s mom’s arms, for the first time in a long time she felt the warm embrace of a mother’s love and it was like coming home.
Her three aunts had raised her like their own daughter and she loved them so much, but there was something quite special about being welcomed and embraced by her new husband’s mom.
“Thank you, Mrs. Stevenson. I’m so honored to be welcomed into your family.” Rory wiped away a tear from her cheek as she looked into the smiling face of her mother-in-law.
“I’d rather you called me mom Rory. Now we’re family.” Gabe’s mom gazed into her face a moment longer. “You are beautiful inside and out. I can see why much my son loves you so much.” Eliza leaned over to give her a light kiss on the cheek, before she walked away.
Hesitantly, she turned to look up at Gabe. His mom’s words had surprised her and she couldn’t help but look at Gabe. Did he feel a similar guilt like she did as they made his family believe they were in love?
Warm eyes stared down at her as they walked toward the lawn behind the Hunting Lodge where the tables were setup for their evening dinner. The orange-red glow from the sunset lingered in the sky and the twinkling lights that outlined the large green space. Between the romantic setting and the warm look that glowed in her new husband’s eyes, for a moment it felt like she was a princess in a fairytale.
“Your mom and Grandparents have been so wonderful. I feel like I’m part of your family.”
“That’s good because you are part of our family now Rory.” Gabe wrapped an arm around her waist and leaned down to kiss her cheek. She glowed inside from his words, wishing her marriage to Gabe was so much more than a legal document with a time-limit.
During her childhood, when the Stevenson family had visited the Island, she had watched them from afar and longed to be part of such a loving close-knit family.
Today, she had married into this wonderful family for real, but she still felt like she was standing with her nose pressed up against the window. An outsider looking in.
Rory squared her shoulders as they neared the tables. She did her best to shake off the loneliness. Courage Rory. You can get through this.
Servers walked back and forth between tables and conversation buzzed around them.
They sat down and soon were brought their meal.
Gabe showered her with attention, and she grew frustrated with herself that his loving gestures affected her so deeply. They were supposed to remember their agreement.
Seeing his blue eyes bright and glowing at her. How come Gabe didn’t seem to be affected by them acting like a couple in love?
She had to
smile as Mr. And Mrs. Sterling stopped by, handed a piece of paper for Gabe to sign. Rory knew it was the official deed of ownership to Walker’s Island. She was happy Gabe got what he wanted from this marriage-of-convenience. Why did it seem like their goals and desires came at such a high price?
“Ah, young love. Thank you so much for the invitation. We must be getting home, but we wanted to say congratulations to you both.” Mrs. Sterling squeezed Rory’s hand.
After the couple left a few other people stopped by to chat with them.
Another older couple approached them. “Gabe, son we just had to stop by to congratulate you and send you off with a little extra something.” The big tall man winked at her husband and slapped him on the shoulder. “This must be your beautiful wife.”
Gabe put his arm around her shoulders and pulled her close to his side. “Cyrus and Anna, I’d like to introduce you to Rory my bride.”
Rory could tell that this couple was important in his life. “Pleased to meet you both. Thank you for joining us.”
“Oh my dear Gabriel is like a son to us. We’ve been waiting for this special day. We wouldn’t have missed this for the world.” The older woman wore a designer dress that was simple and beautiful. The older man was like a large mountain man and his large hand engulfed hers.
“After you all get back stop by and tell us how you liked the place.” Cyrus spoke to Gabe.
“I’ll do that. Thank you Cyrus and Anna.” The older couple walked away and Gabe picked up his glass and took a sip.
“They seem nice. What did they mean about the place. Where are we going?” Rory was more curious than ever.
Gabe winked at her. “You’ll find out in due time. For now there’s other things to focus on that would be a lot more fun.”
In the background, the live band started playing a slow-moving waltz.
Gabe stood up and reached his hand out to hers, “Dance with me?”
Knowing this first dance as newlyweds was important she nodded and put her hand in his. He led her to the large wood dance floor in the centre of the green space. Spread out around them, were tables with wedding guests, Rory could feel their eyes on them.
The Billionaire's Marriage Promise Page 8
