His Desert Rose

by Deborah R. Brandon

  Lastly, Olivia, Antonio’s older sister came forward with her husband Oscar and congratulated the both of them. Yet, her congratulations were a bit stiff.

  She looked at Renee’s hand longer than most and said, “I have always loved and treasured the family ring for as long as I can remember.”

  “Well, I promise to take care of it and to continue the tradition that this family has upheld over the years,” Renee said trying to reassure her.

  “I am sure,” she said even more stiffly.

  “Antonio, this has been a day filled with so many wonderful surprises, but I think that I am still experiencing some jet lag. So I beg everyone’s forgiveness as I bid you good night,” she stated.

  Antonio ran his fingers through her hair and looked down into her face. She smiled weakly. He leaned in and kissed her forehead, “Of course, sweet dreams,” he whispered to her.

  She ushered the girls up the winding staircase and Ms. Ragsdale and Ms. Nancy and Dennis followed.

  Federico moved to the liquor cabinet, because he knew that a storm was on the horizon.

  Maria spoke first when she was sure that their guest was out of ear sight, “Olivia, you embarrass me with your rudeness. Apologize to your brother, this very instant,” she said clearly upset.

  “No apology needed, because that was the first and last time, she will make Renee feel unwelcomed in this home, or this family. Isn’t that correct, Olivia?” Antonio said with a voice that was like a clap of thunder. He did not yell, but you knew he meant business.

  “No,” Olivia said becoming choked up at her brothers words, “Why her? Why now? Why so quickly? Are the questions I have and the questions that the media will have as well,” Olivia spat out like a snake shooting out venom.

  “To which I will say; she is the one that I chose, because I can’t wait to make her my wife and start a family with her, because we love each other. In this moment, the stars have lined up and we very well may be able to have it all,” Antonio said.

  “She is a woman who has fallen from grace; so to speak. She left a prestigious position at one of the largest International Business Firms in the world, without so much as a letter of resignation. She suffered an unspeakable tragic loss with the death of her parents then miscarry a child of an unknown father. If that were not enough she became addicted to her prescription pain medication and checked herself into a Rehabilitation Center. After becoming clean, she has been nothing more than her sister’s lackey. With all of the beautiful, intelligent women here in Italy why did you choose her? She is going to bring this family down,” Olivia finished her rant almost out of breath.

  “Olivia I don’t require your approval of my intended bride. I truly see her, she is like a rare desert rose. She was planted in a position that was designed for her to whither up and just fade away, but she didn’t. She fought, and against all odds, she survived. Not only did she survive, but she blossomed into a beautiful rose of a women. For which she should already have your respect. From this moment on you are to treat her with nothing more than the upmost respect. Do you understand me?” Antonio finished.

  “Yes,” Olivia said.

  “Furthermore, from this very moment, you are no longer handling PR for the family business, or my personal life,” Antonio stated.

  “What?” Olivia exclaimed. Turning to their father for assistance “Papa, you are going to allow him to treat me like this?” Olivia asked Stefano.

  “Antonio is in the prefect position to become the head of the family. I am going to respect his position,” Stefano told his daughter. He paused for a brief moment and said, “You should too.”

  Maria spoke up, “It is way past time for you and Oscar to get your house in order. Oscar Jr. is always with a nanny. He probably will end up calling her mama,” Maria stated just as firmly as her son. “It’s not a defeat to set some things down so that you can pick up others,” Maria said encouraging and rebuking her daughter at once.

  “Who is working PR for you now?” Olivia asked.

  “Not that it is any of your business, but Colin. He had a photographer who was on site, but stayed out of the way. He posted to my Twitter, Instagram and Facebook accounts, which has caused quite a buzz and I enjoyed my evening,” Antonio said.

  “I’m glad that you are happy Antonio. Please apologize to Renee for my rudeness. Oscar and I will be leaving now,” Olivia said a little shell shocked.

  Elizabeth bid everyone a good night, as their parents escorted Olivia and Oscar out to their car. The brothers shared in a toast before Antonio went and talked to Rosalie about Nicole Alexander and Claire Blake-Moore’s impending arrival. He decided that he would go personally to the airport to pick them up.

  Chapter 14

  When Renee awoke from a restless night, the sun was already sitting high in the sky. She rose up in the bed, slowly and sat there for a minute trying to shake the confusion off. She could hear laughter floating up the stairs. Nicole and Claire were here and she was still in bed. Renee groaned thinking she had slept in and her friends were here.

  She moved slowly, from the bed and gather up her things for a shower. She walked in the bathroom and looked at herself in the mirror. Her coloring wasn’t good and her mouth tasted like she had been up all night vomiting, she thought reaching for a toothbrush and toothpaste. Renee began to brush her teeth, thinking that the day is off to a bad start when you are being sarcastic with yourself. Something about the warm water raining down over her flesh, and the aromatic soap that seemed to wash off the grogginess and lifted her spirit. She towel dried off and dressed in a mint green Falbala sleeved shirt with an ivory knee length straight skirt. She slipped into ivory high sandals, and a matching ivory purse. She brushed her shoulder length hair up into a neat ponytail, and then applied make-up.

  She removed her phone from the charger and realized that she had a missed called from Dr. Belmonte’s office.

  She sat back done on the bed, and returned the call.

  A very perky nurse answered the call.

  Renee responded, “This is Renee Anderson returning a phone call that I received from this office earlier this morning.”

  “Ms. Anderson, we were expecting your call. How are you doing today?” the nurse asked.

  “Still nauseated,” Renee responded.

  “Oh I’m sorry to hear that, would you like for me to have Dr. Belmonte to write you a prescription for nausea?” she asked.

  “No thank you, I will manage. The message said something about my lab results?” Renee inquired trying to hurry the conversation along.

  “Oh yes. Congratulations are in order. The test confirmed our original diagnoses, you are in fact pregnant. So you can expect the nausea to be on and off for the next two months. Dr. Belmonte will need to see you in the office again next week. What day will be okay for you?” she asked.

  “Next, week won’t work for me, so can I come in tomorrow possibly?” Renee asked.

  “We have an early morning appointment available, or a late afternoon appointment available,” the nurse responded.

  “Late afternoon please,” Renee said since she has been sick each morning.

  “I have you scheduled for an afternoon appointment, Ms. Anderson.”

  Renee walked down the winding staircase and into the sitting area where everyone was gathered.

  “Good afternoon everyone,” Renee said. “Please accept my apologies,” she said as she made her way around the room hugging Nicole and Claire, but including Olivia, Elizabeth and Maria in the greeting.

  “Antonio said to let you sleep, because of the jet lag and all. The kids are fine. They have had their morning lectures and now are swimming in the pool. Sit and enjoy a cup of tea at least,” Maria said. Renee sat as Maria had asked.

  “Have you and Antonio decided on anything regarding your wedding?” Elizabeth asked excitedly.

  “We’ve decided that we will marry at the Santa Maria Assunta in Positano; which is their family church, in a week and a half,” Renee r
esponded. I ordered my dress online,” Renee stated.

  A statement that was met with gasps and groans.

  “No,” Renee said in protest to their response. It really is quite lovely. It’s a single shoulder goddess like, full length gown, with a stunning side drape, that cascades down the front to create a slim silhouette. It also has a floral embellished design on the strap, with pearl and crystal beading. It will be here tomorrow. I love it,” Renee finished.

  “Yeah that’s fine and dandy, but you will miss the fun of trying on a thousand dresses just to find the prefect one,” Claire said.

  “I am okay with that,” Renee responded.

  “No, no, no, we must go into the shops and try on dresses even if you believe that you have found the dress,” Olivia interjected.

  “Besides it will be great PR,” Claire responded. “If Italy were still a monarchy, Stefano and Maria would be king and queen. Antonio would be heir to the throne. Even through that is not the case, the people within the surrounding villages and towns, still view them as such,” Claire finished.

  “Antonio didn’t just provide work for the people, he works among them. He is not afraid to get his hands dirty. Everyone loves him in part, because he is so accessible and approachable,” Elizabeth said.

  Maria nodded her agreement clearly proud of her son.

  “I know that you guys also said that you wanted to have a small intimate ceremony, but that is not realistic either,” Nicole said.

  You have a ton of friends and family. I assume you will also be inviting the staff of Blake-Moore and Associates as well. You have a number of influential contacts too,” Claire said.

  Olivia picked up when Claire left off, “The same will hold true for Antonio, so you guys are looking to have at least 500 to 1000 people at the wedding and reception. Where will the wedding reception be?” she asked.

  “Oh my God, Renee exclaimed, this is a bit overwhelming, to be completely honest. I need to eat something first. I need notebooks, ink pens, contact information for the church, awesome reception spots, caterers, musicians, and photographers. Claire, I need you to start updating my twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram sites for me. Tag my sister in all posts, and make sure that she or Ms. Jeffcoat, are responding in a jubilant type vibe. I need to start a wedding page as well, doing E-invites because of the short notice,” Renee said taking control of the situation.

  Everyone was up moving around, there was a buzz of chatter as everyone went to work.

  Rosalie came over and asked, “What would you like to eat?” Ms. Anderson?”

  “Something light Rosalie, like fresh fruit, dry toast and two scrambled eggs please, and Rosalie it’s just Renee.”

  Rosalie smiled and returned to the kitchen to prepare her breakfast.

  “What are your wedding colors?” Elizabeth asked.

  Renee answered, “Black, white and champagne are the wedding colors.”

  “Hold your hand out and smile,” Claire ordered as she snapped a picture for social media purposes. She continued to inform her that she had downloaded all newspaper feeds or articles that had been published since the pictures went viral last night. I am printing them right now, as we speak,” Claire finished.

  “Good thank you so much for coming all this way and helping me on such short notice,” Renee responded.

  “Girl, we are your friends, there is nowhere else we’d rather be. The fashion House of Vincent, is bringing over a few gowns for you to try on as well as a few items for the twins to try on to make it fun for them. They will be your flower girls right?” Nicole asked.

  “Yes, you guys have to organize the wedding party,” Elizabeth said excitedly.

  “Right,” Renee said accepting the plate from Rosalie.

  Renee sat down for a minute and ate her breakfast. She took small bites hoping to keep her stomach settled. Despite eating and keeping her food, down she still had the most amazing headache. She opened her purse and took her prenatal vitamin. Which seemed to be the straw to break the camel’s back. Renee made a mad dash to the bathroom. Thanking God that she made it, without making a mess. She rinsed her mouth out and went back to join the others.

  When she came out, Rosalie asked, “Are you okay Ms. Renee?”

  “Yes, thank you,” Renee responded automatically.

  “I will bring you some salted crackers and ginger ale,” Ms. Renee. “It will help you,” Rosalie said knowingly.

  “Thank you, again Rosalie,” Renee said over her shoulder.

  Chapter 15

  When Renee returned from the kitchen snacking on crackers and drinking ginger ale, all the ladies were gathered around one another looking at one article in particular.

  “What’s wrong?” Renee asked.

  Claire responded for the group, “Lisa Monroe, a local journalist to this area, was the only one that wrote an unfaltering piece in regards to you. She also compared you to other women Antonio has dated recently. Let’s just say that in her personal opinion, you should not have been a front runner, let alone the winner of Antonio’s heart.”

  “Hmmm,” Renee said taking that in.

  “Don’t worry, Antonio has called her dismal. She will not be a problem for you anymore,” Elizabeth said clearly pleased with her brother.

  “I need to get her re-hired. She also needs to do my personal interview,” Renee said.

  Renee called Antonio’s office as the other ladies stood with their mouth opened in shock. His receptionist answered the phone and advised her to hold as she connected the call.

  His smooth as silk voice came across the line, “Mia amor, how have you been?”

  “I’m doing well Antonio; how about yourself?” Renee responded equally as sweet.

  “Not as busy as you, I hear. Thank you,” Antonio said.

  “What have you heard, from whom and thank you for what,” Renee asked.

  “Aww, Colin is very good at his job as well, as whomever you have running PR for you. He is following you on all of your social media sites and I understand that we are trending on at least two continents. Thank you for stepping up and handling all of these details, it makes my life so much easier. You are playing your role to the T,” Antonio said.

  Antonio’s last sentence hurt her for some reason but she decided to play her role. “No problem, you are welcome. It’s what I agreed too. There are two things that I need from you and I will be out of your hair,” Renee said.

  “Anything,” Antonio said noticing that her voice had changed. Instead of being southern sweet tea, it was now business professional and distant.

  “My side of the bridal party consists of seven people. You need seven men to stand in for you as well. We can contact them or you can have Colin to do so for you, but it would be better if you made the actual calls. Lastly, you had a certain Lisa Monroe terminated, because she wrote an unfaltering article about me. I need that corrected and I would like to offer her an exclusive interview with me.”

  There was silence on the other end of the line, so much so that Renee thought the call had dropped. “Hello? Hello? Helloooo.”

  “I’m here,” Antonio said finally. “She was very disrespectful in her analysis of you and your character. She spoke of things that she knows very little of. It was irresponsible reporting,” Antonio said becoming angry all over again.

  “Now she should have the opportunity to report the honest to goodness truth, and get the story straight from the horse’s mouth. Who knows my story may help someone else. God didn’t allow me to survive it, just too merely deny it. Lisa Monroe will report the truth without her opinion overshadowing the truth. I want her,” Renee finished.

  “I don’t know,” Antonio said into the phone.

  “Antonio, please tell me that you know that I am more than beautiful and convenient. Once I was considered brilliant in the area of International Business, I know how to spin this to my favor,” Renee said feeling determined.

  “I will make some calls. When and where do you want the i
nterview?” Antonio agreed against his better judgment.

  “Here, tomorrow, around lunch time. I have an afternoon doctor’s appointment,” Renee said.

  “I will clear my day for tomorrow then, I will be with you on both events. I also set up credit cards in your name, it will keep you from keeping up with an expense log,” Antonio responded.

  “Thank you,” Renee said into the phone, a single tear slipped down her face. She wiped her eye and rang off the line.

  Antonio was working her nerves with all these subtle reminders that this was a marriage in name only. She knew what was going on and he was making sure that she didn’t forget, she mused to herself as she walked back into the room with the ladies.

  Chapter 16

  The rest of the evening went perfectly well. The House of Elle came over as promised with beautiful gowns, some in satin and lace, others in silk and chiffon. She and the twins paraded around in the gorgeous gowns, while the others made all the appropriate noises and snapped pictures.

  She had called her sister Jasmine, her lifelong friends, Alexis and Alena Wellstone and asked them to do the honor of being bridesmaids along with Elizabeth, Olivia, Nicole, and Claire. Everyone had joyfully accepted and had agreed to fly in early to be fitted for their dresses. Amber and Alyson had agreed to be flower girls, Jacob and Eleanor Blake-Moore had agreed to stand in for her parents. Flowers had been selected, candles ordered as well as Antonio’s ring. The tuxedo’s selected, the programs, and all the venues were booked. She also had selected a photographer, musicians, dresses, and shoes for everyone.

  Later in the day, she enjoyed hand tossed pizza, sweet corn, and mixed green salad with everyone except Antonio, who was working late so that he could be off part of the day tomorrow.

  Later, still everyone enjoyed a movie together before she put the girls into their room to go to sleep. She checked with Ms. Ragsdale and Ms. Nancy to make sure that they were doing well and had all that they needed. Making one last stop in the kitchen she talked with Ms. Rosalie and thanked her for her help today. Then grabbed a ginger ale and bid her good night.