by Danni Rose
"Why? What did I do?"
"You don't expect me to give up the work I love or be an ornament on your arm. That means a lot."
"You are a beautiful woman, but you're also intelligent, creative, and enjoy a challenge. I can't imagine you sitting around all day eating bonbons."
"I am marrying a wise man." She wound her arms around his waist and nipped at his lips.
"Glad I locked the door." He claimed her lips in a fiery kiss.
Later, they lay on the sofa wrapped in an afghan, their clothes scattered on the floor, as they gasped for breath. The telephone rang, but neither of them moved.
"Aren't you going to pick that up?" Beth asked.
Jason shrugged. "Someone will take a message."
After the third ring, Beth said, "Maybe you should answer it."
"If I tried to walk now, I'd fall on my face."
She giggled.
Jason yawned. "If no one answers, the service will take a message."
Two minutes later, Marco pounded on the door. "Mr. Michael wants to talk to you. Can you drag yourself to the telephone?"
Jason groaned then said, "Thank you, Marco."
A roar of laughter came from the other side of the door.
Jason struggled to get to his feet. "I'm glad I entertain him."
He hit the SPEAKER button on the telephone. "What have you found out?"
"I located the attorney for the people who adopted your son. He's a baby broker."
Wrapped in the blanket, Beth sat up. "He's a what?"
"He places babies with couples who will pay big dollars to adopt."
She gasped. "He's selling babies? That's despicable."
"Definitely scum," Gabriel said. "We need to learn more about him before we take any action. I don't want him to find out someone has checked on him. He might pack up and run. I sent in two of my operatives as a married couple. Their cover story is they're desperate to adopt a baby and have hinted they will pay any price."
"What did he say?" Jason asked.
"He took the bait." Gabriel snorted. "They have another appointment on Friday. He's promised to tell them if he can match them with a baby."
Beth asked, "What will you do now?"
"I want more information about him. My people are checking into his background. Once we have that, I'll figure out the best way to get in to see his files." Gabriel hesitated. "If I have to, I'll pay a midnight visit to his office."
"Whatever you do, don't get into so much trouble I can't bail you out of jail."
"Based on what I've learned, Woodson won't contact the police. He won't want them to look into his business practices, but that makes him more likely to run."
"Sounds like you know him." Jason grinned. "Anything else?"
"Yeah. We can't confirm the information you gave me for the Andersons. Either the name is wrong, or they used fake identifications. I won't know for sure until I can check into Woodson's files."
Jason pulled her close. "This is closer than anyone has gotten, and we trust that you'll do whatever you think is best. In the meantime, I'll keep Beth distracted." He winked at her. "If you're available, next Wednesday we're getting married. We'd like you to come."
"Congratulations. I wondered how long it would take you to figure out what a prize you had."
Jason smiled. "It took nine years to get this done, but I have staying power."
Gabriel laughed then disconnected the call.
Wrapped in the afghan, Beth got to her feet. Jason led her to the door, but she pulled away and ran back to the sofa.
Jason asked, "What's wrong?"
She bent to pick up his shirt. "I don't want Lupita and Marco to know what we were doing."
Jason coughed. "It will be our secret."
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Several hours later they walked into the dining room.
Beth threw her arms around Jason. "Thank you!" The room was lit with candles and filled with flowers.
"It may be nine years later than we planned, but I don't want you to regret our marriage."
"I never will." She kissed him until her stomach rumbled. "Sorry, but the food smells so good. The aroma of the spices is making my mouth water. I smell basil, thyme, garlic…." She grabbed his hand and pulled him to the table, "Let's eat."
"I would never come between a woman and her food."
The wonderful aromas came from Lupita's pesto-stuffed pork chops, asparagus with parmesan and almonds, and orzo salad with basil flavored feta cheese. She told them to save room for the Italian Cream Cake from the shop, and Beth moaned. The meal was a culinary delight worthy of a five-star restaurant.
They wore matching smiles as they ate, talked, and made plans. Jason agreed he'd prefer a small, intimate ceremony with their families and friends who lived in Serenity Bay. After they returned from the honeymoon and moved to Chicago, they could have a second reception.
After dinner, Beth went to the parlor, and Jason went to his study. They called their family and friends to share the news of their marriage.
She called her mother first and smiled at her response.
"I am so happy for you. The two of you belong together."
"We wouldn't be if you hadn't sent that letter."
"Your father and I were wrong to interfere in your life. I can't tell you how much I regret forcing you to give up your son."
"We've put the past to rest. You should do the same."
"Darling, I love you very much. Now, I want to help. What can I do?"
Beth cleared her throat. "We don't have time for invitations and need someone to call our friends."
"I can do that. Have you put a guest list together?"
"We're working on it. I'll get it to you tomorrow."
They talked a while longer, and Beth's heart overflowed with love for her mother.
Next, she called Abbey.
Abbey asked, "Did you tell him—?"
"He's hired an investigator to search for our son." Beth then told her what they'd learned about Archer. "Father said he manipulated us to keep me in town and away from Jason. Then he took steps to make certain we could never find Daniel. Jason found the information when he broke into father's office."
Abbey laughed. "The plan worked?"
"Better than I expected."
"I'm glad the wine we drank when we came up with that plan didn't go to waste."
"We couldn't have found the information we need without your help." Beth asked, "Will you be my maid of honor?"
"I'd be proud to stand with you. Someone has to keep you from climbing out the bathroom window."
After they'd laughed, Beth said, "Nothing—and no one—will stop me from marrying him."
"I'm so happy for you and a little envious."
"Someday you'll find your Prince Charming."
"Yes, because there are so many of them running around Serenity Bay." Abbey laughed. "What will happen with the shop?"
Beth explained her plan to keep the shop in Serenity Bay open and establish a new shop in Chicago. She asked Abbey if she would move with her to manage the Chicago location.
"Yes!" Abbey squealed. "I've been a little restless and have wanted an adventure, but I didn't want to leave you."
They chatted awhile longer and agreed to talk the next day.
Her last call was to Erik.
He announced, "I will create the wedding cake of your dreams. It will be so beautiful, you won't want to cut it."
She laughed and thanked him. "Erik, you're the best. That's why I want you to take over management of the shop in Serenity Bay." Beth explained her plans.
He thought a new shop was a great idea, but asked, "You won't do the baking, will you?"
With a laugh, Beth assured him she planned to hire a baker.
Erik promised not to disappoint her. "I have a few ideas I'd like to discuss."
She smiled at his excitement and knew she'd made a good decision.
After they finished their calls, Jason and Beth sat on
the patio with glasses of wine.
"How did your family take the news?" she asked.
"Mom and Dad couldn't be happier. Callie can't wait to be the best woman, but she's disappointed there won't be time for a bachelor party."
"Do they know our history?"
He brushed the back of her neck. "I told them we spent time together and made peace with our past. Then we fell in love again, and I begged you to marry me. I thought it best to wait to tell them about Daniel."
"What if they hate me for giving him away?"
"You were eighteen and survived an experience that could have broken you. Instead, you built a good life for yourself while you searched for our son. It's time to forgive yourself." He ran his thumb in circles on her palm. "The reason I thought it best not to tell them about Daniel yet is that I don't want to disappoint them if we don't find him."
"I agree." She kissed his chin. "With such short notice, will they be able to attend the wedding?"
"They're flying in tomorrow—"
"Tomorrow?" She jumped to her feet. "They can't come tomorrow. I need time to prepare. What if they don't like me or think I'm not good enough for you?"
"They'll love you." He pulled her onto his lap. "There is only one person whose opinion should concern you."
"Who?"
"Mine." With a sexy grin, he took her lips in a sweet kiss that soon turned hot and needy.
Morning came too soon. Beth couldn't decide which outfit to wear and changed clothes three times before she chose. It didn't matter what she wore. His family knew their past and had to be unhappy with Jason's decision to marry her. They were coming to stop the wedding. What's the proper attire to wear to get a heart broken?
Unable to delay any longer, she went to the breakfast room. She pushed her food around her plate and guzzled coffee. Jason tried to reassure her, but her fear made it impossible to relax.
Lupita came in to tell them his family had arrived. Beth held his hand as they walked out to greet them.
Jason whispered, "Could you let the blood flow to my fingers."
"Oh. Sorry." Beth apologized but couldn't loosen her grip.
Jason laughed. She swallowed to keep from losing the little food she'd eaten.
Outside, she stood at Jason's side and dug her nails into the arm he had around her waist. His family got out of the car, and she wondered if it was too late to hide in the bathroom.
"Jason." A young woman jumped into his arms. "It's about time my big brother got his head—"
"Callie." The woman, an older version of Jason's sister, shook her head. "Beth, excuse my daughter. Words pour out of her mouth before her brain is engaged."
She laughed with the others.
"Hi, Tiger. I'm glad you're here." He set Callie on her feet. "Beth, this is Matt and Helen Richards, and my little sister, Callie."
Helen beamed as she pulled Beth into a tight hug and said, "Grandchildren."
There were chuckles around them while a new set of arms pulled her into a crushing embrace. She looked into Matt's face.
"Welcome to the family." With a smile, he kissed her cheek. "We haven't stopped smiling since Jason told us you agreed to marry him."
Matt rolled his eyes when Callie tugged on his arm.
"My turn." She pulled Beth into a bear hug. "I admire your courage."
Beth frowned. "Courage?"
"You've agreed to marry the man others call a cold-blooded shark."
He winked at Beth. "I told you I swim with the sharks."
She laughed with the family and then said, "How about coffee, or would you like something else?"
The response was unanimous. "Coffee."
After Lupita set out coffee and pastries, they talked, laughed, and got to know each other.
Helen clapped her hands. "We don't have a lot of time to prepare for the wedding, but we can get it done if we have a plan."
Beth laughed. "Now I know where Jason got his obsession with making plans."
Everyone, even Jason, laughed until Helen said, "I've scheduled a visit to a wedding boutique tomorrow."
"There isn't one in Serenity Bay." Beth's eyebrows drew together. "Are we going to drive to Minneapolis?"
"We're flying to Chicago."
"Chicago?" Beth said, "But my mother and Abbey—"
Helen held up a hand. "Jason gave me their names and telephone numbers. I called them last night. Abbey will be here for dinner and stay overnight. Then we'll pick up Deidre on the way to the airport."
Beth sat wide-eyed and listened to Helen's plans. She took charge with the force of a tornado sucking in everything in its path.
Helen patted her hand. "Let me tell you about the day we have planned for you. We'll spend the day at the boutique. A friend of mine, Wendy Rand, is a well-known wedding planner and has agreed to organize your day. She'll help you decide on flowers, decorations, dinner, and whatever else you need. Once you've made your choices, she'll make sure everything gets done."
Beth's mouth dropped. Jason put a finger under her chin to close it. Then he kissed her.
They planned a late supper so Abbey could join them. While they waited, the family settled into their rooms. Beth and Jason used the time to put together their guest list.
A short time later, Helen returned with an armful of bride magazines. She told Beth, "Look through these for ideas for your dress, the meal, flowers, and whatever else you would like to have."
After she looked at two magazines, the wedding dresses began to look alike. When Abbey arrived, Beth pulled her into the living room. She gave Abbey a magazine and told her to pick a dress.
The best part of the day came when they gathered for dinner. Beth felt as comfortable with Jason's family as she did with her friends from the shop. They talked and joked and enjoyed being together. She laughed most at the stories they shared about Jason.
When Helen winked at her, Beth smothered a chuckle. She'd already learned what a sense of humor Helen possessed. "Beth, do you know any nice, single men you could introduce to Callie? If we don't find her a husband soon, she may never give me grandchildren."
Everyone laughed, except Callie. Her response was a long, drawn out, "Mother."
The next day, while they waited to board the plane, Beth clamped her hands together.
"What's wrong?" Helen slid an arm around her.
She shrugged. "I appreciate all your help, but it will be impossible to have dresses fitted or find a caterer in time for the wedding. Even though we talked Jason into a short delay, the ceremony is a week from Saturday, and no one can meet that deadline."
"There isn't a florist, dress designer, or caterer who wouldn't kill to be part of the whirlwind wedding of billionaire J.D. Richards to Elizabeth Kingsley." Callie laughed.
"I keep forgetting he's J.D. Richards." The heat of a blush washed over Beth's face.
Helen said, "The planner has five caterers scheduled to come in to present their menu suggestions for dinner. She also has several florists who will suggest flowers and arrangements, and the shop we'll be at carries one-of-a-kind designer dresses including several you saw in those magazines."
"What if I embarrass him?"
Helen put an arm around her. "You could never upset him. Jason doesn't care about his image or what others think. He wants you to have the wedding of your dreams."
Beth blinked back her tears.
Her day in Chicago was both wonderful and crazy. She dealt with caterers, florists, and dresses in one day. It was an overwhelming task that couldn't have been done without Helen and the wedding planner. They had ideas and suggestions to transform the house and garden into a wonderland.
While Beth tried on another dress, Callie and Abbey walked up with identical smiles too innocent to believe. "What trouble have you two caused?"
"No trouble." Abbey laughed.
Callie said, "We have a gift for you."
Together they held up the sexiest negligee she'd ever seen. A sheer chiffon and lace confection with embro
idered silk and pearl flowers in places to tease the imagination.
Abbey smirked and said, "If Jason doesn't lose his ability to speak the minute he sees you in this, the man is not human."
Beth grinned. "Not only will he be speechless, but he'll be on his knees before the sun rises."
That sent the women into side-shaking laughter.
After much debate, Beth picked a strapless wedding gown made of chiffon over satin created by a designer whose clothes she'd always admired. She loved the pearls and embroidery that covered the bodice of the dress and cascaded in a waterfall down the left side of the skirt. Beth chose a white satin and lace corset and thong. Her face heated when she imagined Jason taking them off—one piece at a time.
For Abbey, they picked a sleek, satin strapless dress in a burgundy. With her darker skin, the effect was dramatic and stunning. Deidre and Helen decided they wanted to wear floor-length dresses and found gowns that complemented the colors Beth had chosen.
As Jason's best woman, Callie intended to wear a tuxedo. Helen shook her head and said, "She's responsible for every gray hair on my head."
Happy but tired, the ladies flew back to Serenity Bay. Beth didn't believe they could plan a wedding in one day, but they'd done it. What made it special, though, was spending time with the amazing women of her family.
The one bump in the plans happened after Beth decided not to have her father escort her to Jason. Archer called to object to her decision. "I am your father. People will talk if I don't deliver you to Richards."
"This is our wedding, and we'll do what makes us happy. I don't want a show to impress your friends or business associates."
"How can you humiliate your family like this?"
"Goodbye, Father."
For years she'd tried to win his love, but now she knew the truth. He didn't love her and considered her a mistake, a disappointment. She refused to settle for the crumbs he tossed or put up with his abusive temper. Jason may not love her, but he respected her and treated her better than her father ever had.
The day of the wedding, Beth woke with a smile. She looked out the window to a morning bathed in sunshine. The day couldn't be more perfect. The ceremony was scheduled for the late afternoon to give the caterer, decorator, and others time to prepare.
