Colorado Billionaires Boxed Set (The Wedding Wager, The Wedding Hazard, The Wedding Venture)

by Regina Duke

  “Ladies and gentlemen, while our disc jockey takes a little break, we have a special treat for you. Mr. Jason Darby is engaged to be married, as you all know by now, and his fiancée Victoria Winn is a talented pianist who has agreed to play for us this evening.”

  Vicky darted an accusing glance at Jason. He leaned close and said, “I told you my grandmother could be sharp as a tack. You have been ambushed by a master.”

  Vicky started to protest, but quashed the urge. Instead, she smiled graciously and stood up. Then she had an inspired thought. “Come with me, Mom.”

  “Me? Good heavens, no.”

  “We’ll play a duet.”

  “Oh, no.” Elsa held up a hand in protest, but her heart wasn’t in it.

  Vicky saw the spark of hidden desire and acted on it. “You’re the reason I have this talent. We haven’t played together in years. Pretty please?”

  “God gave you the talent,” said Elsa, “but your stage fright came from me. I’m not sure I can.”

  “Mrs. Darby would love to hear you play again, wouldn’t you?” She turned an encouraging smile on Dolores.

  “Excellent! My former teacher and my future daughter-in-law playing together at my party? Perfect.”

  Vicky took her mother’s hand and led her toward the pianos amidst polite applause. Once on the dais, her mother took a seat at one piano and Vicky spoke into the microphone.

  “In honor of Dolores Darby, my mother and I will play a Beethoven duet, ‘Ich Denke Dein’ with Six Variations, WoO74. I have to say it that way. Mother trained me to do it, and if I don’t, I’ll never hear the end of it.”

  Several people laughed and Vicky took a seat at the other piano. The partygoers fell silent. Elsa began, setting the tempo. Then Vicky joined in, playing Secondo to Elsa’s Primo. When they were finished, Vicky raised her hands with a flourish. She was flushed and excited, and when the room burst into applause, she stood up and took a showy bow, beaming from ear to ear. Then she took her mother’s hand and pulled her up as well. She went to the microphone and said, “Thank you all for coming. You should all know that my mother was my first piano teacher, and any talent I have, I owe to her.”

  More applause followed.

  “You’ve been very indulgent. If you wish to help a wonderful cause this evening, please give what you can to the Performing Arts Programs in our local schools. I grew up here in Eagle’s Toe, and my first stage appearances were in school. You may be fostering the creativity of other talented children with your generous giving. As soon as our disc jockey can catch his breath, I hope you will dance the night away. Happy Halloween!”

  When they returned to their table, Jason stood and gave her a big hug. Dolores said, “That was lovely.”

  Elsa fanned herself with her Spanish fan. “Vicky, thank you for slowing down for me. I could tell you were holding back. And also—” She paused, as if gathering strength. “I also want to tell you how proud I am of you. You handle yourself like a masterful professional. It’s true that I had to help my mother, but the real reason my career was cut short was my lack of showmanship. I’m quite good technically, but I could never connect with an audience. You, my darling daughter, are a true performer.” She finished by giving Vicky a fierce hug.

  Vicky was too choked up to say more than, “Thank you.”

  Jason rescued her, excusing the two of them and pulling Vicky out onto the dance floor. As they moved together to a romantic ballad, Jason said, “You, your mother, Gran, Mina. I am surrounded by powerful women. I’d better watch my step.”

  Vicky smiled up at him. “Don’t worry,” she said, leaning in close. “I’ve got your back.”

  Jason nuzzled her ear. “You’ve got more than that. You’ve got my heart.”

  EPILOGUE

  December 22, 6:00 p.m.

  The Christmas tree in the gallery alcove almost reached the ceiling. Outside, the lights outlining the fountain reflected off the snow. The Darby home was decorated from the driveway to the eight-car garage, front and back, up and down. Staff members, old and new, laughed and chatted around the tree. From the music room, a steady stream of Christmas carols could be heard.

  Jason stood behind Vicky, his arms circling her, as they watched the merriment.

  Mrs. Johnson’s grandchildren were squealing with delight as they ripped paper and ribbons off their gifts. Mr. and Mrs. Lopes and their children and grandchildren filled two tables. Up and down the gallery, children of all ages were showing off their presents and diving into their little boxes of Christmas cookies.

  Alistair sat serenely at a small table by the windows, a bottle of imported wine at his elbow. His matronly sister refilled his glass for him. He was chuckling softly as he played with the touch screen of his new iPad.

  Mina was holding court, surrounded by the three new housemaids, sharing stories from the old days. Their dates and families filled the room, eating and drinking and admiring the house.

  Portraits of Darbys looked down from the walls. Dolores sat near the tree beneath a large oil of Thomas and Jill. Every now and then she pulled out another group of little gifts for the children in attendance.

  Another Christmas carol started up in the music room.

  Vicky leaned against Jason, her long green gown and Christmas corsage adding to the festive decor.

  “Mr. Darby,” she said, turning her head to look up into his eyes, “thank you for inviting my mother to spend the holiday with us.”

  “Mrs. Darby,” he replied, “it was my pleasure. Are you sure she’s not feeling left out? She’s been in the music room playing all afternoon.”

  Vicky smiled. “Trust me, she’s in heaven. She used to dream about a room like that. She’s wanted me to have one for as long as I can remember.”

  “I think she liked her gift,” said Jason.

  “My husband, the genius. Wrapping up a realtor’s offer for her house? She was thrilled. And knowing she could live there as long as she wants without worrying about rent or a mortgage is even better. I’ve never seen her so happy.”

  Jason planted a kiss on her cheek. “You’re not upset about your stepfather moving back in?”

  “It makes mother happy, so I’m not upset.”

  “Too bad he didn’t want to join us here.”

  Vicky made a face. “Actually, it worked out just fine. And besides, he has that new job.” She gave Jason a meaningful look.

  Jason grinned. “I’ll admit, that took some doing.”

  Vicky patted his arm and he released her. “Look, Madlyn’s here.”

  Madlyn’s Christmas sweater was drawing smiles from every corner. Tiny jingle bells chimed with every step she took. When she spotted Vicky and Jason, her eyes welled with tears. She trotted over and wrapped her arms around her friend.

  “You shouldn’t have! OMG, you can’t give me a big present like that. I barely had time to make you a homemade card.”

  Vicky laughed. “It’s okay. You needed a vehicle that wouldn’t end up in the shop every week. Besides, it’s not even brand new.”

  Madlyn wiped her tears away and sniffled. “Well, that’s true. It does have a whole five thousand miles on it.” She rolled her eyes. “I love it. I would refuse to accept it, if my minivan hadn’t completely died just yesterday.”

  Jason smiled. “I hope the make and model is okay. You seem to like the mini van concept, so—”

  Madlyn held up a hand. “Are you kidding? It’s perfect! And I love the sliding door. I can pack anything I want or need in there. The seats come out. Good grief, I adore it. And what a nice touch. Leaving it in my driveway with a big ribbon around it? Who does that outside of car commercials?”

  Vicky bobbed her head from side to side. “Well, that’s what you get when your BFF marries a billionaire.” The two of them burst out laughing.

  Serious again, Madlyn said, “Thank you so much.”

  Jason grinned. “No problem. Of course, for the next ten Christmases, you’ll get a photograph of it as your present.
”

  “Perfect,” said Madlyn. She gave him a big hug, too. “Hey, where’s Vicky’s gift?” Her eyes lit up with expectation. “Did you give it to her yet?”

  Vicky shook her head. “We’re going to open our personal gifts on Christmas.”

  Madlyn nodded eagerly. “I know. But Jason said—”

  Jason interrupted her. “Madz, you and I will have a little conversation later about subtlety, okay?”

  Vicky drew back. “All right, Mr. Let’s Wait Until Christmas Morning. What have you done?”

  Jason shrugged. “It’s just a pre-Christmas gift.”

  Madlyn giggled. “So you’ll have something to open here at the party.”

  Jason cleared his throat. “And also I’m betting you won’t kill me in front of all these people. Gran? Can you reach that flat package tucked between the branches?”

  Dolores leaned toward the tree and managed to fetch it without getting up. “Oh, goody. I’ve been waiting.” She handed it to Jason.

  “This idea came to me weeks ago, full blown. I just knew exactly what to do for your Christmas present. Well, one of them. You have to wait for the others.” He handed the flat package to Vicky.

  “It feels like a picture frame,” she said as she began taking the paper off. “Oh, look, it is a picture frame.” She turned it over. A moment later her eyes grew big and her mouth dropped open. She looked up at Jason with a mix of surprise and terror on her face. “Is this a joke?”

  “No, it’s not a joke,” laughed Jason. “But it’s not final either until you approve.”

  Madlyn was jumping up and down. “It’s a playbill! See? Your name, right there? And Carnegie Hall, right there! And look at the dates! So cool.”

  Vicky was stunned. “But this says I’ll be performing at Carnegie Hall. How can that be?”

  “Well, it almost wasn’t,” said Jason. “Gran’s competition board had to get involved. That place is booked solid way in advance. But we got the date. And if she agrees, we’ll add your mother’s name to it.”

  “Oh, my God.” Vicky ran a hand over the glass.

  “Start making a guest list,” said Jason. “Invite everyone you ever wanted to impress or share with. The rest of the seats will be charitable invitations, a fundraiser for the J and T Competition.”

  “Six months away?” Vicky’s pupils were pinpricks. “I’m going to have to start practicing tonight!”

  Jason pulled her close. “I think you can wait until New Year’s Day. Neither one of us wanted you out there living in hotel rooms and traveling from concert to concert, but I wanted you to have the opportunity. You’ve worked your whole life to play at Carnegie Hall. Now you will.”

  Vicky clutched the framed playbill close to her heart. “Even if I haven’t won a competition?”

  Dolores snorted. “If you need more validation, I’ll have the J and T board convene for a special performance. If they agree you’re good enough, you’ll play Carnegie Hall.”

  “Thank you, Dolores! I need to go tell mom.” She planted a kiss on Jason’s lips. “I’ll be right back.”

  Madlyn squealed and followed her.

  Jason pulled up a chair and sat down next to his grandmother. “I know she’s good enough. And you know she’s good enough. Do we really need the Board involved? I’ve already rented the Hall.”

  “Vicky needs to know she would have won a competition. I’ve heard her play. The only reason the Ling-Smythe girl won this year’s J and T was because Vicky didn’t get to compete. Having the Board certify her will give her the confidence to play on the big stage.”

  “I love you, Gran.”

  From the music room came a chorus of feminine squeals.

  Dolores laughed. “Besides, once she gets Carnegie Hall out of her system, you two can get busy and make me some grandchildren.”

  Jason stood up as the three women emerged from the music room and headed straight for him. He opened his arms, waiting, and said to his grandmother, “That will definitely be a pleasure.”

  *Thank you for reading The Wedding Venture. If you enjoyed this novel, please take a moment to leave a review at your favorite online retailer. Please turn the page for an excerpt of Regina's books, North Rim Delight and The Woof in the Wedding Plans.*

  NORTH RIM DELIGHT

  by

  Regina Duke

  CHAPTER ONE

  He pushed me!

  Terri flew over the guard rail, headed for a tumble into the Grand Canyon.

  Somewhere in mid-air, adrenaline kicked in.

  It’s true, she thought. The world does slow to a crawl when you’re about to die.

  She saw the Canyon beyond the rim, its ochres, tans, and golds muted in the glare of the afternoon sun.

  I should be dying at sunset, she thought. That’s when the colors are most glorious.

  She saw the ground floating up to meet her. She was going to bounce. She would hit the rim and flop off into the Canyon. Not very graceful.

  As that thought whizzed by, her body retrieved the memory of a long forgotten gymnastics class. Tuck and roll. Muscle fiber and nerve endings worked together to twist her in the air. She put out her hands to meet the earth, and her body had every confidence that she would gather her legs beneath her and land like an athlete, agile and ready to spring back at her attacker.

  Unfortunately, her mind was not informed of the game plan. One hand was still clinging to her tote bag. It thumped the ground beneath her. At the very moment her feet were scheduled to perform their maneuver, panic choked her and ruined her timing. When her feet landed, they skidded sideways in the gravel and slid right over the edge.

  Ouch! That’s going to hurt, she thought as her bare legs scraped the rocks at the rim. Note to self. In the future, do not wear hiking shorts to a disaster.

  A part of her mind bubbled with hysterical laughter as she realized that the pain would be momentary. It would end at the bottom of the Canyon, a mile below.

  I dreamed about vacationing at the North Rim. I finally made it, and I’ve met a man worth loving. I am not ready to die!

  The outside world and her inner sense of time reconnected with a jolt. Her hands scrabbled for purchase, but she was sliding toward the abyss. Someone screamed. That should be me, she thought.

  It was.

  CHAPTER TWO

  Two days earlier...

  Terri Baker stuffed one more pair of shorts into her suitcase, then used a knee to squash the lid down so she could zip it up. Thank goodness it had wheels, although she only had to roll it to the car. She yanked the zipper when it snagged, and that was a mistake.

  “Oh, rats. Now the zipper’s busted. What else can possibly go wrong?” She stepped back, took a deep breath, and let it out in a whoosh. A glance in her dresser mirror told her she’d forgotten something else. “My hair!” She ran a hand through her A-line do. It was starting to look shaggy. “I missed my hair appointment. Oh, Reggie—” She caught herself. Reggie wasn’t there. She was alone in the house. All the more reason to make sure she followed through with this vacation. She had to get away. “This”

  The phone rang for the third time that morning. Terri picked it up. “What now, Calin?” She tried to keep the impatience out of her voice.

  “I’m sorry, Terri. You know how Mondays are. One more question. Were you the last person to handle the Rosie Griffin file? It’s not in the drawer.”

  “Look in the folder where we put the clients who need special billing arrangements. It’s tucked behind that display for Science Diet.”

  “I thought everybody had to pay up front for services rendered.” Calin sounded rushed. Another voice in the background was talking to someone about titers and vaccinations.

  Terri fingered the busted zipper on her bag. “As a general rule, that’s true. But Dr. Kay makes exceptions for her oldest clients. They’ve been bringing their pets in for almost twenty-five years and some of them are on fixed incomes. But don’t take their word for it. Always check with Dr. Kay first.” Te
rri’s boss, Dr. Alice Kay, had a soft streak when it came to her most loyal customers. Calin wasn’t new to the job, but she didn’t know all the old timers yet. “Anything else?”

  Calin’s voice softened. “A friend of mine in rescue has a beautiful young German Shepherd dog who desperately needs a home with an experienced owner. You’d be perfect for this dog!”

  Terri sat heavily on top of her suitcase. “I know you mean well, Calin, but I’m just not ready. I don’t even have Reggie’s ashes yet.”

  “You mean, you haven’t picked them up yet,” said Calin gently. “The pet crematorium delivered them here this morning. We said you were out of town. They’ll be here waiting for you when you get back.”

  “Thanks.”

  “And no pressure, but maybe then you’ll feel like meeting this rescue. The original owners couldn’t pay for his surgery. A vet did it pro bono, then called GSD rescue. They took him in, but they’re desperate for foster homes.”

  “Fine. I’ll meet the dog after I get back, okay? But I can’t promise anything. I’m too heart sore right now.”

  “Of course. You go and enjoy your trip. Get a fresh perspective. I’ll see you when you get back. Bye.”

  Terri had been planning this trip to the Grand Canyon for months. She felt like she had never done anything by herself. Even when she moved to Reno to take the vet tech job she’d wanted so badly, she wasn’t really alone. Gavin, her boyfriend from college, had already started working in the Biggest Little City.

  Then she discovered that some people should never live near casinos, and Gavin was one of them. Within a year of her arrival, he had gone into terrible debt trying to win at the gaming tables. It sounded cliché, but it was sad. He had no control over his urge to gamble. If he couldn’t play the tables, he would spend hours at the grocery store, feeding quarters into the slot machines.

  She made one last stop in the bathroom, then washed her hands and checked her reflection. The white tank top and yellow shorts had been chosen to keep her comfortable on her trip. Her skin was flawless, although she would have given anything to be tannable. Her common sense railed against tanning booths. She had invested in a quick spray tan that kept her from glowing in the dark, but any astute observer would know she was born pale. She sighed in exasperation at herself. Oh, well, she thought, we all want what we can’t have.