by Alison Kent
Yep. I believe in him. All the way. I swear, I followed Arianne’s directions and inscribed that on my heart. Don’t get me wrong. We’re still taking it slow. No moving in or engagement rings on our horizon. For a while, at least. I have to get used to the idea of having only one man in my life. Lucky for me, he’s the one man who’s everything to me. And I do mean everything.
I’m so happy, I’m literally beaming. Don’t even need a desk light. In fact, I have to close this email with something so sicky-sweet I’ve never even thought of doing it before.
{{{{{{Natalie & Joe & Arianne & Rafe}}}}}}
Isabel
P.S. Never repeat this, but do you know what was most alarming of all? There was a moment there when I got the test results that I was disappointed, too. I’d started to like the idea of having Tom’s baby. How’s that for goopy Valentine’s Day surprises?
To: Natalie; Isabel
From: [email protected]
Date: Feb 14
Subject: That crazy man of mine
Rafe gave me the most amazing Valentine’s Day present. We’re off to Monte Carlo tomorrow morning, and I’m not even packed!! I can’t believe he pulled this on me. I told him I don’t do spontaneous; he told me to get used to it. I guess maybe I can try;-)
There is no business trip. He was toying with me all the time. He’s booked us a fabulous vacation. He insists we start in Monte Carlo, then the south of France and Italy. I’ll be home in early March, and then I’ll seriously have to start planning this wedding.
Iz, I’m so glad you’re happy. Remember that Nat and I are always here for you, but so is Tom. Next time, reach for him instead of pushing him away.
Natalie, don’t have your housewarming party without us! I’ll bring you something scrumptious from Europe. No half-off sales this time.
I think I might look in Italy for a fabulous little number to wear to the Monticello Masked Ball next New Year’s Eve. We’re all going together again, right? Though I don’t know how we’ll top this year’s party!!
luv you guys,
Arianne
To: Arianne; Isabel
From: [email protected]
Date: Feb 14
Subject: What to Wear
Joe and I just got in a little while ago after celebrating a completely clichéd, sappy and utterly romantic Valentine’s Day together. Dinner, roses, jewelry (did I tell you I just love sapphires?) dancing…and I can’t believe we actually did this, but we took one of those carriage rides around the park. I know, I know. Très gauche and totally tourist. We ‘bout froze to death, but you can’t believe the
Isabel, there is plenty of time for Arianne and I to become aunties when the timing is right, but darn-it-all, even I’m feeling a twinge of disappointment. All those glorious baby designer fashions will just have to wait a while longer. And I had such plans, too!
Arianne, if you step into one discount store in Italy I may never forgive you. Be brave, my bean-counting friend. Get in touch with your frivolous side, and for once leave the damned calculator at home. Promise me? Although, one does wonder how much time you’ll have for shopping with that hot Italian lover keeping you otherwise occupied. LOL!
You can help me plan the housewarming after you and Rafe return. In the meantime, I’m commandeering Iz to find me a decorator to die for. Iz, break out your Rolodex for me and send me the names of your most brilliant contacts—when you come up for air, that is.
The buzz is already starting hum about this year’s Fashion Week. Will be keeping my eye out for fabulous, one-of-a-kind finds, and thanks to Arianne’s stern tutelage I have my bargaining skills honed to perfection. I have a feeling what to wear to this year’s Monticello Ball isn’t going to be such a huge concern—more like what we won’t be wearing after the stroke of midnight.
Love,
Nat
ISBN: 978-1-4268-2606-1
Copyright © 2008 Harlequin Books S.A.
The publisher acknowledges the copyright holders of the individual works as follows:
Luv U Madly
Copyright © 2005 Mica Stone
Deliver Me
Copyright © 2005 Karen Alarie
Signed, Sealed, Seduced
Copyright © 2005 Jeanie LeGendre
Wrapped and Ready
Copyright © 2001 Harlequin Books S.A.
A Sicilian Marriage
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The Italian’s Blackmailed Bride
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The Sultan’s Seduction
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Stroke of Midnight
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Impulsive
Copyright © 2003 Jamie Ann Denton
Enticing
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Tantalizing
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What to Wear
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