"No."
"Then that's settled," she said with finality.
He beamed. "This is why I'm in love with you. You know me better than I know myself, and you take care of me."
"Of course I do. We're in this together babe, you and me. We need to look out for each other and make sure we’re happy. It's our job. It's what we signed up for," she said factually.
Inhaling a sharp breath, Darren closed his eyes. "God, Courtney, you make me so happy. Why the hell won't you marry me?"
"I like to torture you," she quipped then turned and bolted out of the kitchen and through the dining room. She squealed when he caught her from behind, threw her over his shoulder, and smacked her ass.
"Jack!" he yelled. "Gym!" He loved it when she was playful.
Strolling out of the house with Courtney slung over his shoulder, Darren carried her to the waiting black sedan with black tinted windows. She laughed deliriously the entire time at her hopelessly romantic boyfriend.
At the gym, on the modern day torture device called a treadmill, out of the corner of her eye, Courtney caught Darren watching her. Her heart fluttered. She had it bad for him. Which had her thinking‒why was she waiting to say yes to his proposal? There was no valid reason. She loved him and he loved her. He took special care of her, the way a partner was supposed to with the one they loved. She relished taking care of him in that same way. Not financially. They were both well off on their own. They took care of each other emotionally and spiritually with a graceful ease. He made her laugh and she did her best to reciprocate. They never fought. It was beneath them as a couple. And they listened to one another.
She didn't see herself with anyone else. The future she envisioned involved spending the rest of her life with Darren. A picture of them having babies and growing old together slammed vividly into her mind. Farther down the road of course. He'd make a terrific father.
She knew once she said yes, he would insist on an enormous, over-the-top wedding to showcase to everyone they knew his love and commitment to her. Specifically he'd want her proclamation before of a congregation of their nearest and dearest. In that manner, he showed his inner alpha. Well, not so inner.
Courtney would only ever want, need, love, respect and desire Darren.
She powered down the treadmill in mid run, stunned she had made her decision. Unbelievable timing, she thought. Glancing over at Darren, he sat up from the weight bench and automatically looked her direction, again.
Darren
While he lifted his usual obscene amount of weight, Courtney ran on the treadmill. Ear buds firmly in place, she was lost in the music and her run. He kept a watchful eye on her to make certain men didn't approach her. His girl turned heads. She looked hot in those short shorts and tight tee shirt with her hair pulled back in a ponytail. No makeup and a slight flush gave her that natural look. God, what a lucky man he was.
Finished with his first set on the bench press, he sat up and looked her way. Something was wrong. Court stood on the treadmill staring at him, dazed. The look in her eyes said something had changed. For the good or for the bad? Did something happen? Did she figured out his business?
No. Her eyes shined.
He tilted his head quizzically.
"Darren?" Jack asked.
Frozen in place, he held up his hand. "Wait."
Now he grew concerned. She stood stock still, unmoving. Standing from the bench, about to go to her, she scrambled off the treadmill and rushed towards him. Throwing her arms around his neck, she sobbed into his chest.
"Court, honey, what is it? Are you okay?" he asked and wrapped his arms protectively around her.
Scanning the gym, Jack looked for a threat. If his gun was on him, he would have pulled it out.
Courtney pulled away from Darren, tears streaming down her soft cheeks. "I'm so sorry, Darren."
"For what, honey? What is it?" What the hell was going on?
"For making you wait. I've been so stupid‒"
"Wait...what?" he asked confused.
"Darren, I'm an idiot." She took a deep, cleansing breath. "My answer is yes."
Staring into her beautiful, blue eyes, he tried to comprehend what she said.
"I will marry you, Darren," she whispered.
The air left his lungs. "What?" he asked. "How? I don't understand." He looked around the gym. "What happened?"
"Darren, I'm saying yes to your proposal. I'm saying yes to moving in with you. I'm saying yes to spending the rest of my life with you. To having babies and growing old together. To be with you every night and waking next to you every morning. Don't ask me what happened because I don't know. I just realized there's no reason for my denials."
Quick like a cheetah, he snatched her into his arms and into an enormous embrace, spun her around like a stupid lovesick fool, then set her down and kissed her hard. He pulled away with unmanly tears in his eyes he held at bay.
"Courtney," he whispered.
"Darren," she said lovingly.
"Let's go home, Court," he insisted.
Whisking her out of the gym, he led her to the car with Jack on their heels. When Courtney slid inside, he slid in beside her, grabbed her by the waist and devoured her mouth. He had her. Finally. What happened, he didn't know and didn't care. She would now make his life complete. Some might say he was too in love with her but he didn't give a shit. She would soon wear his ring and become his wife.
He ran soft kisses up her jaw to her ear. "My Courtney, I love you so much. Thank you, thank you, thank you." He pulled away and cupped her face. "I promise I'll spend all of my days making our life together a happy one. I'll spend every day loving you as much as I love you at this very moment."
Tears escaped down her cheeks. She tightened her arms around his neck and sobbed into his chest once again. "I love you."
"Oh, my gorgeous girl, I love you more."
On the deck of his luxury boat, Darren set up their late lunch. Anchored near The Point, he popped the cork on a champagne bottle, poured the bubbly, then handed a full flute to Courtney. Seated across from her at a small table for two, he held up his glass.
"Here's to us, my Courtney. To the start of our life together. Permanently," he toasted with pure love and devotion.
"Forever," she whispered.
Darren knelt down on one knee before her. Taking her left hand into his, he asked, "Courtney Millen, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife, making me the happiest man and completing my world?"
He reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a princess cut three-carat diamond ring set in platinum.
Tears filled her eyes and spilled down her cheeks. "Yes, I will," she answered.
Beaming and letting out a long breath, he slid the ring onto her tiny left ring finger. A perfect fit. That ring had burned a hole in his pocket for well over a year.
Courtney gently cupped his face and kissed him affectionately on the lips. Embracing him, she held him close and burrowed her head into his neck. After a few minutes, she pulled away. He gently wiped the tears that stained her cheeks. "You are so beautiful, my fiancée."
She tossed her head back and laughed. "How long have you been waiting to use that endearment?"
"Too long." He stood and sat back down in his seat. “Now, let’s nail down a date.”
Naturally, he wanted to discuss dates right away. In fact, in terms of a wedding, he wanted over-the-top.
“Well…if we went to Vegas we could marry as early as tomorrow.” She looked over top of her champagne glass with those innocent eyes and took a long sip.
Not funny. “Forget it. We’re getting married in the church, in front of our family and friends. I want everyone to witness our union.”
He knew she'd been joking but it didn't set well with him. For years he'd been desperately patient with her rejections. Toying with what he felt was a proper wedding wasn't humorous to him.
“Hey.” She reached across the table for his hand. “I'm kidding. You know I don’t r
eally care about the whole wedding thing. Whatever you want. I know how much this means to you. If you want an enormous wedding with all the spectacle, then we’ll have it.”
Darren squeezed her hand and relaxed. “Thank you.”
“You’re going to be my husband. I’ll do anything to make sure you're happy,” she said.
Overwhelmed with love for his Courtney, he thought about his past and how he had never felt the love he did for her. He'd gone through years of many different beautiful women who never captured his interest. Until Courtney. Thinking back to the time they met, he'd been instantly drawn to her and fell hard and fast. She had fought the relationship and he couldn’t blame her. Even though it killed him, he'd been unusually patient. He had courted her relentlessly and refused to allow her to push him away. He smiled to himself, thinking of the six month process it took for her to cave and agree to date him. Naturally as soon as that happened, he let loose and showered her with love, gifts, trips, flowers, jewelry and anything else his heart desired. Once Darren had put his mind to having her, she hadn’t stood a chance.
Refocusing on his fiancée, he felt part of his soul relax. Soon she would be his wife. Under his constant protection.
On their way home from a perfect afternoon, Darren ordered Jack to pull into the country club. When they both climbed out of the car, he placed his hand on the small of Courtney’s back and led her inside.
“Mr. Murphy.” The young blonde hostess beamed at him. That smile faded when she glanced at Courtney. “Miss Millen.”
“Hello,” Courtney said civilly.
“Britney, can I speak with Mr. Waltson?” he asked.
“Sure, I’ll get him for you. Are you eating tonight?” she asked, toying with her hair.
“Not tonight,” he said and wrapped his arm around Courtney. He planted a wet one on her forehead.
Disappointed, the hostess left her podium to retrieve the manager. Women were constantly dazzled and infatuated by him. His flirtatious behavior and handsome features assured that women would constantly vie for his attention. But since the day they met, Darren only had eyes for his Courtney.
A few moments later, an exuberant manager bounced into the lobby.
“Hello Mr. Murphy and Miss Millen. How are you both?” He held out his hand to greet them.
Darren shook the man's hand. “Wonderful, Mr. Waltson.” He got right down to business. “We're here because I have asked Miss Millen to marry me and she has agreed‒”
“Oh! How wonderful. Congratulations to both of you.” Mr. Waltson practically jumped for joy.
The young hostess gaped.
“What I’m looking for is a venue to hold the reception. We need room for at least five hundred people,” Darren continued firmly.
“Of course, of course,” Mr. Waltson agreed.
“Five hundred?” Courtney whispered shocked.
“At least,” Darren said.
“How many people do you know?” she asked and rolled her eyes.
He chuckled. “It’s not that I know all five hundred. There a lot of people I do business with that must be invited.”
“Whatever,” she murmured.
“Don’t worry about money, sweetheart. I have this covered. Your parents won’t have to pay a dime and neither will you,” he whispered into her ear.
“Of course I will!” she shrieked. Embarrassed, she apologized to Mr. Waltson. “I mean,” she lowered her voice, “it’s my wedding too, and I should contribute. Don’t think for one minute I’m going to allow you to altogether take over this project.”
Chuckling, he planted a hard kiss on those full lips. He should have known Courtney would fight him over flipping the bill for their wedding himself. Hell, if he could get away with it, he would purchase her wedding dress. But his Court might hang him by his toenails if he made that suggestion.
“I love you,” he professed to her.
“And I love you.”
Mr. Waltson interrupted. "Would you like to see our largest room? It can seat up to six hundred people."
"Perfect," Darren exclaimed.
Following Mr. Waltson, Courtney wrapped an arm around Darren's waist while he held her close. Never in his life had he been happier. Of course, the minute Courtney said the words "I Do" would unarguably dwarf the moment.
Courtney
Mr. Waltson led them towards the east side of the country club and opened the first set of double doors. Courtney stepped in first and stopped. Elegant was the only word that came to mind.
Decorated in natural tones with chocolate and light brown carpeting, the room was perfect. A floor-to-ceiling window draped with beige, sheer curtains enhanced the soft, warm lighting was straight ahead. A large, crystal chandelier surrounded by smaller chandeliers evenly hung on either side of the room gave a wealthy ambiance. So much could be done for a wedding in this area. Visions of large floral arrangements, greenery, and lighting flitted through her mind.
Peeling her gaze away, she looked to Darren, who watched her with a gleam of excitement in his eyes.
"It's perfect," she said.
He beamed, their gazes locked onto each other.
"We need to know the dates available in one year," he insisted, turning back to Mr. Waltson.
"One year?" Courtney asked shocked. That was too soon to plan such an extravagant wedding.
"It's going to be hard enough for me to wait that long. But I realize if I want this type of wedding, it's going to take a year. No longer," he said firmly.
"I know but trying to find florists, photographers, and a band that aren't already booked might be hard," she said worried. Most people booked two years in advance.
"Don't worry. I know many vendors who can help us out," he assured her.
She nodded but didn't ask for an explanation. "Okay."
"I'll be right back with the book," Mr. Waltson said then rushed out of the room. A few minutes later, he returned with a large red book in his hand. "We have every Saturday available in September and the first two Saturdays in October, Mr. Murphy."
Darren looked to Courtney. "I want the first Saturday available."
"I would love for a fall wedding,” she said, her mind moving to fall décor that would look fantastic in the ballroom.
"Third?"
She nodded.
"We'll take the third Saturday next September. Here...for the deposit," he said and pulled out his credit card.
"Certainly, Mr. Murphy." Mr. Waltson took the credit card and five minutes later returned with the receipt for Darren to sign. "I'll need phone numbers for both of you and an estimated number of people. You said five hundred, correct?"
"We'll say six hundred,” Darren answered.
"How did it go from five to six in the matter of minutes?" Courtney raised an eyebrow.
"Easy.” He shrugged.
They both gave Mr. Murphy their cell phone numbers then left the country club to head to Darren’s home. Plans promptly needed to get started and quite a few people needed contacted. Darren didn’t want to waste a minute.
***
Sunday, Courtney and Darren strolled into his parents' home for the weekly family dinner. Derrick, Darren's older but just as devastingly handsome brother, was seated in the living room talking football with his father. When they stepped into the room, both men stood.
"Son." Darren's father shook his hand and gave him a manly embrace.
"Courtney, you look gorgeous as usual." Derrick winked and wrapped his six feet four inch solid body around her tiny frame. He pulled back and kissed her forehead then snuck a quick peck on the lips.
She chuckled and swatted his shoulder. "Tease."
"Not with you, beautiful. Never," he said seriously, his piercing chocolate eyes pegging her.
She laid her head on his chest and wrapped her arms around his waist. "I love you, Derrick," she confessed.
He kissed the top of her head. "I feel the same, honey."
"Hey, quit pawing my girl," Darren joked. He po
ssessively pulled her out of his brother's hold.
Derrick chuckled.
"Don't turn your back on her, brother, or you might be missing another man trying to steal her from you." He gave Courtney another wink. She grinned like a fool. She loved flirty Derrick. She had noticed a long time ago that she was the only woman who was graced to receive that side of him.
"Courtney, come give me a hug,” Darren’s father insisted.
She wiggled out of Darren's arms and embraced his father.
"You look more beautiful every time I see you, honey," he gushed.
"All of you Murphy men are big flirts."
The three smitten men laughed.
Diane, Darren's older sister, waltzed into the living room.
"Courtney." Diane tossed her long arms around her and moved her back and forth in a hard embrace. Her future sister-in-law held the title for the most energetic person she had ever met.
Mrs. Murphy glided into the room with Diane's two children on her heels. They ran past her and jumped up and down at their Uncle Darren for his attention. Thoroughly delighted to entertain them, he laughed and got down on his haunches.
"Dinner's ready,” Darren’s mother said and embraced Courtney in a gentle fashion. "Hello, dear."
"Hi,” Courtney said.
Everyone made their way to the dining room and sat in their usual seats. Before they started, Mr. Murphy said grace. Surprising the entire table, Darren stood, glass of wine in hand. "Everyone, if I can have your attention."
Diane giggled. "So formal, Darren."
He snorted at his older sister.
"I would like to announce that my Courtney has agreed to become my wife," Darren said, beaming from ear-to-ear.
Diane squealed, Mrs. Murphy sobbed, and Mr. Murphy stood to embrace his son. Derrick grasped Courtney's right hand into his left. She turned to him and he leaned over to give her a soft kiss on the lips.
"I'm thrilled you've decided to become family, Courtney. I couldn't think of a more perfect wife for my brother,” he admitted.
"Thank you, Derrick." She leaned her forehead to his and relished in their special bond.
The Boss's Love Page 2
