“Kollette, you have nothing to prove to me. I’ve always been proud of you.” She brushed away the single tear from the corner of her eye, and he added, “Guess there is just one thing left you two need to decide on.”
God Dad. Don’t make him ask me to marry him. Not that she didn’t want to, but she wanted Ethan to want it, not to be pressured. She already knew he loved her. The rest was just…paper.
“What is that Ralph?” Ethan asked.
Oh no. He didn’t.
Kollette held her breath waiting for her father’s next words.
“Since Kollette is running the entire division, I don’t see a reason why it should be done from Miami. Not that I don’t want her close by, but I would think it should be near where she decides to build.”
She let out her breath, still stunned. “Dad, you mean…anywhere. Not just the Potters?” It sounded that way, but she wanted to confirm.
“I’ll have the paperwork drawn up. The funds will be in the bank. Although this will be our company, you won’t need my signature or my approval to purchase whatever you need, or wherever it is.”
She looked at Ethan who seemed equally relieved to hear about the Potters. “I guess I need to do some serious research on this. I want the locations to be perfect.”
“Locations?” her father said.
“Yes. My father taught me if you want to be successful at something, then you should commit fully. So that’s what I’m going to do. This division is going to compliment yours. You have the fun in the sun, and I’ll have the wilderness escape.”
Ralph cocked a brow. “I like the sound of that. We should talk to marketing about advertising.”
She laughed. “Don’t you think I need to build them first?”
“I have a feeling you and Ethan are going to have a ground breaking before you know it.”
“Me? I’m not involved in this,” Ethan said. “This is all Kollette.”
Ralph asked, “Do you love her?”
“Very much.”
“Then you will learn, there is no her and no you. Everything becomes as one. At least that’s the basis of all good marriages,” Ralph said.
And here it is. She looked at Ethan ready to apologize, but instead he was staring at her, nodding.
“Yes it is,” he said.
“No need to rush, but just don’t wait too long. This big house could use a few grandchildren running around,” Ralph added.”
“Dad, did you just give me a division to run, and then decide you want to run my life instead?” she laughed.
“No, just making suggestions. Besides, you’re the one who said this place hasn’t changed. I figure you two might want to help with those changes,” he laughed and winked at Ethan.
Kollette rolled her eyes. She wanted Ethan to get along with her father, but hopefully they didn’t gang up on her, because Ethan didn’t seem bothered by her father’s suggestions at all.
Funny. Neither am I.
13
“I don’t agree with the developer. There ain’t no way he’s been around horses, never mind riding one. That barn needs sun, natural lighting. And why the heck would you put if so far away from the lodge? People are coming here for the wilderness feel. I’d think they’d want to be able to look out and see some,” Roy said. “If you’re going to build here, I think you’re going to need my help.”
Kollette was glad Mabel and Roy agreed to accompany them to look at different properties. So far two locations had been purchased, and it really looked like this one was a go as well. But Roy couldn’t help himself. Each location he said the same thing. What he didn’t seem to realize, and neither she nor Ethan mentioned, was Roy tried getting them to be set up just like the Potters place in West Virginia. It was adorable that to Roy, his place was the perfect place.
She had to agree. For Mabel and Roy, there wasn’t another of its kind. But Kollette had to think of her guests. They weren’t going to be hauling the wood inside, and definitely not mucking the horse stalls either. They wanted to see the wilderness, but not necessarily smell the barn on a breezy day.
Kollette knew she was capable of pulling this all together, but it was all these pieces which she needed help with. If it wasn’t for Ethan, she might feel extremely overwhelmed. Of course, you don’t get Ethan without the entire Lawson family. His sisters-in-law were all too happy to give their opinions, and volunteer their husbands to give a helping hand as well.
She wasn’t going to knock it, because they were very helpful in finding the locations to build on. Even though the Lawsons were in the steel business, they seemed very interested and impressed to learn about log cabins. It was a shame no one in either family had been a lumberjack, because that would’ve come in very handy too right now.
“I’ll keep that all in mind Roy. But I think we have found our last property,” she said.
“I think you’re right sweetheart. This place is perfect,” Ethan said wrapping his arm around her to keep her warm.
There were many things Kollette was getting used to. Having Ethan by her side through the entire process, that was easy. Being welcomed into the Lawson family, after growing up with just Connor who was so much older than her, took a bit more time to get used to. But cold temperatures, might not be something that she could ever adapt to. Even now in spring, she was freezing her butt off. It probably was a good thing she wasn’t going to build them all in the north.
“Why don’t we get back into the SUV before you freeze to death,” Mabel said. “I think we still have some hot chocolate in the thermos.”
Kollette smiled and said, “You don’t have to tell me twice.” She linked arm and arm with Mabel and said, “Let them stand out there and talk. I’ve heard enough.” When they got inside, she turned on the engine and flipped the heat to high. Thankfully they hadn’t been outside so long that the SUV had cooled. “Ah. This is much better.”
She pulled off her gloves and held her fingers to the heater vents. Mabel said, “I’m still surprised.”
Kollette turned to her and asked, “At the fact that we’re not building on your land? You must be thrilled about that.”
“We are. But we were prepared for whatever happened. As long as Roy and I are together, we would be okay.”
“It wouldn’t have been the same. You guys are what makes that place…what it is.” She still couldn’t think of the word to describe it. Unique? Special? It was both, but yet the only one that ever fit, was the word home.
“True, but that is not what I find so…surprising,” Mabel said.
“No. What is?” she asked.
Mabel pointed to Kollette’s left hand. “I would’ve thought there’d be a ring on that finger by now. I have no idea what Ethan is waiting for. You two are meant to be together. We know it, and I’m sure you two have figured that out by now.”
Kollette smiled. Was she the only one who wasn’t anxiously waiting for a proposal? “We’ve only been together six months. There’s no rush. It will happen when the time is right.” Or maybe not at all.
Until she met Ethan, she wasn’t thinking about marriage and family. She was focused on her career. It wasn’t like that part had vanished. If anything, there was more on her plate than before. She wasn’t just managing one hotel, but she was going to head up three luxurious wilderness lodges and a lot of people were counting on her to make this work. This wasn’t just about her and her father, but each person she employed was going to need her to do her best. If it failed, everyone lost. That was a lot of pressure she hadn’t thought about before.
“But aren’t you turning thirty next month?” she asked.
Kollette chuckled. “Mabel, that’s not old.”
“I know dear. But Roy and I waited, and…and then by the time I was ready…I couldn’t have children. I don’t want that to happen to you and Ethan.”
Kollette felt horrible for what she’d said. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know.”
Mabel patted her hand. “Of course you didn’t. I know i
t wasn’t my place to say anything like that either but you and Ethan are like our children. We only want you to be happy.”
“We love you guys too. And never feel like you overstepped. If it wasn’t for you speaking your mind, Ethan and I might not be together today.”
Ethan had told her what Mabel and Roy had said. How they encouraged him to give it another chance. Although Kollette had no intention of letting him go so easily, it was nice knowing others wanted it for them just as much.
“Well if you were going to get married, what type of wedding would you want? I’m sure your father will want you to be married in Miami. Maybe at one of his hotels.”
Kollette shook her head. “I have no idea what I’d want, but that is not it. And I couldn’t plan anything right now anyway. I’m surrounded by plans all day long, that I have no time to even think about anything else.”
She may have found all three locations, but it was going to take at least a year to get them built. Kollette wished she had time to lay back and dream of what her wedding dress would look like, and go on cake tasting adventures but even making a wedding registry would be too distracting right now. None of that meant she didn’t want to be married to Ethan. She’d run to Las Vegas in a heartbeat and elope. The party, the guests, the gifts, none of it would make her any more his, than she already was.
“Kollette, don’t you want to get married?” Mabel asked.
“I do. Someday.”
“Oh good. I’d like it if you’d allow me to make your wedding cake for you. As my gift.”
That was just the sweetest gesture. “Okay. I promise. Cake duty is all yours. Thank you Mabel.”
“Oh good. I can’t wait. I already know what I’m going to make. It’s going to have a fresh berry filling. You’re going to love it,” she said, filled with excitement.
Kollette laughed. “Mabel. Don’t go picking the berries yet. We’re not even engaged.” But Mabel didn’t even seem to hear Kollette.
“I’m thinking wild flowers for the decorations. What do you think?”
I think I’d be safer out in the cold right now.
Not wanting to hurt Mabel, she decided to play along. “For the tables or for the cake toper?”
Mabel shook her head. “Neither. I’m talking about your bouquet.”
Of course.
“Wildflowers for sure.” She might as well join in, because there wasn’t going to be getting any work done as long as they sat in the SUV waiting for the guys to return. And neither of them seemed to be in a rush to get inside. “Maybe I can ride in on your mare too,” she joked.
“Oh that wouldn’t do at all. Your dress would be dirty before you even got to say your vows. Maybe you can ride off together. That’s so much more romantic, don’t you think?” Mabel smiled. Then she opened her purse and said, “I should be taking notes so I don’t forget anything.”
Kollette rolled her eyes. “Mabel I have a feeling you’re going to remember every single detail of this conversation.”
Mabel laughed. “I think you’re right. So, let’s talk about food. I wish I could do all the cooking, but I have a feeling your wedding guest list is going to be much bigger than I could cook for.”
“Why would you think that?” she asked.
“You’re a very popular person. And so is Ethan. I’m sure people from all over the world would want to be at your wedding.” Then Mabel looked sad. “Actually I’m not sure I should even do the cake. I’m not a professional baker. You’d want something…elegant.”
Kollette reached over and grabbed hold of Mabel’s hand. “Mabel, if I get married, I want your cake.”
Mabel smiled. “Not if, but when.”
Yes. When.
Ethan’s heart was pounding and he swore everyone could hear it. So he turned up the radio, not even caring what was playing.
“I can’t believe you can listen to music at a time like this. I’m so worried about Roy. Are you sure he’s okay?” Kollette asked.
“Yes, he’s fine. I think Mabel said he…strained something.”
“Thank God it didn’t happen in the winter. I’d be horrible if we couldn’t get to them. Oh Ethan, we need to get them a phone that works there. They can’t be cut off from the world all the time. What if it had been something more serious?”
He reached over and grabbed hold of her hand. “Kollette, stop worrying. He’s fine.”
“You say that, but you look nervous. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you like this. So maybe if you calm down, I will too,” she suggested.
She was right. He was a bundle of nerves. He’d done this drive so many times he could do it in his sleep. But today, he almost missed the turn off. Ethan had so much on his mind, that the word distracted didn’t even come close to describing him right now.
They were almost there. It wouldn’t be long before the Potters cabin was in sight. He felt a knot in his stomach and held onto her hand even harder.
“Ethan, you’re…squeezing too hard.”
He let go and then stopped the car. He pulled her hand to his lips and gently kissed her fingers. “I’m sorry sweetheart I...I guess I’m not thinking. Are you okay?”
“Yes.” She wiggled her fingers and said, “See they are fine.”
“Let me see the other hand,” Ethan said.
“You didn’t crush that one,” she teased, but gave him her left hand too. “See, they are fine.”
“No they’re not,” he said.
She looked down at them and asked, “What’s wrong with them?”
Ethan reached in his left front pocket and pulled out what he’d been worried he’d lose this entire trip. “This,” he said. He held up a heart shape ruby surrounded by diamonds. It wasn’t something traditional, but then again, nothing about them was.
He watched her eyes widen as she looked at the ring. “What…what is that?”
Ethan said, “A declaration of my love. Or as many would say, it’s an engagement ring. That is…if you’ll marry me?”
“Marry you?” she said. Taking her eyes off the ring she met his gaze. “You’re asking me to marry you?”
“I am.”
“Yes. Yes, I’ll marry you,” she said kissing him. “Nothing would make me happier than being your wife.”
We’ll see about that.
He slipped the ring onto her finger and said, “I didn’t mean to do it like this, but I couldn’t wait any longer. And…”
“I’m glad you didn’t wait. This is…perfect. But I’m not trying to rush this, because I’d love nothing more than to sit here in your arms, but we can’t forget about Roy.”
Yes Roy.
He sat back and pulled the car back onto the road. There was just one more turn left. With the trees covered in their leaves, it provided a bit of a barrier. But when they turned that last corner, it would be over.
But Kollette wasn’t looking at anything except for the ring on her finger. She never even saw the cabin in front of them. Ethan had thought by now, she’d be questioning what was going on. He put the car in park, but facing the woods. Then he got out and walked around to open her door. She was still sitting there smiling, as though he’d just made her the happiest woman ever. Would she still feel that way in a minute?
“Care to join me?” he asked reaching his hand out to her. She placed her right hand in his and the sun shined down, matching the rings sparkle.
“It’s the most beautiful ring I’ve ever seen,” she said.
“It’s nothing compared to how beautiful you are.” He held himself back, knowing if he kissed her now, they’d never leave this spot. “Kollette, I have something I need to tell you. Actually show you. And I really hope, you’re not…angry.”
He pointed towards the cabin and all the people standing there. She grabbed hold of his arm and swayed as she took in the sight.
“Ethan. Your family is here. And it looks like a…a…”
“Wedding?”
She turned to him and nodded. “Yes. A wedding.” She lo
oked back and then saw her father standing there in a tuxedo. “Dad?” She turned back to Ethan. “This is…our wedding?”
“I would like it to be. That is if you don’t object.”
“Why? How?”
“Actually I had a lot of help. Mabel and Roy of course, but your father as well. But if you don’t want to do this. If it’s too soon, or if it’s not what you wanted, I’ll understand,” he said, holding her hand.
She said, “No. It’s exactly what I would’ve wanted. Our families here. What else could I ask for?” Kollette kissed him briefly and said, “I love you Ethan. And yes, I want to marry you. Today. Here. Now.”
It was the first time he relaxed. Although he had done everything he thought she would want, he really wasn’t sure. A surprise birthday party was one thing, but a surprise wedding, that was totally different.
“Well then, I guess we should go and get dressed,” he said.
“You mean you even picked out a wedding dress for me?” she asked.
“No. That’s the one thing I haven’t seen.”
“Then who? Mabel?”
He shook his head. “No. Your father did.”
“My Dad?” In a low voice she asked, “Should I be scared?”
“A few months ago, I’d say yes. But not anymore. Now he sees you just as I do. An amazingly strong and beautiful woman.” In a lower voice he added, “Besides, Mabel would have his hide if he screwed it up.”
She chuckled. “I guess we better go get dressed. We can’t keep our guests waiting.”
“Nope. Not unless we want this to become a shotgun wedding,” he teased as they made their way to the cabin.
Of course getting inside was a bit more challenging, as everyone had to hug and greet them. And Kollette had to show off the ring too. But they weren’t in any real rush. They after all, had the rest of their lives to be together. Today was all about family, by blood and by choice.
Finally they made it inside, got dressed and the ceremony could begin. He walked out of his room and waited by the fireplace. It had been decorated with a variety of flowers and ribbons, all Mabel’s doing. His brother Jordan stood by his side as best man. The music began and her door opened. Mabel came out first, escorted by Connor. He could see how Roy was smitten with how pretty Mabel looked in her dress. Then Connor went and stood to one side with all the other family members.
The Billionaire's Deception (The Blank Check Series Book 5) Page 16
