Page 54 of Richard

*****

Babs stared at her in shock. After she agreed to be his wife, Richard had taken charge, and everything had started to happen immediately. Right then and there, he had called his very capable assistant, who had not sounded the least bit put out to be called at that late hour, and started issuing instructions.

He had spent the night and told her that she did not have to bother about packing.

“I will send someone over to perform that task.”

“I have to pack my delicates.”

He had grinned at her boyishly. “Or you could leave everything. I am calling Monique to order an entire new wardrobe.” His grin faded. “You will be required to accompany me to a lot of functions, I just want to give you the heads up. And if there is a time you do not feel like going anywhere, just tell me.”

“I will.”

“You and Richard McBride?” The woman continued to stare at her in shock. “Since when? We just got his account, and he is– you are getting married?”

Collette nodded, a huge smile wreathing her face. “Oh Babs, I am so happy, it scares me. He loves me and I love him so damn much, I cannot breathe when he is near.”

“My God!” Babs breathed. “This is really true.”

“Yes. It’s going to be an intimate wedding at the courthouse, and you are invited. I am afraid you are going to have to keep it to yourself for now. We don’t want the press getting hold of the news. We know it’s going to be crazy when the news hits, but for now, we want to keep it low-key.”

Her friend’s eyes narrowed. “Whose idea was that?”

“Mine,” she said promptly. Dropping into one of the plush chairs, she clasped her hands in her lap. “I am scared Babs. I am marrying a very powerful man, and when the press finds out, everything will be out there again. The mess that was my life before and everyone involved.”

“If you are feeling any sympathy for that bastard of that sister of yours, I am going to cream you with this ashtray. They made your life a living hell, and honey, I cannot tell you how happy I am for you. After the hell you have been through, you deserve to have someone realize your value.” Her expression became anxious.

“Am I losing you?”

“No.” She shook her head hastily. “I specifically outlined to Richard that I am going to continue working.” Her eyes moistened as she pressed her hands against her stomach.

“We are trying to have a baby.”

“Oh, honey.” Babs had to sniff loudly, her own eyes getting moist. “After all these years, you are getting what you deserve.”

“I keep wondering if I really do deserve so much happiness.”

“Don’t make me knock you upside the head. Girl, you deserve this more than anyone else. And I hope you lord it over that backstabbing bitch who calls herself your sister.”

“I am having lunch with her,” Collette told her with a smile.

“Good. Where is the ring?”

“He is having it resized and will be presenting it to me tonight. I have already moved into his loft.”

“My God.” Babs shook her head in wonder. “This is really happening.”

“I cannot believe it myself.”

“Girl, you are marrying Richard McBride. The man has been confirmed as a bachelor for years, and women have been vying to become Mrs. McBride and you– you did it in what? Less than a month.” Admiration glowed in her eyes. “What the hell did you do?”

Collette laughed, her eyes twinkling.

“Absolutely nothing. It just happened. He said he noticed me when I was at the restaurant having lunch with Janice, and I didn’t want to go.” She shook her head in wonder. Now my life has changed.”

“For the better.”

*****

---