Page 15 of Merging with the Billionaire

Of all the possibilities, this was the worst one. There was no way Mrs. Boswell would want someone like Conrad ending up with her blue-stocking daughter. She probably came right home and complained to Boswell Senior, demanding he got rid of him at once.

“I can explain what happened. It was—”

Boswell Senior raised his hand. “There’s no need for that. I have a good idea of what is going on. You’re here for another matter. As you probably know, my son and Celeste decided to move their wedding date up due to the rapid progression of my illness. Roger insists that I be there, and he’s worried if they wait for their spring wedding date, it will be too late.”

Conrad nodded. “I’m sure everyone will be busy with helping out. I can handle everything for the energy division until afterward.”

“I appreciate your offer, but this is why you are here.” Boswell Senior slid an envelope across the desk.

Conrad picked it up and opened it. To his complete surprise, a wedding invitation was inside. “Is Roger okay with this?” Conrad inquired, thinking that despite disliking the man, he didn’t want to upset Tiffany by causing a scene at her brother’s wedding if Roger didn’t want him there.

“I really don’t care what my son’s okay with. Besides, I’ll make sure he knows I invited you. He won’t deny his dying father a final request, and if I have to use that card to get you at that wedding, I will.”

“Why is this so important to you?”

“I have to do what is right for my children, and you need a good excuse to spend more time with my daughter in a social setting. I’ve come to realize, she doesn’t need a soft man like the ones who were raised in her social circle. You’ve worked hard for all you have, pushed and clawed your way to the top. If you are willing to fight for what you want, you’ll do the same for my daughter.”

“I have to say, I’m rather surprised to hear you say that. Though our country is modern in so many ways, there’s still a stigma of being new money.”

“My grandfather came from new money. He worked hard for every penny he earned, and I see a lot of him in you. I see that same gumption in Roger’s soon-to-be-wife. My wife was leery of Celeste’s lack of pedigree, worried she wouldn’t mesh with what she’d always envisioned for our son. However, as I’ve watched Celeste and Roger together over the past months, I’ve realized she is exactly what he needs. I think you can be the same for my daughter.”

“Sir, I appreciate your candor, but it was only one kiss. I don’t even know how Tiffany feels about it or me.”

“If I’m honest with you, she might be a tough nut to crack. She’s been wounded badly by her last relationship, and she doesn’t trust easily anymore. I can assure you though, if you work hard at it, and she lets you break through, it will be worth it. I just want your word, you’ll try.”

Conrad paused for a long moment, debating in his head whether he should make such a promise considering what his plans for Boswell Oil were. Could he try to pursue something with Tiffany knowing that he wanted to take her company from her family? What type of man would that make him? Not one he wanted to be, that was for sure. If he was honest with himself, he had grown to respect Tiffany, not only as a smart, savvy business person, but as a woman he cared about. Maybe it was time he shifted his priorities and didn’t make money and revenge his only ambitions.

“Sir, I give you my word; I will do right by your daughter.”

As Conrad exited Remington Tower, he wondered if he did the right thing. He had put a lot of time and money into his plan to destroy Roger and take Boswell Oil from him. Was he willing to give up sweet revenge for a pretty face? Would he be able to live with that choice if he did?

The truth was, somewhere along the line, Tiffany Boswell had become important to him, more important than his plan. He wasn’t sure how or why, but he wanted to make good on his promise to Boswell Senior, and he was going to start on that goal tomorrow at the wedding.

* * *

Tiffany wasn’tthe typical girl that swooned in awe of every wedding she attended, but she couldn’t help but get butterflies as she saw Celeste in her gorgeous custom Vera Wang gown. It fit her perfectly, snug at the waist with rows of iridescent pearls, then flared out at the waist in tiers of tulle and lace. The train was cathedral-length, with a matching veil, and a tiara of pearls dotted her golden crown of locks that were piled high on her head. She truly looked like a princess.

“I can’t believe you’re going to be married in just a few minutes,” Lana Montgomery, Celeste’s best friend and TV star, gushed. “We’re so lucky to be best friends who married best friends.”

“I’m going to admit, I never thought this would happen when those two came into our lives,” Celeste confessed. “Roger and I started out rocky, but I can honestly say, I can’t imagine my life without him and Marcus in it.” Then turning her attention to Tiffany, she added, “And I get a new sister out of it, which is a wonderful bonus.”

“I feel the same,” Tiffany said, reaching out and squeezing Celeste’s hand. “Roger really did find the perfect woman for him and our family.”

The wedding planner, a tall brunette woman in a pink business suit, came into the bride’s changing room and glanced around. “Is everyone ready? The orchestra is in place and the groom and his men are all in place. It’s time for all of you.”

Lana, Megan (Celeste’s former roommate), and Tiffany all inspected one another, making sure their black with gold-trim floor-length bridesmaid dresses were buttoned in all the right places, and draping perfectly over their bodies. Then they checked Celeste’s gown one more time before leaving the bridal chamber.

They made their way into the back of Journey Church, where Marcus was waiting in a tuxedo and holding a ring bearer pillow with the wedding rings tied onto it. Beside him was Lana’s niece, Carrie, her arm firmly wrapped through Marcus’s.

He didn’t look happy about it, but ever since Lana and Bryce’s wedding earlier in the year, Carrie had claimed Marcus for herself. At any family activity, she was constantly chasing him around and telling him how much she loved him, while he ran away saying girls had cooties. Apparently, today Carrie had caught her prey and he wasn’t getting away.

Celeste smiled at the adorable little couple. “You both look lovely.”

Marcus’s bottom lip stuck out in a pout as he shook his head.

“I’m sorry, let me correct that; you look very handsome Marcus.”

His frown turned into a smile. “Thanks. You look really pretty, Celeste. I can’t wait until I can start calling you Mom after the wedding.”

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