Page 103 of Don't Fall for the Billionaire
I shifted, and my laptop nearly fell off my lap. “Excuse me? Are you crazy? The woman who struts around Manhattan acting like she owns the damn city? Absolutely not.”
Ashton’s brow arched. “Charlotte?—”
“No. End of discussion.” I shut my laptop forcefully so he knew I was serious. “She’s insufferable. She told me my pumpkin pies looked ‘quaint.’ Quaint, Ashton. Like it belonged in a gas station bakery. That woman enters the fall bake-off, passing off a cheesecake from Holland as if she made it, and you want her at our wedding? She’s a fraud!”
“Not want. Have to.” He sat down on the couch and reclined it back.
“I’m currently working on a business deal with John. If we leave them off the list, it’ll look intentional.”
“It would be intentional.” I reached over and smacked his arm.
“Come on, babe. We can seat them at the far end of the venue. Maybe near the bathrooms.” He grinned.
I narrowed my eyes. “You’re enjoying this. Aren’t you?”
“Only a little,” he said, leaning over and kissing my cheek. “Think of it this way. Every woman needs a Kitty Corners at their wedding to balance things.”
“You literally have no idea what you’re talking about,” I said. “But fine. If she tries to outshine me or makes one remark about our wedding in a negative way, I’m cutting her with the knife we’re using to cut our wedding cake.”
“Deal.” Ashton grinned. He grabbed my laptop and typed in “John & Kitty Corners” onto the list, as if he had just closed the best business deal of his life. With any luck, they’ll already have plans that night and won’t be able to attend. I needed to start praying really hard.
Chapter Forty
Ashton
The crisp autumn air swept over me as I stepped out of the limousine, buttoning my jacket. Charlie followed, placing his hand on my shoulder.
“Are you ready for this?” He grinned.
“I’ve never been more ready for anything in my life.”
The Mall and Literary Walk stood before me like something out of a dream. American elm trees lined the brick path with their elongated branches and leaves in shades of crimson, amber, and burnished gold. From a distance, guests were already taking their seats, which were dressed in satin white covers with dahlias, roses, and a touch of eucalyptus tied to the end of the rows. Ahead of me was the rustic wooden arch, decorated with ivory and burgundy fabric with autumn flowers woven in.
“Looks like you and Charlotte pulled off the wedding of the century.” Charlie smiled.
I chuckled. For once in my life, it wasn’t about winning or control. It was all about her. The woman who, in a short time,would walk down the path and change everything I thought I knew about love.
“You nervous, friend?”
“Terrified.” I smirked. “But it’s the best kind of terrified I’ve ever felt.”
As we started down the path toward the arch, I couldn’t help but think that today wasn’t just perfect. It was ours.
“There you are!” Carlos ran over. “Take your spot, Ashton. Your bride is waiting for you. Chop. Chop.” He clapped.
“He’s a little over the top. Don’t you think?” Charlie asked.
“A little.” I chuckled. “He and Charlotte have a special connection, so I believe we’ll be seeing a lot more of him after the wedding.”
I stared as my father, Margo, and my baby sister, Amelia, took their seats, my mom and Raphael following behind. I had already warned the two of them to stay away from each other, and if they did anything to ruin our day, they would be disowned and never see me or their granddaughter again. I wasn’t taking any chances.
The string quartet switched gears, and the ceremony began. Melissa walked down the aisle first, bouquet in hand, and took her place. The moment the bridal march was strummed, guests rose from their seats, and I stood there, my body tight and my heart beating out of my chest with anticipation.
Then I saw her—my daughter. She was dressed in a beautiful white dress, holding a basket of petals, which she tossed down the aisle, her grin wide and proud. A tear sprang to my eye for she looked so grown up, and I had visions of her on her wedding day. Then Charlotte stepped into my view, and all time stopped. I’d never seen a more beautiful woman in my life. I promised myself I wouldn’t cry, but the tears won as my daughter and the woman I loved most in this world were walking towardme together. My world, once closed off and dark, was now as colorful as a rainbow.
When they reached where I stood, Eloise took Charlotte’s hand and placed it in mine.
“I give to you your bride, Dad.” Eloise smiled.
