Page 45 of Texas Tycoon's Christmas Fiancée
She glanced around the room and spotted Doreen’s platinum-blond hair. As usual, Doreen had a crowd of men around her. In seconds she saw Tanya, who had two men talking to her, her head tilted and her thick mane of raven hair hanging straight.
“We’re not alike in any way. I’m surprised they came. They have been dazzled by you and your friends. I think they are enjoying themselves tremendously. To me, none of this seems real, except I know it is,” she said, gazing up at the sexy, spellbinding man who had been her husband for a couple of hours.
“It is definitely real,” he remarked. “You look gorgeous. I’d guess I’ve told you that a dozen times today.”
“Thank you, my virile husband,” she replied, thinking what a whirlwind the past week had been. The first half of the million-dollar payment had been transferred to her, divided up among savings, stocks, bank accounts and various investments that one of Nick’s financial advisers had recommended. Michael had a trust fund now and already her life had been transformed. She owned an entire new wardrobe. She had handed off the running of the catering business to Jada. If successful and turning a profit, the catering business would be sold to Jada in six months.
While Nick spun Grace around the floor, she held his broad shoulder and his warm hand. “This is the most beautiful place and perfect for a reception.”
“There have been lots of parties here.” Nick glanced around. “I think we pass for a couple completely in love.”
“I’m going to make you fall in love with me, Nick Rafford,” she declared. His gaze returned to her, a warmer, more intense look this time.
“Today I am in love with you,” he said lightly, and her heart missed a beat. She reminded herself that he answered without really meaning it, carried away by the moment and the prospects of the night before them and a honeymoon, but she meant what she had said to him. She danced with him, hoping the marriage did last, knowing she was falling in love with Nick whether he ever returned it or not.
“At the moment what I’m most interested in is when can we be alone?”
“Not for a few hours,” she said. “Anticipation should make it better.”
“No, it doesn’t.” He spun her around and then pulled her close for a moment. Desire was constant, intense, and she wanted to be alone with Nick. Instead, she gazed into his eyes, smiled and followed his lead around the dance floor.
Next Nick danced with Clara while several women took care of Michael. Eli appeared to ask Grace to dance as he had told her he would. It was a slow number and she was surprised that Eli was getting around better than he had any time she had seen him.
“This day is monumentally important to me, Grace,” he said, smiling at her. “You’ve brought me great joy. I was deeply touched and honored to escort you down the aisle to give the bride away.”
“I’m glad and I appreciate you walking with me,” she said. “Thank you again for your extremely generous wedding gift to us,” she said, thinking of the luxurious chalet in Switzerland he had presented to them, giving Nick keys and papers and showing them pictures.
“I have a gift for you when this dance is over. You’ve brought so much happiness into my life. I never gave my sons the attention I should have. I live with regrets now, but Michael gives me somewhat of another chance. I hope to have a close relationship with my grandson.”
“You didn’t need to give me a gift,” she said, surprised because she barely knew Eli and couldn’t imagine she would mean much to him. “And it’ll be good for Michael to be close to his grandfather.”
“I’m overjoyed also to see Nick marry. I had many marriages. My ex-wives have all remarried, so I rarely see them. Even so, marriage is good and I’m happy about Nick.” The dance ended and Eli grasped her arm. “Come with me a moment,” he said, motioning to Nick.
“Just a brief time with both of you. I have a gift for Grace.” He led them to a small reception room and closed the door, muting the noise of the band and crowd.
He summoned a butler to bring the gift for Grace before turning to her. “Grace, you’ve given me enormous pleasure. Both of you have.” She glanced at Nick as he took her hand. There was a light rap on the door and then a butler entered to place a large, beautifully wrapped box tied with a huge pink bow on a table. He left, closing the door behind him.
Surprised it was solely for her, she unwrapped it and raised the lid, moving away papers. She gasped as she looked at an oil painting in a gilt frame. Certain she was looking at an original Monet, she was awed. “My word, this is for me?” she asked, looking up at Eli.
“Yes, my dear. For sharing my grandson with me and for marrying my son,” Eli said.
Stunned by his generosity, she brushed Eli’s cheek with a kiss. “Thank you. You know I will treasure this painting and I hope someday it will be Michael’s.”
“Ah, that, too. That will be good,” Eli said, reaching into his pocket and turning to Nick.
“I’ve changed my will and given you both a wedding present, but the gifts now are out of gratitude and happiness over your marriage and over Michael. Nick, this is for you,” he said, handing a check to Nick. “Do what you want with it.”
Nick looked down and then at his dad. He stepped forward to hug Eli. “Thanks, Dad. This is a generous gift. We both thank you.” Nick showed her and she looked at a check for thirty million dollars.
Stunned by the size of the gift and the manner in which the two men were dealing with such a sum, she was breathless.
“Thank you, Eli. It’s an overwhelming gift, just as your other gifts are,” she said, wondering about the adjustments to her new lifestyle.
“We’re both glad you’re happy, Dad,” Nick added, exchanging a satisfied look with his father.
“Now we better go back or our guests will think the bride and groom have left, the party is over and they’ll go home. Grace, you can get your painting after your honeymoon. I’ll keep it for you until then,” Eli said, summoning the butler again.
Grace returned to the reception with Nick, but she walked without seeing anyone or hearing the music. She was still wrapped in shock over the enormous gifts they had been given.
