Sean pulled open the door and slowly walked up the side aisle of the sanctuary. He found the minister waiting for him in a small anteroom. Well, were almost ready to get started, the minister said. Are you ready?
I guess, Sean murmured.
I know you didnt have a chance to attend the rehearsal, but the service will be pretty straightforward. Just listen to me and Ill guide you through it. Any second thoughts? he asked.
What?
Marriage is for life, son, he said. If youre not ready, then we dont have to walk out there.
Im ready, Sean said.
Then lets go. The minister walked out the door and Sean had no choice but to follow him. He didnt have any idea what kind of sin he had just committed by lying to a minister. If he lied to a priest hed be eternally damned, but the Episcopalians might be a bit more lenient on that point.
The minister stopped at the head of the center aisle. You wait for your bride here, he whispered. Then take her hand and come to the top of those three steps.
Got it, Sean murmured. Take her hand, then up the steps. Take her hand, then up the steps. Though there was no reason for him to be nervous, he was. He didnt want to mess this up for Laurel. It seemed to mean so much to her.
Organ music suddenly filled the church and the doors opened. Slowly, bridesmaids dressed in pale green dresses marched down the aisle. When theyd arranged themselves in a line opposite Sean, the organ music swelled and Laurel appeared. Her veil obscured her face and even though he couldnt see her features, hed never seen anything more breathtaking. For a moment Sean wondered if this was how a real groom was supposed to feel. But then reality intruded and he remembered that the next fifteen or twenty minutes would mean nothing at all. It was all just a charade.
When Laurel reached him, he took her hand and placed it in the crook of his arm. Together, they stepped in front of the minister. The ceremony passed without any major mistakes. Sean kept his eyes straight ahead until they had to exchange rings. He held her hand as he slipped the ring onto her finger and was surprised at how her hand trembled when she did the same. Yet he still couldnt bring himself to look into her eyes.
When the minister finally said, I now pronounce you husband and wife, Sean breathed a silent sigh of relief. That hadnt been so hard. But the next command made his stop short. You may kiss your bride.
Sean blinked and turned to him. What?
The minister leaned closer. Lift her veil and kiss the bride, he said.
Sean looked at Laurel for her approval. Through the thin veil, he saw the tight smile on her face. Kiss me, she murmured. And you better make it good.
Sean didnt have to be told more than once. He took the bottom edge of her veil and lifted it over her head. Gently, he took her face between his hands and stared down into her wide eyes. Then, slowly, Sean brought his mouth down on hers. He had only meant to linger a few secondsafter all, this was a kiss meant purely for public enjoyment. Hed make it good. But the moment his lips touched hers, he couldnt seem to get enough.
He lost all perspective, forgot about the wedding guests watching them and the minister standing close by. Instead he focused all his attention on the sweet taste of her mouth, the way her lips parted hesitantly and the soft moan that slipped from her throat as he touched his tongue to hers.
Sean wasnt sure how long it lasted, only that when he finally pulled back, there was a polite round of applause from the wedding guests. How was that? he murmured, his mouth still hovering over hers.
N-nice, she said in a shaky voice. Then the organ started playing and Sean, satisfied that hed offered up his best effort, turned and held out his arm. As they started down the aisle, he glanced over at her to find her with the same stunned look on her face that hed seen when hed opened his eyes from the kiss.
Sean got the distinct impression that shed enjoyed the moment as much as he had. Well, at least Laurel Rand was getting her moneys worth. And if she wanted more, he would be happy to provide it.
2
THE RECEPTION WAS ELEGANT yet subdued, held at the Four Seasons, one of the citys most magnificent hotels. A small combo played dance tunes at one end of the room while guests relaxed at tables scattered around the dance floor. Laurel was quite pleased with how it had all turned out, after all the planning and the careful coordination. It had been a perfect weddingexcept that the groom was in jail and she had married a stranger instead. But thankfully, no one had noticed anything amiss.
It was a wonder she had been able to get through the dinner at all. First there had been the toasts and then the obligatory kisses for the crowd. After their kiss in the church, Laurel didnt think it could get much better. But every time Seans mouth touched hers, it was different, the sensations more acute, the taste of him more addictive. The last kiss theyd shared was on the dance floor and it had left Laurel dizzy and breathless and longing to drag him off into a dark corner.
She pressed her palm to her chest and took a deep breath. She just had to get past one more hurdle before the night could be called a success. Her uncle Sinclair would put in an appearance at the reception and shed have the task of introducing him to Sean. Though Uncle Sinclair was over eighty, he was still as shrewd as hed been when he and Laurels father had made their first million together.
She looked out to the dance floor and watched as Sean swept one of her bridesmaids around. He hadnt been much of a dancer early on in the evening, but he had a natural athleticism that allowed him to pick up the steps with ease. And he didnt look bad in a tux, either. Any woman would be attracted to a man like
Laurel frowned. Nan Salinger, her maid of honor and co-worker from West Elementary, looked like she was enjoying Sean just a bit too much. An unbidden surge of jealousy rushed over her and Laurel hitched up her skirt and headed to the dance floor. When she reached them, she tapped Nan on the shoulder. I need to borrow my husband for a moment, she said. Its time to cut the cake.
Right, Sean said. No problem. As if he were following orders, he immediately let go of Nan and walked off the dance floor toward the cake, leaving Nan alone with Laurel.
I think youve found yourself a real prince, Nan said, staring after him with a dreamy gaze. Why cant I find a man like that?
Like what? Laurel asked, curious to hear what her girlfriend thought about her groom.
Oh, I dont know. A manly man. You know, the strong, silent, sexy type. Broad shoulders, nice butt. He doesnt say much, does he? But that just makes him more intriguing. Does he have any single brothers at home? Because if he does, I want to meet them.
Laurel frowned. Nice butt? She didnt need to listen to this on her wedding day! II dont know, she murmured. I mean Ill let you know. She spun away, anxious to avoid more questions.
In truth, she didnt know anything at all about Seans familyor Sean. She didnt know what he liked to eat or what he did in his spare time. She didnt know his favorite color or what kind of car he drove. And as she thought about everything she didnt know, Laurel realized that shed never learn more. After tonight, Sean Quinn would walk out of her life and shed never see him again.
Miss Laurel?
Laurel spun around to find her uncles man, Alistair Winfield, trailing behind her. Her uncle never went anywhere without his man. Alistair served as butler, valet, personal chef and business manager to Sinclair. He also served as messenger boy. Hed been the one to tell Laurel that her reclusive uncle wouldnt attend the wedding ceremony. Hed been the one to sign the card with the wedding gift. And hed made sure there was plenty of money in Laurels checking account to pay for the wedding expenses.
Hello, Alistair.
You look very lovely tonight, Miss Laurel. The diminutive, balding man smiled warmly. Im truly sorry I wasnt able to see you walk down the aisle, but Mr. Sinclair had a very important meeting at the Numismatic Society. There was a discussion about a new Indian Princess pattern dime that was recently sold at auction.
As if her uncle didnt have enough money, he collected it, as well. He planned to leave all his money to the Numismatic Society of Greater New England. Laurel knew she could find better things to do with Sinclairs fortune than give it to a bunch of old guys who collected money, but that was his choice. She wanted to make her own choices about her inheritance, too. Well, Im glad he was able to make it to the reception, she said.
Hed like to meet your new husband now.
Where is Uncle Sinclair? Laurel asked. I didnt see him come in.
Hes waiting outside in the hall, Alistair said. You know how he feels about crowds. He smiled weakly. And women in strange hats. Plus if there are any flowers in the room, hell demand that they be removed. You know about his fear of roses.
I made sure to ask the florist to avoid roses, she said. And we were just about to cut the cake, so as soon as we finish with that, Ill bring him a piece and introduce him to Edward.
Its not chocolate cake, is it? Because you know how your uncle feels about chocolate.
Laurel winced. I forgot about the chocolate. Sorry.
Not to worry, Alistair said. Well be waiting. But only for seventeen minutes. Your uncle never waits more than seventeen minutes.
Ill be there in five, Laurel said. She grabbed her skirt and hurried over to where Sean was waiting.
He stood with the knife clutched in his hand. I have no idea how to cut this thing, he said, staring up at the four-tiered cake. Should I start at the bottom or the top? He glanced around the room. Looks like well need about a hundred pieces.
We only have to cut a piece for each other, Laurel explained with a smile. The photographer takes a few photos and then the caterer cuts the rest of the cake. I thought you said youve been to a wedding.
I spent most of my time at the bar, he murmured. They dont keep the cake at the bar.
Laurel grabbed the knife. Put your hand over mine and smile, she said. The photographer snapped three photos before Laurel sliced into the cake. She took a small piece and held it up to him. Here, eat this. And smile. He did as he was told. And now, you feed me a little piece.
Sean frowned as he picked up a piece of cake and held it out to her. Laurel leaned closer and opened her mouth. But the moment her lips touched the cake, Sean let it go and most of the piece fell down the front of her dress. The small crowd that had gathered around the table laughed and clapped, urging Sean to retrieve the cake. He leaned closer and peered down her bodice.
Dont you dare, Laurel muttered, her lips just inches from his ear.
Sean quickly stepped back and Laurel turned away from the guests to get the cake herself. When shed restored her composure, she pasted a smile on her face and slipped her arm through Seans. Now, my uncle Sinclair is waiting to meet you. Hes eighty years old, hes a little eccentric and hes going to ask you a lot of really weird questions. Hell probably want to see your fingernails. He has this thing about clean fingernails. Try to humor him as best you can, and if you dont know what to say, just squeeze my hand and Ill answer. Remember, your name is Edward Garland Wilson, youre from West Palm Beach, Florida, and your family is in international banking. Beyond that, he doesnt know anything about you.
Why hasnt your uncle met Edward by now? he asked as they strolled across the dance floor.
Sinclair is a bit of a recluse. He lives in the Rand family summer home on Deer Island in Maine. He likes collecting coins and stamps and watching birds. Hell only eat green vegetables and he has seven pairs of shoes in exactly the same style and color. Oh, and he believes that aliens are living among us. But, please, dont get him started on that.
He sounds a little crazy, Sean said.
Hes a multimillionaire, Laurel said, licking a bit of frosting off her finger, so hes not crazy, hes eccentric. When they reached the door to the foyer, she took a deep breath. Lets get this over with. After Uncle Sinclair, we can leave.
And I was just starting to have fun, he said.
Are you sure you can handle this with my uncle? If you dont think you can, then we can put it off.
Im fine, Sean replied. He slipped his hand around her waist and they stepped outside. Laurel longed for him to pull her into his arms and kiss her again, the way he had on the dance floor. But instead she forced herself to think about the task at hand, the final hurdle in her plan.
They found Sinclair Rand sitting silently in a small alcove just down the hall from the reception room, ensconced in a large wing chair like a member of the royal family. As they approached, he whispered something to Alistair and Alistair nodded. Laurel grabbed Seans hand as it rested on her waist and gave it an encouraging squeeze. She could do this. She could turn this whole mess around and make something good of it.
Hello, Uncle Sinclair, Laurel said, hanging on to Seans arm like a lifeline. Uncle, this is my new husband, Edward Garland Wilson. Edward, Id like to introduce you to Sinclair Rand, my uncle.
On cue, Sean held out his hand. Sinclair took it, carefully examined Seans fingertips, then let his hand drop. You married my niece, Sinclair stated.
Yes, I did, Sean replied.
The old man watched Sean from beneath bushy white eyebrows. What do you eat for breakfast? he asked.
At first, Sean seemed taken aback by the question, but then he jumped right in. Capn Crunch. Sometimes I like Lucky Charms or Cocoa Puffs. He cleared his throat. You look like an oatmeal guy.
Sinclairs eyebrow shot up. I enjoy a nice bowl of oatmeal, he said in a gruff tone. The old-fashioned kind, not the instant. Have you ever had any surgery?
No, Sean replied. Im a pretty healthy guy. How about you?
You know I have money, Sinclair continued, ignoring Seans question.
I have money, too. Probably not as much as you have. How much do you have?
Laurel couldnt help but smile. Usually, people were intimidated by Sinclair Rand. But Sean seemed unfazed by the questions, turning them all back on her uncle with a directness that left her uncle off balance. Uncle, we really have to go. Our honeymoon awaits. Were going to Hawaii.
Hawaii? Dont eat the bananas there, he warned. Stay away from all yellow fruit and youll be fine. Well discuss your inheritance when you get back.