Chapter 14
Noah glanced at his watch, then strode into the master bedroom. His grandfather and brother would be here in twenty minutes. If he didn’t get a move on, he’d still be hunting for his cufflinks when they arrived.
Cassie was getting ready in the spare bedroom. It was a big night for everyone, but especially for her. Over the last fortnight, his secretary and PR team had spent a lot of time replying to emails and calls about the award. With some of the top names in the jewelry industry making the final round of judging, most people had taken C.J. Davis out of the running. No one in their right mind thought an unknown jeweler from Montana would win the award.
But they couldn’t have been more wrong. Cassie’s jewelry had scored higher than the other finalists on creativity, execution, and design. Her necklace and earring set had captivated the judges, and Cassie had captivated him.
He opened his bedside drawer. The silver cufflinks had been a college graduation gift from his grandparents. If they weren’t here, he didn’t know where they could have gone. When he saw their small black box underneath some papers, he breathed a sigh of relief.
As he pushed the first cufflink through a buttonhole, he looked at the sheet of paper his secretary had given him. A contingent of high-profile reporters, bloggers, and social media influencers would be at the Rockefeller Center, wanting to interview anyone directly involved in the award. It was his job to know who they were and where they would be seated.
Once the second cufflink was in place, he pulled on his dinner jacket and stepped into the living room. Cassie stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows, staring at the Manhattan skyline. Her floor-length, red velvet dress clung to every curve of her body. His heart pounded and everything inside of him stilled.
He didn’t believe in fairy tales or happily ever after, but he did believe in Cassie. She was the most important person in his life. He loved her and would do everything he could to protect her.
He cleared his throat, letting her know he was in the room. “You look beautiful.”
She glanced over her shoulder and smiled. “You’re very handsome, too.”
He caught his breath. Cassie didn’t wear a lot of makeup but, tonight, she’d highlighted her eyes, making them appear so blue that they almost glowed. “How are you feeling?”
Her smile dimmed. “I don’t know whether I’m more nervous about meeting your family or about the presentation.”
Noah walked across the room and held her hands. “It will be okay. I guarantee Granddad and Jack will like you. And the award ceremony will be a breeze. If you can organize a charity auction, you can accept a trophy from me.”
Genuine fear darkened Cassie’s eyes. “What if I forget my speech or trip over my feet?”
He squeezed her hands. “Just be yourself. That’s all anyone expects from you.”
“It’s not that simple.”
Noah knew what she meant. From the moment the judging panel had chosen her as the winner, nothing had been simple. And if he were completely honest, it never would be again.
The doorbell rang. “That will be Granddad and Jack. Are you ready to meet them?”
Despite her nerves, Cassie nodded. “Is your brother like you?”
Wrapping his hand around her elbow, Noah led her across to the front door. “Not really. He’s more handsome and less grumpy.”
She bit her bottom lip. “You’re saying that to make me feel better.”
Noah grinned. “Is it working?”
She sent him a grateful smile. “Yes. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” He gently kissed her. “I’m sorry I can’t spend more time with you before the presentation, but we don’t want anyone to know who won the award until it’s presented. When you arrive at the Rockefeller Center, Granddad will look after you. Afterward, I’ll be right beside you.”
Cassie’s hand tightened on his arm. “Thank you for everything you’ve done for me.”
He brushed a lock of hair away from her face. “You’re special, Cassie. Even if I hadn’t fallen in love with you, my company would still be presenting you with the award. None of this would be possible without your creativity and determination. You design incredible pieces of jewelry and Wilson Enterprises is proud to be associated with you.”
Cassie took a deep, shaky breath. “We’re a great team.”
“We are.” When he opened the door, Noah stared into his grandfather’s deep brown eyes. All he could do now was pray that everything worked out the way it was supposed to.
Even before shewalked into the Rainbow Room, Cassie was overwhelmed with all the glitz and glamour of the Rockefeller Center. Talk about the country bumpkin coming to the city. Everything about New York was beyond anything she’d expected. And the Rainbow Room was no exception.
A huge chandelier, dripping with crystals, hung above the dance floor. The design on the parquet floor reminded her of a compass or an enormous star. Vases of red orchids decorated every table, and linen, as fine as anything she’d ever seen, covered each of the round tables.
