“She’s a formidable opponent.”
“I don’t mind a good match of wits.” He winked at her.
“Good. So, you’ll make me some little buckaroos?”
“We certainly will try.”
“And how about work? What is it you do for a livin’?”
“I run my family’s investment capital firm.”
“A numbers boy. I like that. It means you’re level-headed with good common sense. Then, that leaves only one more question.” Big Tom pointed at William. “Now, consider your answer very carefully because it could be a deal breaker. Who’s your favorite musician?”
Stroking his chin, her father’s steely gaze examined William.
“Oh, that’s easy. It’s a tie between Keith Urban and George Strait. Ilovecountry music, especially Strait’s “Troubadour.”
Big Tom’s face lit up. “I don’t know much about that Urban fella’s new country sound, but the puuure music of George Strait ...” He shivered. “Does things to me, and that ‘Troubadour’s’ my all-time favorite! Ladybug, this big city boy’s a keeper.”
Her heart skipped at the smile on William’s face and how he had remembered all the key details she’d fed him about her father in preparation for their meeting.
“Now, Will, if you just practice a little financial austerity, you’ll be alright for the future. No need to go buying more expensive things like that big diamond or the suit you’re wearin’ to impress me. I saw your shoes—they’re Eyetalian leather. Get yourself a trustworthy pair of kickers and they’ll see you through to the end.”
“Yes, sir. I’ll even get a hat.” He glanced at Lizzy with a naughty smirk. “And I’ll be sure to watch every dollar I spend, but I can’t promise I won’t spoil your daughter like she deserves. She’s spent too much of her time and money taking care of everyone else.”
“I agree, but don’t be foolish.”
“Dad! He’s abillionaire!” Jane fumed, green with envy.
A wide smile lit her father’s face, then he slapped William on the back. “Well, then, spend away. Lunch is on you, son! Welcome to the family!” Big Tom winked at her, then smiled. “And as for you, Janie girl, I can’t have you raisin’ cain against these two lovebirds. I’ll be taking the first flight outta Kennedy tomorrow, and by hook or crook, I expect you on it. If you’re not there, then you should expect to be cut off from the monthly money your mama makes me send you for doingabsolutely nothingbut look pretty while tryin’ to find a husband. It’s been seven years, and the rate of return on this deal has me seein’ red. At least your accomplished sister had the common sense to land a one-percenter.”
THIRTY-THREE
The Wedding—August 16
Ah, the Hamptons—the scene of many crimes of passion, the best of which was hers!
Gazing at William standing at the arbor and canopy backdropped by the ocean and morning sun, Lizzy’s stomach fluttered with butterflies. He looked so handsome in a gray morning suit and an ascot, waiting for the final blessing and pronouncement to kiss the bride. He winked at her and smirked, and again, butterflies. In the six weeks since returning home from Paris, their love had deepened beyond anything she had imagined. It was moving and overwhelming—breathtaking, really—and filled every corner of her being. It had awakened every sensation in her body and mind. Their romance inspired magnificent works of art and late-night dancing in the moonlight. Midnight chats and breakfast on their townhouse terrace became the new normal. She knew theirs was a special kind of love that rarely happens between two people. Their journey to forever had been a difficult road, but it was hard-won and all the more appreciated because of it, and their time apart. But something about this day was different, as the sea’s salty fragrance mingled with the heady scent of white roses, lavender, wisteria, and vows of devotion.
She couldn’t help undressing William with her eyes and had to resist the urge to fan her neck with her hand so as not to call attention to her lusting, love-filled predicament. The manemanated sex on steroids at this very inopportune moment. The butterflies moved south.
He smiled then bit his lip, perhaps reading her mind. He was good at that. In just a few more minutes, she would kiss him and excuse themselves for a quickie in the bridal suite.
The minister raised his hands, proclaiming his final blessing. “I now pronounce you Colonel and Mrs. Richard Fitzwilliam. You may kiss the bride.”
Her eyes filled with tears when Rick scooped Carrie into his arms, planting a long, hot kiss on her with a dip. They were such a beautiful couple, and she was honestly so happy for them. Insta love was real; she could attest to that, and she was glad her new friend had found her heart’s desire: stable, true love. Insane wealth was a boon.
Today and always, William was the best man escorting Louisa, the matron of honor, down the aisle, but when he passed her chair, his pinky tweaked hers. Yeah. Forever. Soon.
“Darling Elizabeth!” Louisa Bingley Hurst called out, crossing the dancefloor. Lizzy had to look twice, not recognizing the woman from two months earlier at her wedding. Her client and friend had lost a significant amount of weight, and her skin pallor had changed from ruddy red and puffy to a glowing sun-kissed tan. She waved, preparing for the woman’s vibrant and effusive charm, a delightful combination even if over the top and filled with drunken slurs. She liked Carrie’s sister and appreciated all she had done to promote La Tempera. Without Louisa’s excitable personality and busy-body nature, La Temera would not have had the opportunity to secure the broker relationship for the Seurat, which put her directly into William’s path, a two-million-dollar commission fee, and a rekindled love affair—more priceless than the painting.
Sighing, she considered how everything, even meeting her beloved’s fiancée, had been fated.
“Look at you, darling! You’re simply glowing,” Louisa exclaimed, air kissing both cheeks.
“Love will do that, right? I mean, look atyou, the epitome of a woman in love. Clearly newlywed life is amazing.”
Louisa leaned in. “Hurst? Oh, that’s fine. I credit my amazing new personal trainer for my transformation. I’ve been on the wagon for six weeks and having an absolute love affair ... with my weight loss injector, I mean injectable. Darling, my hormones are finally in sync with my body!”
