Page 112 of Wreck Me

‘The winery isn't the only thing I’ve acquired this week.’ I drop my father’s hand and drape my arm around Scarlett’s bare shoulders.

My mother’s mouth drops as her gaze falls to Scarlett’s left hand. ‘Oh. My. Goodness.’ Her squeal is enough to attract the attention of the whole room.

I guess there’s no time like the present to do what I came here to do. A waiter approaches with a tray of champagne. I take two glasses and hand one to Scarlett. She smiles gratefully.

I tap my watch against my glass. ‘Ladies and gentlemen, friends and family, and… the Board.’ My pointed tone elicits a small giggle, followed by what sounds like a hundred hushes, as everyone is eager to hear what I have to say.

‘Thank you so much for joining us this evening tocelebrate the birthday of the best man I know.’ I turn to my father, whose cheeks are blushing a deep shade of crimson. Unlike my mother, he despises being the centre of attention. He’s about as keen on having a ball thrown in his honour as he is on O’Connor’s whiskey.

‘Happy birthday, Dad.’ A round of applause ensues and I take a moment to glance around at the faces of everyone I hold dear. Killian, Sean and Rian flank our mother, each of them clutching a whiskey, which I bet my life is Beckett’s Gold. My grandmother, aunts and uncles flock forwards, necks craning to get a better view.

When the applause finally subsides, I clear my throat.

‘We Becketts have a lot to celebrate tonight. Most of you have probably seen or heard the news this evening. Beckett corporation has successfully acquired the Imperial Winery Group.’

My sister Zara stands beside Chantel, who gives me the double thumbs up.

Julian Jones is at the front of the crowd, trussed up like a penguin, holding a glass of red wine the same shade as his large, porous nose. Maybe he’s dressed to impress Sylvia DeLacy, the vice chairperson. He looks at her like she’s the last cream cake in the bakery. His expression towards me, however, is decidedly less appreciative.

When the applause subsides again, I tug Scarlett forwards and place my hands on her shoulders. ‘And if all that isn't enough to celebrate, I made a personal acquisition this week, too. Ladies and gentlemen, some of you have already met my girlfriend, Scarlett Fitzgerald, but please allow me to introduce the future Mrs Beckett.’

Chapter Fifty

SCARLETT

There’s a stunned silence for about three seconds, which feels like three hours. Vivienne Beckett, my future mother-in-law is the first to squeal her excitement. She lunges for my left hand, drawing it up to her face and twisting it to catch the light. ‘Oh my goodness! What a beautiful ring! Congratulations to both of you!’

Suddenly, cameras flash from every corner of the room. I’m bombarded with hugs and kisses and congratulations from absolute strangers.

It’s a lot.

But James doesn’t leave my side, and his hand doesn’t leave my hip as we’re pulled in every direction, answering the same questions over and over again.

When did it happen?

Where did it happen?

Was I surprised?

We should have been more prepared. Should have invented a story. Because we can’t very well say he asked me to marry him when we were in the middle of the hottest sex of our lives.

Thankfully, James fends off the questions with a wry laugh and, ‘Buy Okay magazine and you’ll get all the answers there. We have an official engagement shoot next week.’

It’s hard to discern if he’s joking or not.

The bubbles keep flowing, the congratulations keep rowing in. From everyone except Alexander Beckett.

A bell sounds signalling dinner is about to be served and our guests begin to scurry towards the tables at the far end of the room. Gorgeous orchid centrepieces dot each table alongside giant church candles. The high-backed chairs are lined with ivory covers, complete with huge pastel pink bows tied around them.

‘Come on. Let’s go eat.’ James lowers his lips to my ear, his hot breath fanning over my neck. ‘You’re going to need the fuel for when we get home.’

‘I can’t wait.’ Not just because the urge to have him inside me is overwhelming, but because the urge to be alone with him in the comfort of each other’s company is equally as enticing.

When I think back to how intimidating I found him just a few short months ago, it’s like we were two different people. Which I guess we were. He’s softened. I’ve got stronger– at least I think I have. I used to pretend to be strong on the outside, while cowering away from life on the inside, whereas now, I am stronger on the inside because for the first time in years, I know I’m not alone anymore.

James sees me.

He understands me.

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