Page 66 of Bryce

“We’reboth adults and do not need your approval. We would love yourblessing, but if that’s not forthcoming, we can certainly livewithout it. Another thing…” he held their gaze with hisunflinching one, “if I hear one negative word about the woman Iam in love with, all bets are off. Is that understood?”

“You’remaking a damn mistake,” his father muttered.

“Then it’smine to make, isn’t it? Play nice or we do this wedding withoutyou.”

“I cannotbelieve you’re really doing this.” Maxine put away hercup and saucer with a clatter. “You’re my son and we justwant what’s best for you.”

“Since bloodywhen? All my life you’ve never been there for me. I was left onmy own since I can remember.” He took a deep breath. “Thisis not the time to air old grievances.” Using his free hand, helinked his fingers with Zahra’s. “I am in love with thiswonderful and amazing woman right here.

For the first time inmy life, I am happy, and nothing is going to change that. Now,”he rose, “this darling woman of mine prepared rooms for youeven at the short notice. If you’re ready, we can show you tothem or if you like we can take a walk outside and you see foryourself why this is called a place of paradise.”

Chapter 16

“I am dizzy.”Zahra passed her hands over her hips in a self-conscious movement asshe stared in the Cheval mirror. A lot had happened since she gotengaged to Bryce. She was catapulted in the limelight and was tryingto deal with the media frenzy. Reports circulated every day abouttheir love story.

The fact that theyhad been teenage sweethearts added an element that people could notresist. Another was the fact that Hollywood hottie had fallen in lovewith someone so out of his sphere and from his past.

The inn was the focusof every major newspaper and had suddenly become the destinationwedding place to go. Bryce had decided that this would be his placeof residence, with them going to the other homes at intervals.

In order for that tohappen and to accommodate his vehicles and other stuff, he had hiredlocal people to make additions, including a private residence apartfrom the inn.

With the planning ofthe wedding, the construction going on, Zahra felt as if she wasspinning out. But he anchored her. When she felt overwhelmed he wouldinsist on them taking a break.

One of those breakstook them to Paris where they stayed at his pied a’ terre for afew days. Another time he just told her to pack for two nights andthey went to a remote cabin in Vermont. He made her feel loved andcared for and was fiercely protective of her. And she was pregnant.Two months and had just found out yesterday.

“You lookamazing.” Sandra clapped her hands as she stepped into theroom. The dress, a Romano’s original was of the palest pinkwool that covered her generous bosom and flared out at the waist toswirl to her ankles.

An expert had beencalled in to do her make-up and hair and the effect was stunning. Theman had cooed over her ‘wonderful skin’ and the qualityof her hair., which he had shampooed and deep conditioned and leftloose to tumble down her back in healthy coils.

She was wearingpearls, large, luminous, matching the exact shade of her dress. Acrown of pink and white petals was her only headwear.

“Girl…!”Her friend, looking very attractive in lime green shook her head.“You are rocking that dress. Your life is like a fairytale.You’re marrying a man most women would give up everything tospend one night with and what’s more, he loves you.”

“I love him.”

“Have you toldhim yet?”

“Tonight.”She pressed a hand to her stomach. Sandra only knew of her conditionbecause she had gone to the doctor’s with her.

“Where are yougoing for your honeymoon?”

Zahra blew out abreath to get rid of the nerves and laughed shakily. “It’sa secret from even me. We don’t want the press to get hold ofthe destination. His assistant is so professional and capable, it’sscary. And he’s incredibly loyal to Bryce.”

“Notsurprising, since he pays him a fortune.”

“It’smore than that. He likes Bryce and respects him a lot. They went toschool in the UK.”

“The parents?”

“His or mymother?”

“All of them.Are they coming around?”

“Had to. Brycewould not accept anything less.” She touched the pearls aroundher throat. “I’m ready.”

They had opted tohave the wedding at the inn. The place had been closed for the dayand the ceremony was being held in the elegant blue and gold livingroom with the fire blazing inside the hearth, a perfect backdrop forthe cold winter morning. A few people had been invited, and thereception would be held at the community center.

Bryce’s team ofemployees had worked assiduously to keep the ceremony from beinginvaded by reporters, except a coveted few who had been invited tothe reception. The ceremony was only for close families and friends.

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