Page 108 of The Last Mrs. Parrish

“I look like a beached whale.”

“You are an image of loveliness. I don’t want to hear another word.”

Amber shook her head and turned to Douglas. “Thank you for agreeing to be our witness today.”

“My pleasure.”

Jackson put his arm around her, and the three of them climbed the stairs to the entrance.

They waited their turn, and when it was time, they stood in front of an officiant. Before they knew it, he was telling Jackson he could kiss his bride.His bride.Amber tasted the word in her mouth. She savored how delicious it was.

“Well, I guess I’ll get back to the office. Congratulations,” Douglas said, reaching out and shaking Jackson’s hand.

As Douglas walked away, Amber leaned against her new husband and felt a thrill of electricity go through her body. A thin platinum band now complemented the diamond on her ring finger. They were finally married.Anytime nowwas the silent message she sent their unborn son. As they got in the limousine and she sat back against the fine leather, she envisioned the life ahead of her—expensive homes around the world, fantasy trips, nannies and maids at her command, designer clothes and jewelry.

The stuck-up women in Bishops Harbor would soon enough be bowing before her—that much she was sure of. It only took lots and lots of money and a powerful husband. They’d be falling over themselves to be her friend. Ha. She loved it. Everyone in the club would be clamoring to sit at her table at the annual regatta dinner. She’d had to do a little damage control to make sure that Gregg’s family didn’t do anything to mess that up for her. Once she and Jackson had broken the news to Daphne, Amber had invited Gregg out to meet her for a drink. She figured he’d have an easier time keeping a stiff upper lip if they were out in public. They’d met at the White Whale in Bishops Harbor, a little tavern on the water. She was already seated at a table when he arrived. He walked over and leaned down to kiss her. She turned her face so that he got her cheek. Off balance, he took the seat across from her.

“Is everything okay?”

She’d blinked back tears and pointed at the glass of whiskey in front of him. “Take a sip. I ordered it for you.”

A look of confusion had passed over his face, and he’d taken a long swallow. “You’re scaring me.”

“There’s no easy way to say it, so I’m going to just come out with it. I’ve fallen in love with someone else.”

His mouth had dropped open. “What? Who?”

She’d put a hand over his. “I didn’t mean for it to happen. It’s just—” She’d stopped and brushed a tear from her cheek. “It’s just that we were together every day. Working together day in and day out, and we discovered we’re soul mates.”

He’d frowned and looked even more puzzled.

Is he that stupid?She’d suppressed a sigh. “It’s Jackson.”

“Jackson? Jackson Parrish? But he’s married. And so much older than you. I thought you were in love with me.” His lower lip trembled.

“I know he’s married. But he wasn’t happy. Sometimes these things happen. You know how it is to work closely with someone and how feelings can develop. I’ve seen the way your assistant looks at you at the office.”

He’d narrowed his eyes then. “Becky?”

She’d nodded. “Yes. And she’s quite lovely too. You must have noticed how enamored she is of you.”

She’d had to stay for another two drinks before she could leave, and he’d told her he understood. She’d begged him not to take his friendship from her, made him believe that she needed him to be there for her in this time of uncertainty and public judgment. And the idiot fell for it. There would be no trouble from him at the club. And Becky should thank Amber. She was about to be promoted from assistant to fiancée.

Jackson and Amber Parrish would be the new golden couple of Bishops Harbor. And as soon as this baby was born, she’d be sure it would be the last. She was going to have her body back. The glow of happiness and satisfaction surrounding her at that moment could have lit up Manhattan.

Sixty-Nine

Daphne knew it would only take one visit to the house that used to be theirs to make the girls never want to go back. Up to now, the visits had taken place in neutral territory. But Amber and Jackson wanted to have them over for the weekend, and she’d finally relented.

Amber had moved into his social circles seamlessly, and if Daphne had cared more about the women she’d spent the last ten years with, she might have been hurt that they embraced her husband’s new wife so easily. But then again, no one in this town would dare to snub the new Mrs. Jackson Parrish. The one friend who didn’t desert Daphne was Meredith. She had remained a true friend. Daphne wished she could tell Meredith the full truth, but she couldn’t risk it. So she let her think that she was foolish and naive.

They pulled up to the house and got out of the car.

“Let me ring the bell,” Bella shouted as the two of them ran up to the front door.

“Whatever,” Tallulah answered.

A uniformed man appeared.So they have a butler. She didn’t know why she was surprised.

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