Page 65 of Wed to You-
Chelsea feltlike Cinderella going to the ball in the shimmery, hunter green halter cocktail dress Alexis insisted she buy. The mile-high stilts looked great too, except when she tried to walk in them.
“Jagger may just decide to keep you home in that. You look hot. That green is fabulous with your hair.”
She did look good. After help from Alexis with makeup and hair, Jagger’s sexy smile suggested he agreed. He, as usual, looked fantastic in his dark suit and freshly groomed stubble.
But Jagger’s good-natured mood morphed into broodiness the closer they got to the party.
“God, Chelsea. I hope you don’t leave me after this.” They were riding the elevator up to Marlena Anderson’s apartment.
“It’ll be okay.” She said the words, even though Jagger’s concern suggested she had no idea what she was getting into.
The elevator doors opened and they stepped out. They were greeted by a butler who showed them to a large room filled with people in fancy dresses. It looked like something Chelsea had seen on TV. Only it was real. “Great day!” sat on the tip of her tongue, but she held it back. Gawking would ruin her attempt to fit in.
“Ah, the man and woman of the hour.” A woman with short silver hair in a matching silver dress approached. “She’s beautiful, Jagger.”
“Marlena.” Jagger kissed the woman on the cheek. “Chelsea, this is Marlena Anderson, our hostess. This is Chelsea Beem...Talbot, my wife.”
Chelsea took the woman’s hand and shook it. “It’s lovely to meet you.”
“Ah...the accent. It’s darling.”
Chelsea’s smile faltered as she assessed whether or not Marlenawas truly charmed by her accent or being patronizing.
“It’s so wonderful to meet the woman who finally stole Jagger’s heart.”
“Well...actually, I’m fortunate he gave it to me and that he took mine.”
“A romantic too. You lucky dog.”
“Yes. I think so.” He lifted and kissed Chelsea’s hand.
“Are you enjoying New York?”
“Yes, ma’am. It’s like visiting a different world.”
One silver brow arched and Marlena looked from Chelsea to Jagger.Did I say something wrong?Chelsea glanced at Jagger.
“Ma’am?” Marlena turned her attention back to Chelsea. Jagger laughed. “They still have manners down in Virginia.”
“Really. Do you call everyone ma’am?”
Chelsea wasn’t sure why Marlena sounded offended. “Uh...not everyone. I use sir for men.”
“Colin will love that.”
Jagger stiffened next to Chelsea, making her wonder who Colin was.
“You don’t have to call me ma’am. It makes me feel old.”
“Yes ma— Ah, okay.”
“Your father’s over there, if you want to avoid him, although, I doubt you’ll be able to.” Marlena nodded to one side of the room.
“We’ll start over here.” Jagger guided her away from where Marlena had motioned. “Want a drink?”
“Yes. A strong one.”
“You and me both.”
