Wed on His Terms: Million-Dollar Marriage Merger. Charlene Sands

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СКАЧАТЬ but when that failed, the owner had changed the café's focus and now it thrived as a burger-and-fries joint.

      A waitress wearing an apron designed with a cluster of purple grapes approached and Tony ordered coffee to pass the time. He decided to wait until he’d finished his first cup before calling Rena to see what the delay was.

      Less than five minutes later, just as he was pulling out his cell phone, Rena stepped into the café. He rose from his seat and she spotted him. He gave her a little wave, which she ignored.

      As she approached, Tony noticed she had shadows under eyes that were haunted and sad, but even that couldn’t mask her genuine beauty. Her hair was pulled back from her face in a ponytail and she wore jeans and a blue sweater that brought out the sparkling hue of her eyes. Her purse sat on her shoulder but she also carried a manila folder in one hand. He waited until she reached the table and sat across from him before he took his seat.

      â€œI was just about to call you. Thought you might have changed your mind.”

      She glanced at him and shook her head. “No, I’m sorry I’m late. I had an appointment this morning that ran a little long.”

      â€œWhat kind of appointment?” he asked, wondering what was so important to keep him waiting.

      She glanced out the window, hesitating, and then turned back to him. “I had my first checkup today for the baby.”

      Tony leaned back against the vinyl booth and stared at her. “How did it go? Is everything okay?”

      Rena couldn’t seem to keep her joy from showing. She granted him a smile and her voice lifted when she spoke. “Yes, the baby is healthy. I’m due in October.”

      â€œThat’s good news, Rena.” But the news also brought home the reality of what he was about to do. He would take responsibility for a child he didn’t father. He would marry a woman who didn’t love him. All of it hit him hard between the eyes. This was really happening.

      He’d loved David as a friend, but he also knew that if it had been any woman other than Rena, he wouldn’t have agreed to David’s request. He wouldn’t be doing this for a stranger. Though Rena would deny it, they had a connection. Their lives had been entwined for years. Marrying her wasn’t as much a hardship for him as it was for her. “What else did the doctor say?”

      She breathed out quietly. “He told me to try to stay calm. Not to let stress get me down.”

      â€œThat’s good advice, Rena. You’ve had a lot to deal with lately and you should try to relax for—”

      â€œI don’t need a lecture, Tony.”

      Her abrupt behavior had him gritting his teeth. Pregnant women were temperamental at times, at least that’s what he’d heard from his married friends, but it was more than that with Rena. His proposal to her was nothing more than sugarcoated blackmail. Hell, he hated to add to her stress. But he owed David this and he had to see it through.

      She looked at him and inhaled a deep breath. “I’m sorry. This isn’t easy for me. Believe me, I have the baby’s well-being in mind every second of the day. That’s why it’s been such a tug of war.”

      Tony had thicker skin than to be offended, but most women wouldn’t consider a proposal from him a terrible thing.

      The waitress walked up to the table again. “Hi, what can I get for you?”

      Rena faced her without opening the menu. “I should have the California café salad.”

      â€œOne California café salad, got it. And for you sir?”

      â€œBut,” Rena interrupted and the waitress turned back to her, “I’m craving a chili cheeseburger with extra pickles.”

      The waitress grinned. “That’s our specialty. Got it. And I’ll make sure you get those pickles.”

      â€œThank you. I’ll have a lemonade too.”

      Tony ordered the same thing, and after the waitress left, he glanced at Rena. “You’re having cravings? I wondered why you wanted to meet me here.”

      She lifted a shoulder and shrugged. “It’s been a long time and this morning when I got up, I couldn’t stop thinking about having a chili cheeseburger.”

      â€œWe sure ate our share of them when we were kids. We used to close down this place, remember?”

      â€œYeah, I do.”

      And for a moment, Rena’s face softened. Tony remembered what it was like being with her back then. The fun times they’d had together. They’d been so close and so much in love.

      Rena stared at the manila folder she’d set down on the table and her expression changed.

      â€œWhat’s going on?” Tony asked, glancing at the folder. “What’s in there?”

      â€œIt’s something I want from you.”

      Surprised, Tony looked at her, arching a brow. “Okay, so why don’t you tell me?”

      She slid the folder toward him. “It’s a prenuptial agreement.” Her eyes met his directly.

      Tony hid his surprise well. He didn’t react, though a dozen thoughts popped into his head all at once. He decided to hear her out and not jump to conclusions.

      â€œIf I marry you, I want Purple Fields to remain in my name. I want full ownership of the winery and vineyard. I want to have the final say in every decision having to do with it. My child will own Purple Fields one day, no questions asked. Have your attorney look it over. It’s legal and there shouldn’t be any problem.”

      Tony sighed heavily. “Rena, you do see the irony in this, don’t you?”

      Rena searched his eyes. “How so?”

      â€œFirst of all, I don’t want Purple Fields. Marrying me has nothing to do with me getting my hands on your winery. The fact is, I’m worth tens of millions, Rena. Everything I own will be yours. I’m not asking for a prenuptial agreement from you.”

      â€œIf you want one, I’d sign it.”

      â€œI don’t want one, damn it! I’m not entering into this marriage lightly. If we marry, it’ll be for keeps. We’ll have a child and we’ll be a family. Do you understand what I’m saying?”

      â€œYes, of course. But you’ve made promises to me before that you’ve broken, and now I have no choice in the matter. I want some control. You should understand that, being a Carlino.”

      Tony’s lips tightened. He didn’t want an argument, so he chose his words carefully. “This time it’s different. This time, I’m not going to break any promises СКАЧАТЬ