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

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СКАЧАТЬ â€œI’m only protecting what’s mine. Can you blame me? It’s all I have left and I don’t want to lose it.”

      Angry now, Tony didn’t bother reading the agreement first. “Fine. I’ll sign it.”

      He reached into his pocket and pulled out a pen. Then he slid the papers out and gave them only a cursory glance before signing his name at the bottom.

      â€œDon’t you want your attorney to look it over?” Rena asked, her expression incredulous, watching him slide the papers back into the folder.

      He shook his head. “I know you well enough to know there’s nothing in this agreement that I’d find questionable. I trust you.”

      Rena sat back against the booth, her chin bravely raised. “I won’t let you make me feel guilty about this.”

      â€œI’m not trying to make you feel guilty,” Tony remarked gruffly. Then when he saw Rena holding back tears, he softened his tone. “I signed the papers. You’re getting what you want—at least as far as Purple Fields is concerned. I never intended on taking that away from you.” Then he braced his arms on the table and leaned in. Their gazes locked. “We have to make this work, Rena. If for nothing else but that child you’re carrying.”

      Rena closed her eyes briefly. Her silence irritated him, as if she were trying to believe and trust in him. He wasn’t like his ruthless father, but would Rena ever acknowledge that? “I know,” she said finally.

      Tony settled back in his seat. What was done, was done. He didn’t want to rehash the past. It was time to look toward the future.

      And live in the present.

      Tony changed the subject as soon as the food was delivered. He wanted Rena to enjoy the meal she’d craved. Lord knew she needed to build her strength. She also needed some calm in her life and wondered if he could ever provide her that.

      Without Rena actually saying so, the existence of the prenuptial agreement he’d just signed was an acceptance to his proposal.

      Tony resigned himself to the fact that soon he’d be a husband to a pregnant and reluctant bride.

      One week later, Rena stood beside Solena, Tony beside his brother Joe as they spoke vows before a Catholic priest in a little church just outside of San Francisco. Rena’s mind spun during the entire mass thinking this was some kind of a bad joke. She couldn’t believe she was actually marrying Tony Carlino, the boy she’d once loved beyond reason. The boy she’d dreamed of marrying with every breath that she’d taken. Now that dream seemed more like a nightmare.

      As the priest blessed their union, Rena reminded herself of the reasons she’d made this decision.

      Marrying Tony meant saving her winery from ruin.

      It meant that she could honor David’s last wishes.

      It meant that her baby would never want for anything, much less a roof over his head or a meal on his plate.

      They were good solid reasons. No sacrifice was too great for her child.

      Father Charles finished the ceremony. “You may kiss the bride.”

      She hardly felt like a bride. She wore a pale yellow dress suit. Tony had provided her with a small calla lily bouquet and had placed a simple platinum band on her finger during the service. Out of reverence to David, he hadn’t given her a diamond—she’d only just last week removed her wedding ring from her finger and tucked it away safely in her jewelry case. It had been excruciatingly hard letting go.

      Tony’s lips brushed hers softly. He smiled when he looked into her eyes. She granted him a small smile in return.

      Joe and Solena congratulated them, their mood solemn. If Father Charles noticed the austere atmosphere at the altar, he didn’t mention it. In fact, he pumped Tony’s hand hard and embraced Rena.

      Raymond approached with a handshake to Tony and a hug for her. Nick approached her with arms open and a big smile. “Welcome to the family. I’ve always wanted a sister. But I’ll let you in on a little secret. I had a big crush on you in high school.”

      Rena chuckled and flowed into his arms. “No, you didn’t.”

      â€œI did. But you were my big brother’s girl.” They broke their embrace and Nick stepped away, turning to Tony and slapping him on the back. “He’s a lucky man. Be good to her or I might steal her away.”

      Tony glanced at her. “I’d like to see you try.”

      Rena bit her lip, holding back a smile. She’d seen the Carlino boys’ teasing banter, and at times she had been a part of it. If anyone could make her laugh, it was Nick. He’d always been too clever for his own good. All the Carlino boys had their own brand of charm and she’d learned early on that each in his own way was a ladykiller.

      The six of them dined in an out-of-the-way restaurant on the outskirts of San Francisco, and everyone sipped champagne when Nick proposed a toast. Rena pretended to sip hers, letting the bubbly liquid touch her mouth before she set her glass down. She was among her closest friends here, and though she’d explained to Solena and Raymond her reasons for this sudden secret marriage to Tony, she hadn’t confessed about the baby yet. She needed time to come to grips with all that had changed in her life.

      When the dinner was over, Rena walked outside with Solena, bidding her farewell. “I hope I’m not making a mistake.”

      Solena took her hand and squeezed gently. “Remember, David wanted this for you.” She glanced at Tony who stood beside Raymond and his brothers. “Give him a chance,” she whispered. “You loved him once.”

      â€œIt’s different now, Solena. There’s so much hurt between us.”

      â€œI know. But if you find forgiveness, your heart will open.”

      Rena doubted it. She didn’t know if she was capable of forgiving Tony. He’d destroyed her life not once but twice. Was she supposed to forget all that? Emotions jumbled up inside her, and she fought to control them. “I can’t believe I married him.”

      Solena reached out to hug her tight. “It will work out as it’s meant to. Be patient. And remember, I am always here if you need me.”

      Rena faced her and gratitude filled her heart. “I know you are.” She reminded herself that if she hadn’t married Tony, she wouldn’t be able to employ her dear friends, and that was enough consolation for now.

      Tony approached and put a hand to her back. “Are you ready to leave?”

      She nodded to him and bid farewell to her friend, squeezing her hand tight. “I’ll see you tomorrow, Solena.”

      â€œYes.” Solena glanced at Tony. “Congratulations.”

      â€œThank you.”

      Once СКАЧАТЬ