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

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СКАЧАТЬ Rena straightened, her eyes sparkling like blue diamonds. “It’s just a story I was writing.”

      â€œA story?“ That sparked his curiosity. “What’s it about?”

      â€œIt’s about a girl growing up in the wine country.”

      â€œIt’s about you?”

      â€œNo, it’s a novel. It’s fiction, but yes, I guess some of it is about what I know and how I feel about living here. It’s sort of a wine guide but told from a different perspective. It’s an analogy of how a girl grows to womanhood—”

      â€œAnd you relate that to how a vine grows? Sort of like, how you need to be cared for and loved and nourished.”

      â€œYeah,” she said, her expression softening. “Something like that.”

      â€œYou’re not finished with it?”

      She made a self-deprecating sound. “No, I’d forgotten about it. There’s too much to do around here.” She shrugged it off. “I never found the time.”

      â€œMaybe someday you’ll have time to finish it.”

      Rena stared deeply into his eyes. “Right now, I’m more interested in saving my winery.”

      Tony glanced at the computer screen, satisfied that she’d removed her finger from the delete button. “Agreed. That’s the first order of business. We have to find a way to keep Purple Fields afloat.”

      Rena walked into the gift shop through a door adjacent to the office, leaving Tony to work his magic on their books. She’d given him all the files, answered his questions and left once he was neck-deep in the accounts, unaware of her presence any longer.

      Her small little haven of trinkets and boutique items always perked up her spirits. She loved setting up the displays, making each unique object stand out and look desirable to the customer. They made very little profit on the shop, but it complimented the wine-tasting room and made the whole area look appealing.

      Rena sighed with relief rather than anguish this time. For so long she’d had the burden of saving Purple Fields on her shoulders, and the weight had become unbearably heavy. Now she knew that with Tony’s assets backing her up she had salvaged the future of Purple Fields, thus insuring her baby’s future as well. She could only feel good about that.

      But saving the winery had come at a high price. If it weren’t for the promise she made to David, she wondered if she’d be standing here right now. She’d been set to sell Purple Fields and move away, making a fresh start with her child. Now she was tied to Tony Carlino, and the notion prickled her nerves.

      She didn’t want to enjoy being in his arms this morning. She didn’t want to admit that having sex with him made her world spin upside down. She hated that she’d liked it. That she’d responded to him the way she always had. Tony wasn’t a man easily forgotten, but she’d managed it for twelve years. Now he was back in her life and planned to stay.

      Solena entered the gift shop, thankfully interrupting her thoughts. “Hey, you’re up and out early this morning.”

      Rena smiled at her friend, happy to see her. “It’s just another workday.”

      Solena eyed her carefully. “Is it? I thought you got married two days ago.”

      â€œSeems longer,” Rena said, lifting her lips at her little joke.

      â€œThat bad?”

      Rena glanced at the door leading to the office. “I shouldn’t complain. He’s in there right now, going over all our files and accounts. He’s owning up to his end of the bargain.”

      Solena walked behind the counter and spoke with concern and sympathy. “Are you doing the same, my friend?”

      Rena lowered her lashes. “I’m trying. I’m really trying. I never thought we’d live together like this. We, uh—” Heat reached her cheeks, and she realized she’d blushed, something she rarely did.

      Solena spoke with understanding. “Tony’s a very handsome, appealing man, Rena.”

      â€œSo was David.” Tears welled in her eyes.

      Solena leaned over the counter to take her hands. Rena absorbed some of her strength through the solid contact. “David is the past, Rena. As hard as that is to hear, it’s true. You have to look forward, not back.”

      â€œBut I feel so … guilty.”

      Solena held firm. “Remind yourself that David wanted this.”

      â€œThere are times when I really hate Tony,” she whispered. “And I’m ashamed that I’m not too thrilled with David for making me do this.”

      â€œBut we both know why he did.”

      Rena tilted her head to one side. “There’s more. I should have told you sooner.”

      â€œWhat?” Solena’s dark eyes narrowed with concern.

      Rena hesitated, staring at her friend. Finally she blurted, “I’m pregnant.”

      Solena drew in a big breath then let it go in relief. “Oh! You had me scared for a second there, imagining the worst.” Quickly, she walked around the counter to give Rena a hug. “This is good news … really good news.”

      â€œYes, it is. I know.” A tear dropped down her cheek. She’d already fallen in love with her baby. “I’m happy about the baby, but now do you see why I’m so, so—”

      â€œYou’re torn up inside. I can see that. But you have hope and a new life to bring into this world. Oh Rena, my dear friend, I couldn’t be happier for you.”

      She glanced at the office door and lowered her voice, speaking from the heart. “David should raise his child, not Tony.”

      Solena’s eyes softened with understanding. “But that can’t be. Your feeling bad isn’t going to change that. It takes a remarkable man to raise another man’s child. Tony knows?”

      â€œHe knows.”

      â€œYou resent him.”

      â€œYes, I do. I resent him for so many reasons. I’m so afraid.”

      â€œAfraid?” Solena met her gaze directly. “You’re afraid of Tony?”

      She shook her head. “No, not of him. Of me. I’m afraid I’ll forgive him. I don’t want to forget the hurt and pain he caused me. I don’t want to ever forgive him.”

      Tony spent СКАЧАТЬ