Total pages in book: 57
Estimated words: 54589 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 273(@200wpm)___ 218(@250wpm)___ 182(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 54589 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 273(@200wpm)___ 218(@250wpm)___ 182(@300wpm)
“Understood,” he says, and touches his glass to mine, both of us tipping back our glasses.
He downs the whiskey and then stands up, with me joining him on my feet. He offers me his hand. “Maybe one day we can actually help each other.”
I accept his hand and we shake. “I doubt it,” I say. “But never rule out a potential resource.”
He reaches in his pocket, pulls out a wad of cash and drops it on the table. “That should cover half. That makes us even.” With that, he turns and walks away.
I don’t know if he was behind Bella’s kidnapping or not. I do know I’ll be watching him. And as far as I’m concerned. He’s my enemy, one well contained, but I wouldn’t turn my back on him. For now, I’m going home to Bella, and I’m going to tell her this is over.
Chapter Fifty-One
Tyler
I arrive home to have Molly and Bella greet me with excitement, that has my heart lighter than it was moments before. I share a look with Dash and a nod that tells him it’s over, before he quickly gathers Allie and the two of them depart.
I pour me and Bella glasses of wine. “Well?” Bella asks, as we sit down on the couch.
“We’re good,” I assure her. “Knox Allen swears Oliver acted in a rogue fashion.”
“What?” she asks in disbelief. “Tyler, Oliver was afraid of him.”
“And he knows if he touches you ever again, it’s war. I have the file. I have everything I need to ruin them before I ever even get started on revenge. Enough of them, baby. What are you doing for a wedding dress?”
“There are plenty of options being delivered to the hotel room Friday night.”
“Do we have a location?”
“Allie found a rooftop with city views that looks beautiful. If that works for you? It’ll only be a few of us.”
“It’s perfect.” I shift the topic to one now weighing heavily on my mind. “Bella, we haven’t talked about your money, because I’ve never given it much thought. I want to protect you. We should do a prenup.”
“Is this where we compare bank accounts? You have as much money as I do.”
“Maybe. Maybe not.”
“I don’t want a prenup. I was thinking—should we build a house that’s ours? I’d have a lot of fun decorating and then we could get Molly a sister.”
“You want another Molly?”
“Maybe a Joe or Jim?”
I laugh. “You want to name Molly’s brother Joe or Jim?”
“Yes,” she says. “I like that idea.”
“Bella,” I say sobering.
“No. Prenup. I need to go pack for Dallas.” She smiles, kisses me, and hops to her feet, rushing away with Molly on her heels.
Now there will be a Jim or Joe.
I kind of like the idea.
Chapter Fifty-Two
Bella
Tyler charters a private plane to Dallas, for us and Dash and Allie, with champagne and strawberries, waiting on board. The trip isn’t long and it’s a really amazing thing to be with both family and friends, and have them be one and the same. The night before we’d decided no honeymoon now, but we’ll go big after the public celebration, a tour through Italy even if we don’t end up getting married there.
My dad is waiting when we arrive at the airport and we have dinner with him. The best part of the night is the time he and Tyler spend talking and just how much they laugh, two men I’ve too often thought laughed too little.
That night, I spend time in a private room picking out a dress. I pick a pink full-length dress with a plunging bodice and embellished silk. It’s stunning, but not as stunning as the dress I’m already eyeing for the bigger wedding.
The next day, my father is the star, and Tyler and I have so much fun together watching him race, and despite it being an expedition race, win. That night, Allie makes me and Tyler sleep apart, because of course, tomorrow is our wedding day. Tyler is not happy about this, and we end up on the phone part of the night.
Morning arrives with Tyler calling. “I can’t believe I’m marrying you today.”
“Regrets?”
“Sleeping without you.”
My lips curve. “I like that answer, but I didn’t like it either. It’s a luck thing. I think we need to take luck where we can get it.”
“All my luck was used up when you said yes. Can I come bring you a gift?”
“You know you can’t.”
“Fine. I’ll give it to Allie to give you.”
Later, Allie arrives, no gift in hand. We eat a light meal, go workout, and when I’m done showering, we head to the venue, where I’m given champagne and fruit before the hair and makeup artist go to work.
It’s an hour before the ceremony when Allie hands me a blue bag, a Tiffany bag. “I’ll give you some privacy.” She smiles and slips out of the room.