Total pages in book: 44
Estimated words: 42379 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 212(@200wpm)___ 170(@250wpm)___ 141(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 42379 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 212(@200wpm)___ 170(@250wpm)___ 141(@300wpm)
Signaling, she pulled to the entrance of the garage. Reporters swarmed off the sidewalk, approaching the car. She smiled and moved ahead slowly, only coming to a stop when a reporter refused to move from his position in front of the car. Stuck in the middle of the crowd, Maisie couldn’t move forward or back up.
Maintaining her composure, she picked up her phone and placed a call. In just a few seconds, a couple of large security guards appeared to control the reporters. Maisie smiled her thanks and continued into the garage, thankful for the gate that closed behind her.
Beau met her at the elevator. “You didn’t call.”
Putting a hand on his chest, Maisie urged him back into the lift. When the doors closed, she answered, “Their poor behavior didn’t deserve any of your time.”
“I was hoping to visit my parents before the press release went out. It looks like the reporters aren’t going to wait for that. I’ll call my staff and have them set up an official announcement of our engagement.”
Beau ushered her into the hall and down to her apartment. When they were inside, he gathered her in his arms and held her close. “I’m sorry you had to deal with that.”
“They were very determined. I had no idea what to say to them, so I just called security,” she reported.
“That was a good move, Little girl. Leave the reporters to me. How do you feel about being a June bride?”
“I hate it. And I don’t want to be married in a cathedral with a big puffy dress,” she said bluntly.
“Okay. What kind of wedding would you like?”
“I’d like to have our friends with us. And we’d have to invite our families, of course. Maybe something casual? Outside in the gardens?”
“There’s a beautiful spot in the gardens at our home in Avondale. I’ll show you when we’re home this weekend,” he assured her.
“Would that be okay with you?” she asked. “Do you need to have a big wedding with all your colleagues?”
“This isn’t a political event, Maisie. We’ll host an engagement party with everyone invited here and then have a small wedding in Avondale.”
“That sounds perfect.”
“How about the reception the weekend after we return from visiting my parents and the wedding the following month?”
“So fast? I have to find a dress.”
“I want you to be mine, Little girl. We’ve already waited too long.”
Maisie pulled out her phone, looking at her calendar for something that would interfere with his plan. “I guess that would work.”
“Tell me now if I’m rushing you. It’s okay if you want to delay our plans for a bit.”
“No. It’s okay. My brain is swimming inside my head. There’s so much to do,” she stressed.
“I have a staff that will take care of almost everything. Send a text to Colt, Harper, Amber, and Rio. We want to make sure they can attend. See if Harper has Mr. Chamberlain’s address.”
“Oh! That would be amazing if he could attend,” Maisie said, beginning to press keys on her phone. When the phone rang in her hands, she let out a squeal and almost dropped the device.
Beau turned back to make sure she was okay as Maisie fumbled to accept the call. “Harper! You sound so excited.”
“You’re pregnant and you and Colt are getting married on Friday?” Maisie announced out loud so Beau could know what was happening.
“Congratulations, Harper,” she said, feeling tears gather in her eyes. Harper’s happiness vibrated in her words, making Maisie emotional as well. “Here, let me put you on speaker so Beau can hear, too.”
“Hi, Harper. What amazing news! A baby and a wedding. You and Colt have been busy,” Beau congratulated her. “Give Colt my congratulations as well.”
“I will. He’s on cloud nine about the baby. I was scared, but Daddy…” She paused for a minute as she realized she’d said that aloud.
“It’s okay, Harper. We know Colt’s your Daddy,” Beau reassured her.
“Of course you do.” There was a brief silence, and Maisie could picture Harper pulling herself back together. When she spoke again, it was with confidence. “Daddy was so excited. This baby will be so loved.”
“I get to babysit,” Maisie announced.
“Oh, Maisie! Of course you do! Can you come to the wedding?” Harper asked, her voice filled with hope.
“We’ll be there, Maisie. This Friday at the courthouse at eleven.” Beau recited the arrangements.
“Maisie? Could I ask you a favor?” Harper asked hesitantly.
“Of course. What do you need?”
“My stuffie, Wombles, wants to see the ceremony. Would you carry him in? I’ll put him in a tote bag.”
“Of course. I’ll be glad to make sure Wombles gets to see,” Maisie promised.
When she disconnected the phone, Maisie looked at Beau in disbelief. “We’ll have to change our plans. We can’t announce our wedding this weekend. This is Harper and Colt’s time.”
“We’ll meet with my parents this weekend after Colt and Harper’s wedding,” Beau said firmly. “We’ll play it by ear with our friends when the ceremony is finished. Do you think Harper and Colt would be hurt if we invited everyone to our wedding?”