Ashley thought she looked perfect. She just hoped everyone else did as well and that she could pull off the evening with a smile.
Across the room, the jazz ensemble played. Waiters circled the room, offering hors d’oeuvres and a choice of white and red wines. Two bartenders manned the open bar and in addition to the appetizers offered by the waiters, there was an elegant buffet arranged by the far wall.
Lights were strung in the fake potted trees, making the room look festive and bright. Flickering candles illuminated centerpieces of fresh flowers on each table.
Ashley had fretted endlessly over all the arrangements until she was sure she was spouting menu choices in her sleep. She’d tasted each and every one of the appetizers, wrinkling her nose at some, loving others. She’d made Pippa accompany her, though, because Pippa’s tastes were more refined. Ashley was pickier and more apt to turn her nose up at fine cuisine.
Now the moment had arrived and though she kept telling herself that these people didn’t matter to her and that they were her father’s and Devon’s associates, she couldn’t shake the paralyzing fear that she’d make some huge mistake and embarrass herself and her husband in front of everyone.
“Ashley, there you are,” Pippa said as she made her way through the growing crowd.
“Oh, my God, I’m so glad you’re here,” Ashley said. “Thank you for coming. I’m a nervous wreck.”
Pippa frowned. “Ash, there’s no reason for you to be so worked up over this. It’s a party. Loosen up. Have some fun. Let your hair down from that godawful bun.”
Ashley let out a shaky laugh. “Easy for you to say. You aren’t facing a hundred of your husband’s closest business associates.”
Pippa rolled her eyes. “Come on, let’s go get a drink.”
Ashley let Pippa lead her over to the bar but when they got there, Ashley ordered water. Pippa raised an eyebrow and Ashley sighed.
“I have a doctor’s appointment tomorrow,” Ashley whispered. “Don’t you dare say a word to anyone, okay? I haven’t told anyone I even suspect I might be pregnant. I took one of those damn home pregnancy tests and it was inconclusive but I haven’t had my period yet and I’m sure I’m late. So until I know, I don’t want to drink anything.”
“What time is your appointment?” Pippa demanded.
“Ten in the morning.”
“Okay, then here’s what’s going to happen. Carly, Tabitha and I are going to wait for you at Oscar’s and you’re going to come straight over for lunch after your appointment so you can tell us the news one way or another.”
Ashley nodded. “Okay. I’ll need the support regardless of the outcome. I’m kind of undecided about this whole thing.”
Pippa blinked in surprise. “You mean you aren’t sure you want to be pregnant?”
“Yes. No. Maybe. I don’t know,” she said miserably.
“Ash, what the hell is going on with you lately? All you’ve ever wanted is to have children.”
Ashley bit her lip in consternation as she saw Devon making his way toward her. “Look, I can’t talk about it now. I’ll see you at lunch tomorrow after my appointment. And don’t breathe a word! I haven’t told anyone. Not even Dev.”
Pippa looked at her oddly but went silent as Devon approached.
“There you are,” Devon said when he got to the two women. He kissed Pippa’s cheek in greeting and then tucked Ashley’s hand in his. “If you don’t mind, Pippa, I’m going to steal my wife for a bit. There are some people I want her to meet.”
Pippa leaned over to kiss Ashley’s cheek. “See you tomorrow,” she whispered softly. “Take care of yourself.”
Ashley smiled her thanks and allowed Devon to lead her away. For the next hour, she smiled and quietly listened as Devon introduced her around and discussed things she had no clue about. But she pretended interest and glued herself to his every word, nodding when she thought it was appropriate.
Her headache had worked itself down her neck until it hurt to even move it. Her cheeks ached from the permanent smile and her feet were killing her.
The old Ashley would have kicked off her shoes, pulled her hair down and found someone to talk with about things she understood. Finding or starting conversation was never difficult for her.
The new Ashley was going to survive this night even if it killed her.
Devon seemed appreciative of her effort. He’d told her she looked beautiful and he’d smiled at her often as he took her from group to group. Maybe she had imagined it or maybe it was wishful thinking on her part but she’d sworn she saw pride reflected in those golden eyes of his.
“Stay right here,” Devon said as he parked her on the perimeter of the makeshift dance floor. “I have to find your father. He’s announcing his retirement tonight.”
She nodded and dutifully stood where he’d left her even though her feet were about to throb right off her legs and her head hurt so bad her vision was fuzzing.
She was careful to wear a smile and not let her discomfort show. Instead she turned her thoughts to the possibility of her being pregnant.
It was true she’d lived the past week in denial. She hadn’t entertained the thought. Hadn’t wanted to think about it because if she acknowledged the possibility, then she had to consider the reality of her marriage and whether she was ready to bring a child into such uncertainty.
The previous night with Devon had been… Her smile faltered and she quickly recovered. It had been wonderful. But what was it exactly? Sex? Lust? It couldn’t be considered making love. Not when he didn’t love her.
He’d been exceedingly tender. She was still embarrassed that she’d lost control of her emotions and cried in front of him. It felt manipulative and she still worried that the only reason he’d had sex with her was because she’d been upset and he wanted to comfort her.
He’d left for work this morning before she’d awakened. She’d overslept—another reason she suspected she was pregnant. She was so tired that some days it was all she could do to remain upright. Twice she’d succumbed to the urge to take a nap simply because she would have lapsed into unconsciousness otherwise.
So she hadn’t been able to gauge his mood after they had sex. She had no idea if it changed anything or nothing at all. And she hated the uncertainty. Hated not knowing her place in the world or in this relationship.
Devon had been good to her. He’d been kind. But she didn’t want good or kind. She didn’t want him to feel sorry for her because he’d broken her heart. She wanted his love.
She could feel the anxiety and rush of anger and confusion crawling over her skin, tightening and heating until the sensation reached her cheeks. She curled and uncurled her fingers at her sides, the only outward reaction she’d allow herself as she sought to calm the turmoil wreaking havoc with her mind.
Maybe it was best she didn’t dwell on her possible pregnancy. She was already uptight enough without causing herself full-scale panic.
Her father stepped up onto the elevated platform along with Devon. Ashley’s mom stood—just as she always had—by her husband’s side. But Devon hadn’t wanted Ashley there. He’d wanted her here. All the way across the floor from him. She didn’t know if there was any significance to that. Her ego was bruised enough to conjure all sorts of pathetic scenarios that spiked the self-pity meter.
For half an hour her father talked, fondly recounting memories, thanking his staff and his family. She smiled faintly when he singled her out and gave her an indulgent, fatherly smile. Then he went on to say that he was stepping down and that Devon would be succeeding him.
There were surprised murmurs from some. Nods from others who obviously suspected such a thing. A few raised eyebrows but most notably, she noticed that people’s gazes found her. There were knowing smiles. A few whispers. Nods in her direction.
Her facade was starting to crack. Her smile was beginning to falter. It was as if the world had put two and two together and said, “Aha! Now we get it.”
She just wished she did. She stared around, looking for a possible escape path, but she was surrounded by people. All looking at her. Or between her and Devon. Those damn knowing smiles. The smirks of a few women.
It was the worst night of her entire life. Worse than even her wedding night.
Devon found himself surrounded by a throng of people offering their congratulations. He had only taken one step away from William before everyone had descended. Family members. Staff members. Some offering sincere congratulations. Some clearly wary and uncertain. But that was to be expected. Any time change was announced, fear took hold. It was too early to be offering anyone reassurances. Who knew what would happen over the course of the next few months when a changing of the guard would take place and Devon would be at the helm of what would now be the world’s most exclusive line of resorts and luxury hotels.
Tonight, though, Devon was celebrating his own victory of sorts. He’d cornered William before the party had begun and told him that Copeland was going to sponsor Ashley’s animal shelter.
William had been opposed until Devon threatened to refuse to take William’s place in the company. Devon wanted full sponsorship with a yearly budget allocated to the shelter. He was determined that Ashley wouldn’t shed another damn tear over her beloved animals.
His father-in-law grumbled and told Devon he was a besotted fool, but he’d given in, telling Devon he’d just do as he damn well wanted when he took over anyway. Which was absolutely true, but they didn’t have that much time and he needed William’s cooperation to fund the shelter now so it wouldn’t have to close.
Now he just needed the right opportunity to tell Ashley the good news. Tonight in bed after the party seemed perfect. Then he’d make love to her until they were both insensible.
He was yanked from his thoughts when he saw Cam pushing his way through the crowd. He grinned when Cam got to him and he slapped his friend on the back. “Well, we did it. Everything. Copeland. The new resort. Oh, ye of little faith.”
Cam ignored Devon’s ribbing. His expression was grim and his gaze was focused over Devon’s shoulder across the room. “What the hell have you done to her, Dev?”
Devon reared his head back. “Excuse me?” He turned, looking for the source of Cam’s attention, but all he saw was Ashley, standing where he’d left her so she wouldn’t be swallowed up by the crowd.
Cam shook his head then turned his gaze on Devon. “You don’t even see it, do you?”
Devon’s eyes narrowed. “What the hell are you talking about?”
Cam made a sound of disgust. “Look at her, Dev.”
Again, Devon followed Cam’s gaze to Ashley. He studied her a long moment.
“Really look at her, Dev. Take a long, hard look.”
Devon battled a surge of irritation. He was about to tell Cam to go to hell when Ashley rubbed her hand over her forehead. The gesture seemed to make abundantly clear what perhaps he’d missed before. Maybe he’d been missing for a while. Or maybe it just took Cam drawing his attention to it.
She was pale, her face drawn. She looked tired and exceedingly fragile. She looked…different. Not at all like the vivacious, sparkling woman he’d married.
He frowned. “She probably has a headache.”
“You’re a dumbass,” Cam said in disgust.
Before Devon could respond, Cam turned on his heel and walked away, leaving Devon baffled by the anger in his friend’s voice.
But he didn’t have time to figure out Cam’s mood or what bug was up his ass. Ashley looked exhausted. Her forehead was creased in pain and she rubbed the back of her neck. He was more convinced than ever that she had one of her headaches.
He pushed his way through the few people standing between him and where William now stood with his son, Eric.
“I’m going to take Ashley home,” he said to William. “Please give our apologies to our guests.”
William looked up in concern while Eric frowned and immediately sought Ashley out in the crowd.
“Is something wrong?” William asked.
“Everything’s fine,” Devon said in an effort to calm the older man. “I think she has a headache.”
Eric scowled, his blue eyes flashing as he stared holes through Devon. “She seems to be having headaches quite frequently these days.”
Devon wasn’t going to stick around to argue the point. He nodded at William and then went to collect Ashley.
He found her conversing with two of the people who worked in the Tricorp offices. Or rather they were doing all the conversing. Ashley stood smiling and nodding.
“Excuse us please, gentlemen,” Devon said smoothly. “I’d like to steal my wife if you don’t mind.”
The relief on her face made him wince. She was obviously suffering and she’d had to stand here through her father’s speech.
His plans for the evening melted away. His primary concern now was getting her home so he could take care of her. The news about the shelter could wait until tomorrow. They’d have dinner together—another of her experimental concoctions, no doubt—and then he’d tell her that her animals were safe.
He drew her in close, noting again the fatigue etched in her features. But more than that, it was as if the light had been doused from her usually expressive eyes.
He experienced a tightening sensation in his chest but he shook it off and focused his attention on her.
“We’re leaving.”
She looked up in surprise. “But why? The party will be going on for hours yet.”