Standing, I pulled out Julia’s chair and offered her my hand. Placing her petite palm in mine, I let my gaze travel up to her smile. “Mrs. Sherman…”
“Mr. Sherman.”
Sitting on the breakfast bar upon a pedestal, surrounded by fresh greenery, and decorated with flowers was a two-tier wedding cake. Mrs. Mayhand handed me a pearl handled knife and server.
I’d spoken in boardrooms and fired everyone in the room. I’d given speeches in front of thousands in convention halls. Never had I been as conscious of eyes upon me as I was at this moment.
Julia stood at my side as I made a small slice into the lower layer, lifted it, and placed it on one of the plates.
“This reminds me of Christmas,” Julia whispered.
A smile broke across my face. “My tie is satin.”
Her stare glistened. “We can save that for tonight.”
Cutting a small corner of the cake, I lifted it with my fingers as Julia’s lips parted. Placing the cake upon her tongue, Julia’s lips closed, and her eyes opened wide as she caught my fingers and sucked.
Something close to a growl resonated in my throat. “I’ll take you upstairs right now.”
Instead of answering, Julia reached for another small bite of cake from the plate and lifted it to my lips. Reaching for her wrist, I held her hand close so as to return the favor and be completely certain that her fingers were cake-free.
The room erupted in applause.
“Please come take some cake. It’s from Mr. Sherman’s favorite bakery in Bayfield,” Mrs. Mayhand said. “And Jonathon has more wine.”
As Julia began speaking with Margaret’s son, I noticed Michael and Albert near the French doors to the breezeway. Allowing others access to sugary delights, I stepped away from the cake and made my way toward them. There was something in their expressions that ignited my concerns, the ones that while subdued, never disappeared. “Is everything all right?”
“Yes,” Michael answered. “I’m going to go out to the gate. The guests will be leaving soon. Albert is going to go to the guesthouse and monitor the cameras and sensors.”
“Is there a threat?”
“No, sir. We’re doing our part to keep this day a celebration for you and Mrs. Sherman.”
Mrs. Sherman.
“Thank you. And thank you for being part of the celebration.”
Julia
Beyond the large windows, night had fallen. At the top of the staircase, I turned back, looking down at the large living room. With the lights off, fire extinguished, and guests gone, a calm had settled over the entire house.
Van reached for my hand, tugging me toward our suite. “Come on, beautiful. We have more celebrating to do.”
My attention went down the third hallway. “I wish Vicki would have been able to stay another night.”
“You’re the one who keeps talking about her classes.”
“At least she won’t need to return for another wedding.”
“No, Mrs. Sherman, she will not.”
“I like the way that sounds.” I leaned against Van’s side as his arm wrapped around me. The warmth of his body lulled me closer as the familiar scent of his cologne filled my senses.
Van opened the door to our suite.
Taking a step away from him, I walked inside. Within the hearth a fire burned, and tables throughout the front living room held bouquets of roses. Next to the sofa near the fire was a silver bucket with ice and champagne. I lifted the bottle, inspecting the foil covered cork.
“No tampering,” Van said, taking the bottle from my grasp and placing it back in the bucket. His eyes shimmered as he came close and reached for my waist. “You are absolutely stunning, Julia. It was thoughtful of Mrs. Mayhand to bring this dress.”