Bride Of The eccentric CEO のすべてのチャプター: チャプター 101 - チャプター 110

I t was late and, unable to sleep, I rolled out of bed, careful not to disturb Katy. I doubted she was asleep, but her eyes were shut, and I knew thatmeant she didn’t want to engage. I had to allow her that, even though I was desperate to talk more. I knew she was exhausted. We both were.I slipped on my robe and headed downstairs. I wandered the house a little, memories flooding my head. When the kids were younger, they loved coming here. The openness, the freedom this compound gave them. They were able to wander and explore. There was always someone to play with, someone to talk to. At times, this place felt more like home than BC did, simply because of the people and the closeness of the group.I poured a splash of scotch into a glass, frowning as a thought occurred to me, unbidden.Ashley had never experienced anything like this. A big family. Safety.I shut my eyes as the conversations from earlier today drifted through my head. Gracie’s anger, Gavin’s support, Penny’s and Matth

24ASHLEYI t shouldn’t have surprised me to find Heather waiting in my office when I returned from a site meeting the next day.I was deep in thought when I walked into my office, my assistant out on an errand. The client and her daughter had been with me, and although the mother had gushed and insisted the venue was perfect for her vision, I sensed her daughter was uncertain. I had no doubt the mother wanted a large, splashy wedding, everything over the top and screaming money, whereas the daughter seemed uncomfortable with the lavish ideas. She was quiet, pretty, and unassuming, and I knew that was what she wanted in a wedding. She had confessed privately she wanted something half the size of what her mother wanted and without a lot of the “frills,” as she called them. I needed to help her find a compromise. A venue spectacular enough to please her mother, yet not so huge as to intimidate the daughter. I needed to create the right plan to balance both. I hated the thought of the da

26RICHARDD awn was breaking as I got out of bed, grabbing my running clothes and dressing in the en suite, not wanting to wake Katy. In the daysfollowing the meeting with Halton and my argument with Gracie, sleep was an elusive thing. It was bad enough I wasn’t sleeping much, but I hated disturbing Katy more than I was already. My restlessness was transferring to her, and the past few nights had been fraught with insomnia for both of us. She had finally sunk into a deep sleep about an hour ago, and I wanted her to rest.Downstairs, I laced up my running shoes and slipped outside. I stood on the deck, breathing deeply. Surrounded by silence, I shut my eyes, letting the fresh morning air clear my head. I could hear the sound of the water as it lapped against the shore, and I blew out a long, cleansing sigh.I stretched, then stepped off the deck and began to run. I set a good pace, my legs pumping a steady rhythm on the road as I headed toward the beach. The sun was rising as I got t

29ASHLEYG iven that Richard and Heather had both shown up unannounced at my office, the welcoming committee that greeted me the next morning at thewinery shouldn’t have surprised me.Heather was by the door, offering me a hug as I walked in with my clients. Behind her was Addison Riley, the president of ABC, and to my shock, standing to the side, watching me cautiously, was Grace. I tamped down my sudden nerves and steeled myself to act professional and at ease. I introduced my clients, who were impressed when Addison said she wanted to show them the venue personally. I could see the daughter, Ellen, getting excited as she walked around the room, taking in the décor and staring out at the view. Her mother was listening with rapture as Addison told the story of the winery and her family’s involvement. Addison smiled in my direction.“Ashley told me you wanted something unique and beautiful. I know Anne can work with your wedding planner and Ashley to create exactly that.”“How is it

30ASHLEYA couple of days later, I looked around at the few unpacked boxes Luc had brought over before he’d left on his business trip. His clothes nowhung in the closet, his T-shirts and underwear in the dresser Joyce had left behind and we had moved into my—our—bedroom. He hadn’t brought any furniture, laughing and shaking his head as he assured me none of it was salvageable after the years of him and his wild roommates abusing it.“We’ll pick out some new pieces together when we’re ready.”Joyce had left her few pieces of furniture behind, taking only her clothes and personal items. I had offered to buy them, but she refused, saying she was happy to know they were being used and to consider them a gift. So, the spare room was now a guest room, and I didn’t have to replace the side tables or the TV stand. The sofa and chair, I had purchased, as well as the TV, so it was an easy transition for everyone.It was hard saying goodbye to her, but she was so excited, I couldn’t be sad. Th