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Chapter 9
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The Millionaire's Bride Chapter 10
Alexa turned off her Google alerts the evening after their date. Her personal e-mail inbox was full of intimate photos of her first kiss with Salvatore. The news of their relationship had reached the mainland before they had last weekend, and she’d stepped back into reality with a host of missed calls and messages.Nothing from her parents, who didn’t put stock in media news, no less than ten missed calls and texts from Lorie, and one text from Aiden that had her lungs constricting as she read it.You can’t be serious. What a spectacle.It was a good thing she’d waited until after her good-byes with Salvatore to check her phone because the text had put a rain cloud over the once-perfect day.Later that evening, she’d heard from Salvatore that his parents were thrilled to be hosting a dinner with her family. She’d ended the call with Salvatore and called her family to tell them about her relationship and invite them to the dinner.Both parents had been thrilled, and her father was happ
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Salvatore.The night had gone better than he could’ve hoped. His parents had gotten along well with Alexa’s family, and everyone had been delighted to meet Nancy.His parents’ relationship was an anomaly in today’s society. His father was a billionaire who worked hard between the hours of eight in the morning and five in the evening, with the only exception being business trips.Salvatore had carefully observed his father’s success and mirrored it in his own life. He gave the company his entire attention in its time and place, but anything outside of its labeled hours could wait for him until the next day. A balance of work and play was the only way to stay happy while the weight of a Fortune 500 company sat on your shoulders.Thankfully, he and his father shared that burden now, and they each held their respective positions well within the company.Salvatore sipped his tonic water and observed his father and Martin as they recounted various experiences with shared business acquaintan
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Salvatore. Salvatore stepped onto the covered balcony to find Henry propped against the railing. One hand held an empty tumbler and the other was shoved into his coat pocket as his father stared into the darkness around them. The balcony was brightly lit, and Salvatore detected a tired smile on his father’s lips as he approached. “You know, I’ve been waiting for this night for a long time, son.” Salvatore clapped a heavy hand on his father’s back as he joined him by the railing. So close to the edge, the wind blew a faint misting of rain toward them. “I know. I’m happy to let you know your wait is over.” “I hope you’ll be happy this time.” Henry studied the vacant bottom of his crystal glass. “I knew you weren’t happy with Vanessa, and I’d hoped you’d come around eventually.” His father paused, but Salvatore didn’t dare interrupt. “You were avoiding commitment, and she was the easiest way to do just that.” His father didn’t look at him, but Salvatore nodded his agreement anywa
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Alexa secured her cell phone to her ear with her shoulder as she wiggled into her coat in the back seat of the sedan. “I promise to call, Lorie.” “I mean it,” Lorie chided on the other end of the call, “I want to know every detail of that house. I looked it up online, and it’s gorgeous.” “You looked up his house online?” Alexa asked. Although, she wasn’t entirely surprised by her friend’s actions. “A 2.5-million-dollar mansion on the Bainbridge coast? You bet your bottom dollar I looked it up.” Alexa scooted to the edge of her seat as the car came to a stop at the entrance to the ballpark. “Please, let me be surprised.” “He could’ve had something bigger.” “Lorie!” Alexa chided. “I’m just saying, he could afford more than 2.5 million,” Lorie clarified. “But he would have no need of it. He lives alone.” “Ugh. You’re so practical it scares me.” Alexa laughed at her friend. “But you love me anyway.” “That I do, friend. Have a great day.” “You too,” Alexa added before she disco
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Salvatore. Salvatore would be content to sit on this beach with Alexa all afternoon if his stomach would stop its growling. She leaned over to him and smiled. “What’s for dinner?” “Well, I gave Gloria the rest of the day off, so I was thinking we could whip something up together.” A spark lit in Alexa’s eyes, and he felt compelled to lean toward her. “That’s a great idea! I’d love to cook with you.” Before he had time to gather his wits after his daydream, she was on her feet and grabbing his arm. “Okay, but remember, you’re the expert, and I’m just here for assistance.” “I’ll take it.” She shuffled up the stairs and onto the porch. Dusk was in full swing, but her golden hair was shining in the dim evening light. Salvatore leaned back against the kitchen counter as she familiarized herself with the space. Occasionally, he would point out a cabinet or drawer where she could find what she was looking for, but she’d made herself at home, and he was content to watch her. “Here,”
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Another long week had passed in the office, and Alexa was ready for the weekend. She and Salvatore corresponded by e-mail while at work, since it was readily available. She’d playfully used “Business Proposal” as the subject line for their current conversation that had been running for a week now. She read his latest e-mail and smiled. Miss Black, are you ready for our dinner tonight? He knew she’d been impatiently waiting for the date all week, so she coyly replied, I’ll bring the business proposal. A few minutes later, his response left her flushed. I’ll bring mine. Salvatore said he had a surprise date for her tonight, and after the long week she’d had, she was ready to see him. He’d made small remarks to his impending proposal all week, but he’d yet to actually propose. The suspense was thrilling. It was difficult to find time to see each other during the work week. They both made the most of the business hours so they could leave work at the office and enjoy the evenings. S
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Roman stepped out of the busy kitchen to congratulate the newly engaged couple, and strangers offered well wishes as Alexa and Salvatore made their way from the restaurant later that night. A few reporters tried to ambush them at the door, but Salvatore’s bodyguard, Clayton, was quick to intercept them. Back in the quiet car with Salvatore, Alexa couldn’t contain her happiness as a single tear slid down her cheek, hidden by the darkness surrounding them. “Salvatore, I’m really glad we’re doing this together. I know a lot of times marriages don’t work out, and that scares me. But I think we have something special. I’ve been praying about where God is leading me, and I think this is where He’s guiding me—to you.” Salvatore grasped her left hand, adorned with the symbol of their commitment to each other, and rubbed his thumb over the diamonds. “I’ve been praying too. I’ve felt a peace about our relationship, and I know it’s because this is the time God chose for us. Now, it’s our turn
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Salvatore. Salvatore watched Alexa as she greeted patrons entering the gala and wondered how he’d gotten so lucky. Dressed in a black evening gown that shimmered blue and silver in the light, Alexa was a vision of sophistication. She smiled and shook hands with Theodore Cain, a middle-aged man who owned Talaus, Inc., a company that produced medical devices. Salvatore had met Theodore Cain once before at a similar charity function, and the man was known for his generous donations. His mere presence meant this night might be a success for Alexa’s charity. The Seattle Pregnancy Test and Planning Center was growing by leaps and bounds, according to the details he’d gone over with Alexa while planning the gala this week. Her dedication to this cause was admirable, and he couldn’t deny she was making a huge impact in the area. Located next to the regional hospital, the center provided free testing, exams, and treatment for expecting mothers. Aside from the medical services, the teachin
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The Millionaire's Bride Chapter 117
NOAH Camille glanced over both shoulders as if checking to make sure the coast was clear before extending both hands, palms up, toward Sprite. “Take your pick, pretty lady.” One hand offered an apple and the other a sugar cube. Noah wasn’t sure who liked treat time the most, his girlfriend or the horse. Dixie circled Camille’s legs, begging for attention. He’d just watched from the tailgate as Camille rode Sprite through the pasture by the stable. “Sugar. Always a good choice.” Camille waited for the blue roan to finish the treats before nuzzling noses with the big softie. It’d been a week since Noah was released from the hospital, and he was still getting used to needing help completing small tasks. The bandages were cumbersome and needed to be changed often. Not to mention small things like showering and putting on pants had become a chore. Camille spent every moment she could helping him. He didn’t mind it when she helped, but it was an unspoken truth that any “help” from his b
The Millionaire's Bride Chapter 116
“There’s a lot you don’t know about Nathan, but none of it excuses what he did,” Bonnie said. Bonnie went with Camille to her house to change clothes and pack a bag of extras, in case Noah stayed at the hospital overnight. She planned on staying there until he came home. She’d called Anita and rounded up some things she needed too. Now, Camille and her mom were back on the road, and they had a lot to talk about. “Nathan was adopted when he was four years old,” Bonnie began. “He was neglected as a child, and he had a handful of health problems that had never been treated. By the time he was taken from his parents, he was malnourished, dehydrated, and had several broken bones and bruises.” Camille turned away from her mother. She wasn’t sure if she’d ever heard this story before, but her heart told her she hadn’t. “Your grandparents didn’t have any children, but they had been in touch with the local foster care system and were contacted when Nathan was still recovering. They adopted
The Millionaire's Bride Chapter 115
Her foot rested heavy on the accelerator as she drove from Cody to Blackwater. Anger and betrayal built within her with every mile that passed beneath her tires. Twisting her hands on the steering wheel, she ached for a distraction. Something to calm the storm of her emotions. How could Nathan do something so horrible? She called Jenny and let the ringing in her car speakers drown out the roiling in her ears. “Hey. What’s up?” “Noah is in the hospital in Cody. A bear attacked him this morning.” “What?” Jenny screamed. “Is he okay?” Camille’s voice shook. “He is now. It looked so bad after it happened, though. It clawed his leg up good.” Rustling sounded on Jenny’s end of the line. “Do I need to come?” “No,” Camille assured her. “He’s doing okay. They stitched him up and he’s conscious now, but he lost a lot of blood. He’ll be in quite a bit of pain while it heals.” “I can’t imagine.” “They were cleaning up a dozen cows that were shot last night when the bear attacked.” Camill
The Millionaire's Bride Chapter 114
She couldn’t lose him. Not again, and not like this. Camille raked her hands through Noah’s hair while his head lay in her lap. She was trying to be brave. It wouldn’t do either of them any good to break apart right now. Noah needed her to stay alert and strong for him. “I’m glad you’re here.” His words were faint, but she’d heard him. Whatever reason he had for breaking up with her didn’t matter now. A tear slid down her face as she prayed. “Lord, please lay Your hand on Noah. Help us get him to the help he needs in time. Help me to be strong. Help us.” Her words cracked at the end, and she squeezed her eyes closed. “Please, Lord. I don’t want to lose him.” Tears burned her eyes when she opened them. He was lying still—too still. She looked to Lucas. “I think he’s unconscious!” Lucas held the injured leg stationary. “Almost there.” She turned and stretched her neck to see the main house over the next rise. The red-and-white ambulance was parked in front. The paramedics carefu
The Millionaire's Bride Chapter 113
NOAH Noah tried to hold his ground, but the bear was running toward him now. He lowered the phone from his ear and yelled, “Micah!” He took two steps backward on instinct. He wasn’t running, but he was pretty sure it was the better option right now. On the third step back, his heel snagged on a fallen branch. He fell backward, arms flailing, and his phone went soaring through the air. “Micah!” Noah couldn’t take his eyes off the advancing predator to see if his brother was coming to help, but he prayed he’d yelled loud enough to be heard over the running tractor. The bear slowed as it approached Noah lying on his back. The fall had knocked the wind out of him, but he wasn’t breathing anyway. The bear’s large paw lifted and swiped down faster than any animal that large should’ve been able to move. Noah cried out once more as the claws sliced across his thigh. “Micah!” A boom filled the air, followed by another, and the bear jerked backward and fell onto its side. Noah could hear
The Millionaire's Bride Chapter 112
NOAHNoah drove through the gates at Blackwater Ranch in a daze. His shift at the fire station had started the morning after he’d gone to Camille’s, and it had been a long two days.His shifts were always tiring, but this time he hadn’t been able to sleep or eat like he should to keep his energy up. Losing Camille felt like a constant, nagging hunger. His insides were empty, but he couldn’t get filled.He’d been praying, but no answers had come. Was he supposed to fix this on his own or wait for the Lord to show him how to mend his broken heart?He topped the slight hill before the main house, and a sinking feeling hit him in the chest. There weren’t any trucks parked out front. It was breakfast time. Everyone should’ve been there.Noah hastily parked by the door and ran inside, forgetting to take off his shoes.“Mom. Dad,” Noah hollered into the empty dining room.His mom stepped out of the kitchen and wiped her hands on her apron. “They’re all out,” his mom said in a shaky voice.“W
The Millionaire's Bride Chapter 111
NOAHNoah closed Camille’s door behind him, but it didn’t block out her sobs. He couldn’t move his feet to walk away from her just yet. What had he done? He’d made things worse with Nathan tonight, and then… this.Remembering the look on Camille’s face had his gut twisting. The last thing he wanted to do was hurt her. He’d been given the chance to be happy again, and it had all been taken away too soon.Anger built in his chest as he sat on the small step on her front porch. There was a roaring in his ears, but he could still hear Camille’s wails behind him.He wanted to go back inside and hold her and tell her they would make it through anything together.But he couldn’t do that when it was probably a lie. How could he save his family and keep Camille in his life? It was too much to hope. He’d been allowed to enjoy the best times of his life with her, and the stretches of time in between were just filler.Sitting alone in the dark night outside her door, he hung his head and prayed.
The Millionaire's Bride Chapter 110
Camille leaned closer to the screen of her laptop and squinted. “Those might work,” she mumbled to herself. The boots on her screen resembled the ones Noah and his brothers wore around the ranch, but finding the female equivalent had proven to be a challenge. Plus, ordering shoes online was always hit or miss. She ran the heart pendant of her necklace back and forth along the chain as she added the boots to the shopping cart.She’d wised up with the wide-brimmed cowboy hat already, and good boots were a must at this point if she planned to keep working with Noah around the ranch on her days off.A knock sounded at her door, and Camille jumped in her seat, bumping her knees on the desk. “Oww.” So much for assessing the stranger at her door before revealing she was at home.She pushed away from the desk and padded over to the door in her bare feet. Peering through the peephole, she saw Noah standing on her doorstep with his hands in the front pockets of his jeans.Camille fumbled with t
The Millionaire's Bride Chapter 109
NOAHCamille’s parents’ house was a log and brick monstrosity with wooden columns along the front side thicker than Noah had ever seen. Two stories of walls and windows stretched into a double-decker garage on one side. A twenty-foot-tall statue of angels and cherubs sat imposing in the grassy area along the circular drive.He’d put off coming here for long enough, but it was time to talk. If Nathan wasn’t home, he’d just sit in his truck and wait for him.Noah had always felt small when he came here. The size of the place dwarfed anything around it except the mountains. He knew from days past when he would visit Camille that there was a heated pool in the back along with a fire pit, an outdoor grilling area, and a guest house.The old truck door groaned and creaked as it closed behind him, and Noah threw his cowboy hat back into the cab through the open window. There wasn’t any sense in stirring the pot. His boots thudded loudly against the sturdy boards of the porch as he approached
