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“Shouldn’t you inherit everything?”

Her lips flatlined and he suspected she was holding back a torrent of Italian expletives. “Only when I go back and take over the management of company operations.”

“But you don’t want that.”

“No, I do not.” She nodded firmly. “I like it too much here. In Brookwell, I mean.” Her lips tiltedup on one side. “And thanks to you, soon I’ll have even more reason to stay precisely where I enjoy my life. Once we’re married, tradition dictates I honor my husband’s wishes.”

Emotion rested heavy over his heart. “Well.” He cleared his throat. “More than anything, I wish for you to be happy.”

She squeezed close to him. “Thank you.”

He had the feeling she didn’t comprehend the full depth of his sincerity. Her happiness had become his number one goal. And that started with providing her with the utmost security and bolstering her confidence in him and herself.

Chapter Fifteen

Later that afternoon,dressed for the sunset wedding ceremony, Trina and Rhett met Ilsa and Max downstairs, where a courtesy car waited to take them to the marina. After a quick round of hugs, Ilsa assured her the special details, including rings and flowers, were already in the trunk of the sedan.

Trina had deliberately chosen for them to ride together. She hadn’t wanted to get caught up in any bridal jitters or superstitions by taking separate cars or trying to avoid Rhett seeing her in the dress until the last possible moment.

This wedding was real in some important ways. And it was still a charade in many others. Legally, no one could argue the validity of the marriage—and that was her first priority.

“The photographer will meet us there,” Ilsa explained from the front seat as Max drove. “It will be a short cruise and then we’ll come back here for the party. Nothing too big, I promise. If either of you need anything tonight, just let me know.”

Rhett’s hand rested on the seat between them. “Thanksfor pulling this together at the last minute. Thanks to both of you.”

“Yes,” Trina chimed in. “We appreciate everything you’re doing for us.” She laced her fingers through his, pleased with herself for making such quick strides on the affection scale. Sometimes she reached for him before she realized what was happening. It was a lovely experience the way he accepted her touches. He didn’t fuss or resist or act as if she was coming on too strongly.

It helped tremendously that his first reaction to her in this dress was fresh in her mind. When she’d stepped out of the bedroom, ready to go, his jaw had dropped. For a moment, he’d been speechless—in a good way. The best way. She planned to pull out that memory whenever she needed a boost of confidence. There in that space halfway between the living room and the bedroom, she’d done a happy spin for him—letting the skirt twirl—and caught the flare of heat in his gaze.

She couldn’t recall anyone looking at her the way he had in that moment. His blue eyes had blazed with desire. “You look gorgeous,” he’d said, his voice rough around the edges.

Gorgeous.

Rhett Ellington had told her she wasgorgeouson their wedding day.

Was there anything better?

She pulled the moment close and wrapped it around her heart. It would be a true highlight of this entire experience. But then she started to worry because she found herself completely smitten with him. It was rooted in his kindness, warmth, and steadiness.

He was always pulled together, but tonight was different, for so many reasons. Impeccably dressed, his crisp white shirt was open at the collar and topped with a vest in a blue that matched his eyes. His dark, nearly-black slacks and deck shoescompleted the look. He might’ve stepped right out of a bridal magazine.

She couldn’t remember what she’d said to him, only that he’d smiled, and her heart started spinning happy pirouettes.

Everything about tonight felt surreal. To prevent a giddy meltdown, she was pretending they were just headed out to a fancy dinner with friends. It worked. Mostly. Right up to the point when the captain welcomed them aboard the sailboat.

Ilsa and Max carried a tote and the boxes of flowers, and as soon as the photographer arrived, they were underway.

Once Ilsa added a floral headband to Trina’s hair and a boutonniere to Rhett’s vest, the photographer started taking candid shots. Trina sat next to Ilsa on one side of the catamaran as they cruised away from the harbor.

“Excited?” Ilsa asked.

“Yes,” Trina replied. She was thrilled to be marrying Rhett, even if it was destined to be a short-term arrangement.

“You both look fabulous.” Ilsa handed her a bottle of sparkling water. “And so happy.”

“Thank you,” she murmured. “We did more sightseeing today.”

He’d truly gifted her with a wonderful day, she realized. Through their conversations and reconnecting, she was delighted with how much they had in common beyond their work. The very normal relationship discovery warmed her from head to toe. If she’d been normal, if this situation had been normal, she would be eager for their next date.