Read Online His Desert Rose by Deborah R. Brandon - Free Book Online
Authors: Deborah R. Brandon
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that you know that I am more than beautiful and convenient. Once I was considered brilliant in the area of International Business, I know how to spin this to my favor,” Renee said feeling determined.
“I will make some calls. When and where do you want the interview?” Antonio agreed against his better judgment.
“Here, tomorrow, around lunch time. I have an afternoon doctor’s appointment,” Renee said.
“I will clear my day for tomorrow then, I will be with you on both events. I also set up credit cards in your name, it will keep you from keeping up with an expense log,” Antonio responded.
“Thank you,” Renee said into the phone, a single tear slipped down her face. She wiped her eye and rang off the line.
Antonio was working her nerves with all these subtle reminders that this was a marriage in name only. She knew what was going on and he was making sure that she didn’t forget, she mused to herself as she walked back into the room with the ladies.
Chapter 16
The rest of the evening went perfectly well. The House of Elle came over as promised with beautiful gowns, some in satin and lace, others in silk and chiffon. She and the twins paraded around in the gorgeous gowns, while the others made all the appropriate noises and snapped pictures.
She had called her sister Jasmine, her lifelong friends, Alexis and Alena Wellstone and asked them to do the honor of being bridesmaids along with Elizabeth, Olivia, Nicole, and Claire. Everyone had joyfully accepted and had agreed to fly in early to be fitted for their dresses. Amber and Alyson had agreed to be flower girls, Jacob and Eleanor Blake-Moore had agreed to stand in for her parents. Flowers had been selected, candles ordered as well as Antonio’s ring. The tuxedo’s selected, the programs, and all the venues were booked. She also had selected a photographer, musicians, dresses, and shoes for everyone.
Later in the day, she enjoyed hand tossed pizza, sweet corn, and mixed green salad with everyone except Antonio, who was working late so that he could be off part of the day tomorrow.
Later, still everyone enjoyed a movie together before she put the girls into their room to go to sleep. She checked with Ms. Ragsdale and Ms. Nancy to make sure that they were doing well and had all that they needed. Making one last stop in the kitchen she talked with Ms. Rosalie and thanked her for her help today. Then grabbed a ginger ale and bid her good night.
Nicole and Claire were waiting for her in her suite. She grabbed her night attire and went into the bathroom, showered and changed.
She came out of the bathroom rubbing lotion into her hands.
“So how do you feeling,” Nicole asked.
“Mostly scared,” Renee said honestly.
“Scared of what?” Claire asked.
“Trying and failing,” Renee said. After a few moments of silence, she continued, “Scared of falling head over heels in love with my husband-to-be and him not returning my feelings. I think I give him too much power, and myself not enough,” Renee finished on a sigh.
“Honey spit it out, you are talking in riddles that only you understand, spit it out,” Nicole said.
“This is merely an arranged marriage. We both get other needs met by doing this. I care for him and he cares for me, but we aren’t in love. Lately he has been reminding me of that fact,” Renee explained more clearly she hoped.
“Protect your heart, above all else but do not awaken love until it so desired, there is no greater folly,” Nicole said as if from experience.
“No public displays of affection unless there is a photo opt,” Nicole threw in.
“No don’t listen to her, make love to him, and let your body say what you cannot with your mouth, but not too often. Uphold your end of the deal and be a great wife and mother, and remember that this was all her idea in the first place,” Claire said nudging Nicole and hopefully lightening the mood.
“Congratulations by the way on
“I will make some calls. When and where do you want the interview?” Antonio agreed against his better judgment.
“Here, tomorrow, around lunch time. I have an afternoon doctor’s appointment,” Renee said.
“I will clear my day for tomorrow then, I will be with you on both events. I also set up credit cards in your name, it will keep you from keeping up with an expense log,” Antonio responded.
“Thank you,” Renee said into the phone, a single tear slipped down her face. She wiped her eye and rang off the line.
Antonio was working her nerves with all these subtle reminders that this was a marriage in name only. She knew what was going on and he was making sure that she didn’t forget, she mused to herself as she walked back into the room with the ladies.
Chapter 16
The rest of the evening went perfectly well. The House of Elle came over as promised with beautiful gowns, some in satin and lace, others in silk and chiffon. She and the twins paraded around in the gorgeous gowns, while the others made all the appropriate noises and snapped pictures.
She had called her sister Jasmine, her lifelong friends, Alexis and Alena Wellstone and asked them to do the honor of being bridesmaids along with Elizabeth, Olivia, Nicole, and Claire. Everyone had joyfully accepted and had agreed to fly in early to be fitted for their dresses. Amber and Alyson had agreed to be flower girls, Jacob and Eleanor Blake-Moore had agreed to stand in for her parents. Flowers had been selected, candles ordered as well as Antonio’s ring. The tuxedo’s selected, the programs, and all the venues were booked. She also had selected a photographer, musicians, dresses, and shoes for everyone.
Later in the day, she enjoyed hand tossed pizza, sweet corn, and mixed green salad with everyone except Antonio, who was working late so that he could be off part of the day tomorrow.
Later, still everyone enjoyed a movie together before she put the girls into their room to go to sleep. She checked with Ms. Ragsdale and Ms. Nancy to make sure that they were doing well and had all that they needed. Making one last stop in the kitchen she talked with Ms. Rosalie and thanked her for her help today. Then grabbed a ginger ale and bid her good night.
Nicole and Claire were waiting for her in her suite. She grabbed her night attire and went into the bathroom, showered and changed.
She came out of the bathroom rubbing lotion into her hands.
“So how do you feeling,” Nicole asked.
“Mostly scared,” Renee said honestly.
“Scared of what?” Claire asked.
“Trying and failing,” Renee said. After a few moments of silence, she continued, “Scared of falling head over heels in love with my husband-to-be and him not returning my feelings. I think I give him too much power, and myself not enough,” Renee finished on a sigh.
“Honey spit it out, you are talking in riddles that only you understand, spit it out,” Nicole said.
“This is merely an arranged marriage. We both get other needs met by doing this. I care for him and he cares for me, but we aren’t in love. Lately he has been reminding me of that fact,” Renee explained more clearly she hoped.
“Protect your heart, above all else but do not awaken love until it so desired, there is no greater folly,” Nicole said as if from experience.
“No public displays of affection unless there is a photo opt,” Nicole threw in.
“No don’t listen to her, make love to him, and let your body say what you cannot with your mouth, but not too often. Uphold your end of the deal and be a great wife and mother, and remember that this was all her idea in the first place,” Claire said nudging Nicole and hopefully lightening the mood.
“Congratulations by the way on
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