Wed on His Terms: Million-Dollar Marriage Merger. Charlene Sands

bride.

      One week later, Rena stood beside Solena, Tony beside his brother Joe as they spoke vows before a Catholic priest in a little church just outside of San Francisco. Rena’s mind spun during the entire mass thinking this was some kind of a bad joke. She couldn’t believe she was actually marrying Tony Carlino, the boy she’d once loved beyond reason. The boy she’d dreamed of marrying with every breath that she’d taken. Now that dream seemed more like a nightmare.

      As the priest blessed their union, Rena reminded herself of the reasons she’d made this decision.

      Marrying Tony meant saving her winery from ruin.

      It meant that she could honor David’s last wishes.

      It meant that her baby would never want for anything, much less a roof over his head or a meal on his plate.

      They were good solid reasons. No sacrifice was too great for her child.

      Father Charles finished the ceremony. “You may kiss the bride.”

      She hardly felt like a bride. She wore a pale yellow dress suit. Tony had provided her with a small calla lily bouquet and had placed a simple platinum band on her finger during the service. Out of reverence to David, he hadn’t given her a diamond—she’d only just last week removed her wedding ring from her finger and tucked it away safely in her jewelry case. It had been excruciatingly hard letting go.

      Tony’s lips brushed hers softly. He smiled when he looked into her eyes. She granted him a small smile in return.

      Joe and Solena congratulated them, their mood solemn. If Father Charles noticed the austere atmosphere at the altar, he didn’t mention it. In fact, he pumped Tony’s hand hard and embraced Rena.

      Raymond approached with a handshake to Tony and a hug for her. Nick approached her with arms open and a big smile. “Welcome to the family. I’ve always wanted a sister. But I’ll let you in on a little secret. I had a big crush on you in high school.”

      Rena chuckled and flowed into his arms. “No, you didn’t.”

      â€œI did. But you were my big brother’s girl.” They broke their embrace and Nick stepped away, turning to Tony and slapping him on the back. “He’s a lucky man. Be good to her or I might steal her away.”

      Tony glanced at her. “I’d like to see you try.”

      Rena bit her lip, holding back a smile. She’d seen the Carlino boys’ teasing banter, and at times she had been a part of it. If anyone could make her laugh, it was Nick. He’d always been too clever for his own good. All the Carlino boys had their own brand of charm and she’d learned early on that each in his own way was a ladykiller.

      The six of them dined in an out-of-the-way restaurant on the outskirts of San Francisco, and everyone sipped champagne when Nick proposed a toast. Rena pretended to sip hers, letting the bubbly liquid touch her mouth before she set her glass down. She was among her closest friends here, and though she’d explained to Solena and Raymond her reasons for this sudden secret marriage to Tony, she hadn’t confessed about the baby yet. She needed time to come to grips with all that had changed in her life.

      When the dinner was over, Rena walked outside with Solena, bidding her farewell. “I hope I’m not making a mistake.”

      Solena took her hand and squeezed gently. “Remember, David wanted this for you.” She glanced at Tony who stood beside Raymond and his brothers. “Give him a chance,” she whispered. “You loved him once.”

      â€œIt’s different now, Solena. There’s so much hurt between us.”

      â€œI know. But if you find forgiveness, your heart will open.”

      Rena doubted it. She didn’t know if she was capable of forgiving Tony. He’d destroyed her life not once but twice. Was she supposed to forget all that? Emotions jumbled up inside her, and she fought to control them. “I can’t believe I married him.”

      Solena reached out to hug her tight. “It will work out as it’s meant to. Be patient. And remember, I am always here if you need me.”

      Rena faced her and gratitude filled her heart. “I know you are.” She reminded herself that if she hadn’t married Tony, she wouldn’t be able to employ her dear friends, and that was enough consolation for now.

      Tony approached and put a hand to her back. “Are you ready to leave?”

      She nodded to him and bid farewell to her friend, squeezing her hand tight. “I’ll see you tomorrow, Solena.”

      â€œYes.” Solena glanced at Tony. “Congratulations.”

      â€œThank you.”

      Once Raymond and Solena left, Tony took Rena’s hand and guided her to his car. “You’re not going to your own execution, you know.”

      â€œDid I say anything?” she quipped, slipping her hand away.

      â€œNot in words.”

      She shrugged. “It’s all so strange.”

      But before Tony could respond to that, Joe and Nick walked up. Nick smiled. “You did it, you two. Finally.”

      Joe cleared his throat. “Let’s leave them alone, Nick.”

      â€œJust wishing them well,” he said. “I guess we’ll see you at the house later.”

      Tony shook his head. “I’m not going back to the house tonight.”

      â€œYou’re not?” Rena’s nerves jumped. She hadn’t discussed with him what they’d do after they married. She’d only assumed that since the marriage was secret, he’d stay at his house and she’d stay at hers.

      â€œNo.” He turned to her. “I’ve booked a suite at the Ritz-Carlton in San Francisco.”

      Joe grabbed Nick’s shoulder and gave a little shove. “Let’s go.”

      â€œI guess I’m going,” Nick said with a cocky smile. “Congrats again, Rena. Big brother.”

      Rena watched them both get in the car and leave. She turned to Tony, dumbfounded. “Why did you get us a room at a hotel?”

      â€œIt’s our wedding night.”

      She closed her eyes, praying for strength. “Surely, you don’t expect—”

      â€œYou’re my wife now, Rena. Did you expect me to remain celibate the rest of my life?”

       Five

      Rena sat stonily silent in the car all the way to the hotel, her expression grim and her pretty mouth deep in a frown. She said nothing as he checked in or on the ride in the elevator to the Presidential Suite.

      A private servant opened the door and showed them inside. In awe, Rena gasped when she entered the suite.

      Rich furnishings, stately artwork and a Steinway grand piano filled the living room. Tony put a hand to her back and guided her inside. The servant showed them around the suite, walking them through French doors to the master bedroom with an amazing view of San Francisco Bay, the master bathroom highlighted by a sunken whirlpool bath filled with scented flower petals, a second bedroom and an elegant dining room with seating for eight.

      Once back in the living room, Tony dismissed him. “We won’t need your services for the rest of the evening.”

      â€œYes,