Prologue
One month ago
“You should try the steak, dear, it’s deliciously decadent. I had the chef prepare it, especially for you. I want your honest opinion.”
Rory smiled politely at the woman seated at the far end of the table. Her deep blue eyes stared back at her, assessing. She returned her attention to the dish before her. She’d already eaten most of the meager portion of baked potato, broccoli, and carrots but skirted around the slab of steak in the center of the plate. She gingerly speared the meat with her fork and used her knife to slice off a small piece. Blood oozed from the middle of the dark red meat, causing her to cringe internally as she brought it to her mouth.
“It is good, yes?”
Surprisingly the steak was tender, and she could taste the smoky charcoal aroma as the juices connected with her tongue, but then there was a metallic taste of blood that triggered her gag reflexes. She swallowed, then reached for her champagne flute to wash away the taste.
“It is…nice,” she managed to turn and reply. The woman gave her a triumphant smile before turning her attention back to her plate. She delicately sliced off a piece of her stake and placed it in her mouth to chew demurely.
Rory felt something brush against her ankle. She looked across the table to see her fiancé’s concerned blue eyes staring back at her. She fought to lift the corners of her mouth into a reassuring smile.
“How are the wedding plans coming along, dear?”
Rory returned her attention to her mother-in-law, already staring back at her. She paused before answering the question, already knowing that there was a strong possibility that her response would possibly unsettle the woman.
“There are a few changes, but it’s still on track. I have…I mean,” she paused to look over at James. He smiled back encouragingly. “We have decided to have the wedding in Oak Harbor.”
Lenora’s eyes widened in surprise before something dark flashed in their blue depths. The woman managed to school her expression as she asked, “When did you make this decision?” Her focus turned to her son.
“Four days ago,” James replied before adding, “We both decided it was the best option. It will allow Rory’s family to be more involved in the wedding and give us a chance to get to know them better.” He looked over at his fiancé with an affectionate smile which Rory returned, grateful for his explanation.
“But you already decided to have the wedding at our church. Father Jeremiah has already marked the date on his calendar, and what about your booking at Le Meridien for the reception?” Lenora pressed.
“We’ve already withdrawn our appointment for Le Meridien. There wasn’t a penalty fee because the wedding was months away.” This time it was Rory who spoke up.
“Father Jeremiah will understand, Mom,” James added.
“And our guests, our family; what do I tell them?” Lenora persisted, looking pointedly at her son.
“We haven’t sent out the invitations yet, so it’s fine,” he responded.
“But, but—”
“Mom, it’s fine,” James spoke with a smile of reassurance.
Lenora’s eyes went to the other end of the table where her husband sat the entire time, focused on finishing his meal and unbothered by the conversation. As if sensing his wife’s eyes on him, Richard looked up, quirking a brow. Lenora’s lips spread into a grim line, and she averted her eyes to her plate, her eyebrows furrowed as she blinked rapidly. When she looked up again, a smile was on her lips, but Rory could see that it was a strained one.
“Very well then, Oak Harbor it is,” she said lightly. “You must let me help you plan for the wedding, dear. It’s the least I can do, seeing as the wedding will no longer be in San Fran.” Her eyes flashed with determination as she stared at Rory.
“Um…our wedding planner Jennifer already has everything under control. I’m not sure how much input you’ll get, Lenora,” Rory answered carefully.
“I understand, but I want to do this for you and my son. You’re about to become a part of our family now, and I’ve always imagined that whomever James marries, I would help to plan the wedding. It’s the least I can do.” The intonation in her voice suggested that if Rory refused, it would be a great disappointment on her end.
“Okay. I’ll talk to Jennifer and let her know you will be offering your input,” Rory conceded.
“Good,” Lenora returned with a self-satisfied smirk.
Rory was sure she’d just lost a great battle, and a sinking feeling settled in her chest. “Please excuse me.” She placed her napkin on her chair as she stood.
James stood as well, the look of concern etched across his face. “Are you alright?” he asked.
“I am,” Rory replied, a tiny smile of reassurance on her lips. “I just need to…”
She didn’t finish the sentence. James nodded in understanding. Stepping away from the table, she headed for the hallway. Her low heels clicked against the marble floor and echoed throughout the cavernous open space as she made her way toward the powder room. The room was toward the end of the long hallway, which felt more like a runway rather than just the entryway for the numerous rooms on the first floor of the mansion.
