Wed on His Terms: Million-Dollar Marriage Merger. Charlene SandsЧитать онлайн книгу.
on the shop, but it complimented the wine-tasting room and made the whole area look appealing.
Rena sighed with relief rather than anguish this time. For so long sheâd had the burden of saving Purple Fields on her shoulders, and the weight had become unbearably heavy. Now she knew that with Tonyâs assets backing her up she had salvaged the future of Purple Fields, thus insuring her babyâs future as well. She could only feel good about that.
But saving the winery had come at a high price. If it werenât for the promise she made to David, she wondered if sheâd be standing here right now. Sheâd been set to sell Purple Fields and move away, making a fresh start with her child. Now she was tied to Tony Carlino, and the notion prickled her nerves.
She didnât want to enjoy being in his arms this morning. She didnât want to admit that having sex with him made her world spin upside down. She hated that sheâd liked it. That sheâd responded to him the way she always had. Tony wasnât a man easily forgotten, but sheâd managed it for twelve years. Now he was back in her life and planned to stay.
Solena entered the gift shop, thankfully interrupting her thoughts. âHey, youâre up and out early this morning.â
Rena smiled at her friend, happy to see her. âItâs just another workday.â
Solena eyed her carefully. âIs it? I thought you got married two days ago.â
âSeems longer,â Rena said, lifting her lips at her little joke.
âThat bad?â
Rena glanced at the door leading to the office. âI shouldnât complain. Heâs in there right now, going over all our files and accounts. Heâs owning up to his end of the bargain.â
Solena walked behind the counter and spoke with concern and sympathy. âAre you doing the same, my friend?â
Rena lowered her lashes. âIâm trying. Iâm really trying. I never thought weâd live together like this. We, uhââ Heat reached her cheeks, and she realized sheâd blushed, something she rarely did.
Solena spoke with understanding. âTonyâs a very handsome, appealing man, Rena.â
âSo was David.â Tears welled in her eyes.
Solena leaned over the counter to take her hands. Rena absorbed some of her strength through the solid contact. âDavid is the past, Rena. As hard as that is to hear, itâs true. You have to look forward, not back.â
âBut I feel so ⦠guilty.â
Solena held firm. âRemind yourself that David wanted this.â
âThere are times when I really hate Tony,â she whispered. âAnd Iâm ashamed that Iâm not too thrilled with David for making me do this.â
âBut we both know why he did.â
Rena tilted her head to one side. âThereâs more. I should have told you sooner.â
âWhat?â Solenaâs dark eyes narrowed with concern.
Rena hesitated, staring at her friend. Finally she blurted, âIâm pregnant.â
Solena drew in a big breath then let it go in relief. âOh! You had me scared for a second there, imagining the worst.â Quickly, she walked around the counter to give Rena a hug. âThis is good news ⦠really good news.â
âYes, it is. I know.â A tear dropped down her cheek. Sheâd already fallen in love with her baby. âIâm happy about the baby, but now do you see why Iâm so, soââ
âYouâre torn up inside. I can see that. But you have hope and a new life to bring into this world. Oh Rena, my dear friend, I couldnât be happier for you.â
She glanced at the office door and lowered her voice, speaking from the heart. âDavid should raise his child, not Tony.â
Solenaâs eyes softened with understanding. âBut that canât be. Your feeling bad isnât going to change that. It takes a remarkable man to raise another manâs child. Tony knows?â
âHe knows.â
âYou resent him.â
âYes, I do. I resent him for so many reasons. Iâm so afraid.â
âAfraid?â Solena met her gaze directly. âYouâre afraid of Tony?â
She shook her head. âNo, not of him. Of me. Iâm afraid Iâll forgive him. I donât want to forget the hurt and pain he caused me. I donât want to ever forgive him.â
Tony spent the morning loading the Purple Fields files into a new database program. His first order of business was to update the computer. He wasnât a genius at business like his brother Joe, but he knew the value of state-of-the-art equipment. Rena needed a new computer, but for now heâd do what he could and download everything to a flash drive.
Rena walked into the office holding a plate of food. âItâs after one, and you havenât eaten lunch.â
Tony glanced at his watch, then leaned back in his seat. âI didnât realize the time.â
She set the plate down onto the desk. âHam and cheese. I have chicken salad made if youâd prefer that instead?â
Tony grabbed the sandwich and took a bite. âThis is fine,â he said, his stomach acknowledging the late hour. âDid you eat?â
âSolena and I had a bite earlier. Since Davidâs death, sheâs been babysitting me. She thinks I donât know it, but itâs sweet. We usually have lunch together.â
âWhat about Ray?â
âHe eats a huge breakfast at home and skips lunch.â
âDo you have time to sit down?â he asked. âI could use the company.â
He rose from his chair, offering it to her. He waited until she took the seat before he sat on the edge of the desk, stretching his legs out. He wasnât used to poring over a computer screen for hours. He wasnât used to being holed up behind a desk in a small office either.
He gobbled his sandwich and began working on the apple sheâd cut into wedges. âHowâs your day going?â
âGood,â she said. âI gave a wine tour at eleven, and we sold a few cases today. Want something to drink?â
âIâll have a beer later. Iâll need it.â
She tilted her head, her pretty blue eyes marked with question. âToo many numbers?â
âYeah. Iâm inputting files. Setting up a database. My eyes are crossing.â
She laughed. âI know what you mean.â
Tony liked the sound of her laughter. He stared at a smile that lit the room. âYou do?â
âAll those numbers can make you crazy.â
He grinned. âI think Iâm there now.â He gobbled up the apple wedges. âThanks for lunch.â
Rena watched him carefully. âYouâre welcome.â
âYou need a new computer and some stuff for the office. This thing is outdated. Weâll work out a time to do that.â
Renaâs eyes widened. âA new computer?