Good. Andre took the box and tugged the rings from the crevice. She extended her left hand toward him and he slipped the engagement ring—a round-cut blue diamond haloed by white diamonds—on to her finger, saving the eternity band of matching blue diamonds for the ceremony.
Andre had picked out the set days ago, before he’d left Europe, but Tasha didn’t need to know that. She didn’t need to know that he’d come to the States with the intent of asking her to marry him. All she needed to know was that they were hers.
CHAPTER TEN
MOST DAYS, CLAUDETTE ENJOYED HER MID-MORNING TEA on the balcony off her second-floor bedroom that overlooked the rose garden. In the spring the scent was lovely.
Of course, in September, there wasn’t much to smell, but she had other things to stimulate her happiness now—like Andre’s phone call.
She couldn’t be more pleased that Andre and Tasha’s marriage would not be one of mere convenience, and she knew Maurice would feel the same once he heard the news.
The door opened behind her, but she didn’t need to look over her shoulder to know it was Maurice. Not only was it standard procedure for him to join her out here, but his cologne with its slight citrus scent gave away his presence.
“Good morning, my darling.” Maurice bent to kiss Claudette’s cheek. She smiled and glanced up at her husband just as he moved to the other side of the small table and claimed the empty chair.
The de Laurent men were all devastatingly handsome, Maurice was no exception. Sure, his face was a bit worn and his hair had long since grayed at the temples. But he still drew the women’s eye. Claudette was not blind to that fact. If he’d ever been unfaithful to her, he was discreet about it. For that Claudette was thankful.
Maurice took the cloth napkin, shook it out and laid it across his lap. “You seem to be in high spirits this morning.”
Claudette took the coffeepot, opened it and smelled the steaming brew to make sure Maurice hadn’t coerced the servants to sneak a little Bailey’s in the coffee on his behalf. He’d done it before. This time she caught nothing but the reek of strong coffee and moved the pot back toward Maurice’s cup. After filling his cup, she added a little cream and one cube of sugar. Finishing up, she smiled and said, “There’s plenty to be pleased with this morning.”
“Oh…?” He picked up his spoon and dipped it into his coffee.
Claudette imagined the prospects of good news that must be flowing through his mind. Camille is pregnant? Lecie has agreed to sell the house she inherited in California? Andre has managed to persuade Tasha….
Claudette laughed softly to herself. The list of Maurice’s wishes could go on and on. She decided to end the suspense. “Andre telephoned last night.”
Maurice’s face brightened. “Tasha agreed to the marriage?”
“Better than that.”
“What could be better…?”
“Their marriage is real. It’s not simply one for convenience’s sake.”
“That is good news. What do you suppose brought this on?”
She shook her head. “I haven’t a clue. I’m just glad he woke up before she moved on.”
“Whatever it was, I couldn’t be more pleased.”
“Oh, yes…” Claudette tipped her forefinger into the air. “Andre said that she doesn’t know about the will’s stipulations and he wants to keep it that way. He doesn’t want her thinking he’s marrying her for the inheritance.”
“Good point.” Maurice nodded. “I can see why he’d be against her knowing that. But no matter, the marriage is real. The children will all inherit. All is well.”
“Yes, and I have a million things to do before they arrive.” She stood and dropped her napkin onto the remnants of a pastry on her near-empty plate. “Andre said they want the wedding to take place at the end of next week.”
“Good. The quicker, the better.” Maurice looked up. “Are they marrying in the States?”
Claudette nodded. “Yes.”
“Good. The sooner they’re legally wed…somewhere…the better.”
Claudette sashayed around the table and gave Maurice a light kiss on the lips. “I’ll see you later, darling.”
Maurice watched Claudette disappear inside the house, patting the small flask in his jacket pocket. Once he was sure she was out of sight, he pulled it from his pocket, unscrewed the cap and spiked his coffee with a liberal shot. With a chuckle, he replaced the cap and slipped the flask back into his pocket.
He raised his cup to an imaginary salute and smiled. The Bailey’s not only improved the coffee’s taste, but it allowed him to pose a clandestine toast to his victory.
“Yes,” Maurice said, just above a whisper. Andre will marry, he will inherit, right along with Julian and Lecie. Maurice glanced upward. “See, Edouard. I told you it would work out…just as I planned.”
CHAPTER ELEVEN
THE DOORBELL RANG. Tasha rose, straightening her skirt.
Andre scooted to the edge of the couch and laid a gentle hand on her arm. “Mon trésor, I pay Simon a great deal of money to answer the door.”
Tasha glanced down at Andre. “I’m sure it’s my parents. I think I should be the first person they see.”
“Very well.” Andre caved with a smile and a slight nod. He watched Tasha head for the door and anxiety began to consume him.
Of course, her parents liked him, but would they be so magnanimous once they found out what he’d done to their daughter? He was marrying her, though. That had to count for something. Then again, he was taking her to France, thousands of miles away, not to mention across a very large ocean. Andre didn’t see Tasha’s parents being happy about that. The good news was that he could offer to bring them over anytime they wanted to visit.
Andre stood when Jim and Nola Gordon stepped inside the suite. Extending his hand, he moved toward them and shook the man’s hand. “Jim, it’s nice to see you again.”
“Always a pleasure, Andre.” Jim looked down at his own attire. “You’ll have to excuse the way I’m dressed. I was out meeting with a few colleagues.” Jim took a swing with an imaginary golf club, then he and Andre both chuckled.
Jim and Nola claimed one of the two couches in the suite’s main room, while Andre snuggled close to Tasha on the sofa opposite them.
“How long will you two be in Tahoe?” Nola asked.