Scandalizing the CEO

A few of the gossip Web sites had made a big deal of her relationship with Steven, but that had blown over and her boss, Maurice, didn’t think it was anything to worry about.

“I can’t believe you’re getting married today,” Freddie said.

“Me, either,” she said.

Freddie came over and adjusted her veil. “I’m glad you finally found love.”

She smiled at him. “I think it found me. What do you think?”

“Gorgeous, darling. I think that Maurice is going to regret not covering this event.”

“I think he’s done enough butting into my personal life,” she said, remembering how her boss had pushed her to go after a life outside of work.

“Almost ready?”

“Yes. Is my dad?”

“He’s outside and your mum is nervous. She said she never thought she’d see this day,” Freddie said with a laugh.

She glanced out the window of the waiting room to where the wedding was taking place. The lovely rooftop garden overlooked Berne. It was decked out in flowers and twinkle lights.

“She’s said the same thing to me several times,” Ainsley said. “Is Steven here?”

“Of course he is,” Freddie said. “I’m going out to reassure him now.”

Freddie left and Ainsley sat back down on the padded bench. She’d never dreamed of a fairy-tale wedding but Steven wanted one. He wanted everything to be perfect for their special day and since his mother couldn’t leave Berne and her work, they were getting married there.

He’d flown her parents to Switzerland and Freddie and Cathy were going to be her attendants. His half brothers had attended and were standing up with him.

He’d changed from the man who was nothing but an island to a man who was surrounded by family and friends. They’d made their own family or at least the beginning of one. They were both workaholics and loved their jobs, so they’d decided not to have kids.

Neither of them had planned for children so it wasn’t something they felt they’d missed. And Steven said loving her was something he was still trying to get comfortable with.

She had everything she’d never thought she’d have. When Lynn came out of the lab escorted by her fiancé, Roman, the wedding began. She’d met Lynn a few times and liked the woman. As well as her twin sister, Lucy. Both women loved Steven and though he’d always felt isolated, they’d always been there for him.

Her parents came in and hugged her.

“Your dress is exquisite,” her mum said.

Ainsley had spent hours in Milan having the dress made. It was tight at the waist, low cut at the top, and fell in a straight line to the floor. There was a small train at the back of the dress.

She’d chosen a short, sassy-looking veil to wear over her glossy black hair.

“Thanks,” Ainsley said. Her parents hugged her again and then went to sit down.

The wedding march started and instead of walking down the aisle with her father, she walked down by herself. Steven was waiting for her and kissed her as soon as she got to the altar. The minister went quickly through the vows and soon it was time for their first kiss as husband and wife.

It was long and sweet and everything that she had known it would be.

“I love you, Mrs. Devonshire.”

“I love you, too, Mr. Devonshire.”