The Affectionate Player - Part2

Chapter 23

"And the sudden change of heart?"

"You."

"Me?"

"Compromise works both ways and I want our future to be a happy one. That might not be the case if we keep this house especially if you feel you don't have a say in our plans. So I'm selling. If that's what you need me to do to reassure you that I'm one hundred percent committed to this family and our relationship then that's what's going to happen. Whatever Mel wanted for Monty's future I'll ensure as Trustee I deliver it to the best of my ability but bottom line is, Gracie, she's gone and you're here. You're going to be my wife and Monty's mother. This family's happiness will always come first." Caressing my cheek he softly places his lips on mine.

"I want every day we spend together to be as blissful as possible. For better or worse, in sickness and in health, 'til death us do part. Anything threatening that needs to be gone."

"I love you, Max. Thank you. You're something else, Hollywood, do you know that?"

"Am I? It's a compromise. Remember?"

"Oh, yeah. So what can I help you with?" I giggle assuming he's referring to his earlier offer.

"Security at our wedding." Ahhh... "A small team of four, Gracie.  And I swear to God, it'll be so subtle no one will even know they're there."

I grimace at the thought of their presence on the one day in our lives that I need to be free of Jonny King. But what is one day in comparison to a lifetime of living with my own insecurity if Max doesn't sell this house? With his brows slightly raised and oceans searching he nervously awaits my answer. There truly is nothing this man won't do to keep us safe.

Compromise.

**********

It had taken all of two hours before the house was finally placed on the market and to my utter relief less than a week to sell, the property being snapped up by an overseas buyer. And with Curtis working on Monty's Trust, we were well on our way to securing the future we both now dreamed of.

The house had been filled with wedding fever for most of the week that followed with final preparations being made ahead of our arrival in Killin. Soph had bypassed all expectations, including her own with my wedding gown, and all that remained for her to do was to place the final few gems on the bodice.

"OK, Gracie. Its tuna salad for the next ten days, d'ya hear me?" She'd laughed, her Scottish accent thick.

"My parents are going to cry when they clap eyes on me in this dress. I just know they will. Mum missed out on this part seeing as how Andy was too impatient and we both wanted little fuss. I wore a trouser suit first time around. Not very princess like, I know. Not very romantic, either."

"My brother is one lucky guy. Does he know what you've chosen?" Smiling, I'd shaken my head.

"I haven't shown anyone the design except mum, not even Caitlin and Ailsa. You can't imagine how put out I thought they'd be. Ailsa's a fashion goddess and loves to know every detail but all credit to them - they've both been amazingly understanding."

"They'll see it soon enough and besides, Caitlin's likely too preoccupied with how she's going to give birth to three babies in the not too distant future. How is she, Gracie?"

"Really well, thank God! Mona and Rudi are looking after her like you wouldn't believe. I swear if he could have those babies for her he would." We'd laughed at that, knowing the same man.

"Have they arrived at your mum's?"

"Not yet. They should get there two days before the wedding, the day after us. She called yesterday to say Rudi's hiring an SUV for their trip."