Page 63 of Zane

"But darling-"

"Mother, there are people who specialize in these things." Zoe aimed a smile at Kara, with the intention of comforting her.

The manor had intimidated her: the stone façade, the towering windows, and the huge grounds with their blaze of flowers and sculptures at strategic places. An arbor with wisteria wrapped around the latticed finish overlooked a stream. From a distance, Kara saw a tennis court and a pool house big enough to host a family of six. The massive oak doors had been swept open by a uniformed maid who greeted Zane like a long-lost son.

The interior took her breath away. There were silk wallpapers, pricey artworks on the walls, and glittering chandeliers. The dining room was large, with windows facing the east side of the property and a stunning view of peonies and red and white roses vying with dahlias.

His mother and sister were dressed in silk and had exquisite and obviously expensive jewelry draped around their graceful throats. She was made to feel welcome but could not help but think that she had been transported to another world. And the man she was in love with was heir to all of it.

It was enough to have her heart thudding and her palms sweating. As if aware of her inner turmoil, Zane took her hand in his and squeezed gently. Reassurance flowed from him and had her relaxing.

Michelle was determined to have some input in the matter. She could see that her son was happy, and she had hopes that he would settle down and consider coming into the office on a regular basis. Aiming a charming smile at Kara, she picked up her wine glass and took a sip before speaking. The meal, a sumptuous and delicious four-course deal, had been consumed, and dessert, some delicate trifle, had been served.

"There are some very lovely townhouses or actual houses owned by the company. Or you could always live here with us." She held up an imperious hand before her son could say anything. "There's plenty of room, as you can see, and it would be lovely to have grandchildren running around the halls."

"We already have a place," Zane told her mildly.

"Surely you're not thinking of having your wife live in that appalling trailer?" She looked horrified at the very idea.

"First of all, my trailer is very comfortable, and no-" He lifted their joined hands and kissed Kara's knuckles. "We'll be living at her cottage."

"It's very nice," Kara hastened to assure them before the woman could protest, as she seemed about to. "It has a very big yard, and if we need more space, we could always add on to the original structure. The neighborhood is quiet and the neighbors not too close by."

"Darling-"

"The decision has already been made, Mother. I suggest you deal with it." Zane cut off her protest firmly.

Heaving a sigh, Michelle figured it was best to concede defeat in that area. "About the office-"

This time it was her husband who stopped her by placing a hand over hers. "One step at a time." Gregory's eyes twinkled. "Welcome to the family, my dear."

Taking a deep breath, Kara let it out slowly and smiled. "Thank you."

*****

The flurry of activities after the official engagement dinner left Kara spinning. Michelle and Zoe mostly took over the planning and liaised with the wedding planners. She had called to tell her mother about the engagement, expecting some sort of caustic remark, but to her surprise, she seemed to have come to terms with the fact that she was with Zane, which caused her to wonder what on earth Zane had said to her.

When Kara asked him again, he brushed her off with a smile. "I just set her straight."

"How?"

"I charmed her."

She had her doubts, but he refused to budge.

The only disagreement was when Kara told her mother firmly that she wouldn't be getting married at the church. "We've decided to have everything done at the manor."

"Pastor and the members are going to be very disappointed. And what about counseling?"

"We're getting it elsewhere. I will go as far as to invite the pastor and his family and a few members I was close to, but that's it. This is my wedding, and I have the final say." Kara realized that being with Zane had given her more confidence than she ever had before. It felt wonderful.

When she told him about it, he had simply gazed at her with that patient way of his and told her it was always there. She loved him so much that it amazed her and humbled her at the same time. She had spent more than two years with a man who had shown little or no respect for her. With Zane it had not taken long for her to develop strong feelings.

She was working very hard to clear up the cases she had pending, as they would be going on their two-week honeymoon to some undisclosed location.

"I need to know what to pack," she protested.

"Clothing is optional," Zane told her with a wicked grin. "You're going to be mostly naked."