Chapter 19: Chapter 19

A stranger approached them as they were checking out of the hotel that morning.

“Excuse me, are you Miss Reynolds?” he asked.

Xander, who didn’t recognize the man, instinctively stepped in front of Kat.

“What do you want with her?” he demanded.

“Please forgive the interruption, sir. Mrs. Doukas sent me to deliver this to her,” the man explained.

After accepting the package and thanking the man, Xander turned to Kat.

“It seems Mrs. Doukas has sent you a gift. Would you like to open it before we leave?”

“Yes,” she replied, taking the note and opening the box. “Oh, it’s beautiful, and there’s a note.”

“What does it say?”

~Dear Kat, since your thoughtless man has yet to give you one of our precious jewels, I thought I would. I hope you wear them in good health. My husband and I hope to see you soon.

Yours truly, Elena Doukas.~

“That’s from our new collection, which is quite valuable. It seems you’ve made quite an impression on her.”

“I’ll have to send her a thank you note when we get home.”

Once they were on the jet, she took out the earrings and put them on, then handed him the necklace so he could help her with it.

He smiled as he turned her around to face him.

“They look beautiful on you, and Mrs. Doukas was right. I should have given you some from our jewelry line.”

“Don’t be silly; you’ve already given me so much. I think I’ll go lie down. You didn’t let me get much sleep last night, and I’m so tired.”

When she reached the door to the bedroom, she turned to look back at him.

“Aren’t you coming?”

“Again? My bride-to-be is becoming insatiable, and I’m not complaining.”

He got up, a grin spreading across his face. As he walked toward her, she slowly opened the door and stepped in.

He insisted she wear the jewelry adorned with diamonds and gemstones while they made love.

As much as she loved their trip to Greece, she was glad to be home and couldn’t wait to tell Kurt about the engagement.

“Xander, could we invite my brother and Clara over for dinner and then tell them we’re getting married?”

“We’ve just returned from a long trip, and I don’t want you to get overly tired. So, we’ll take them out to a nice restaurant instead.”

So, while she was putting away their things, he called Kurt, telling them where to meet. While he was with Kat, he became fond of her brother. And it didn’t hurt that he was doing a fantastic job as CEO of his company.

“Don’t forget to call your mom,” she called out after he had hung up the phone.

“Doing it right now,” he answered back.

When she was done putting everything away, she went to see how the conversation with his mother had gone.

“How did she take the news?”

“Mom was thrilled, as was Dad. She said they both knew it was coming and asked if they could come a week before the wedding to help out. I said yes. Is that all right with you?”

“Well, yeah, as if you had to ask. I adore your parents. Your mom and Clara can help me pick out a dress to wear, and you should check to see if the church is available.”

He pulled her into his arms.

“It’s been done, and in four weeks, you will become Mrs. Xander West. I’ve also arranged to look at some wedding bands. I also want you to consider where you’d like to go on our honeymoon.”

“We don’t have to go anywhere.”

“Yes, we do, so just give it some thought. There must be a place you would like to visit.”

***

Later that night, when they all got together, Kat hid her finger so the others wouldn’t see the ring.

“So, how was your trip to Greece?” Kurt asked after they ordered their meal.

Xander smiled and looked at her before answering him.

“It was fantastic, but that’s not why we invited you both here. Kat and I have something to tell you. I’ve asked her to marry me, and she said yes.”

Kat then showed them her ring.

Clara grabbed her hand and stared at the princess-cut diamond with admiration.

“It’s beautiful, and congratulations to both of you. I’m so happy for you. Have you set a date yet?”

“Yes, a month from now, but it’s only going to be with family, nothing big. Xander’s parents are coming early to help me pick out a dress, and I could also use your help.”

“I would be delighted.”

Kat noticed how quiet Kurt was and worried he didn’t approve.

“Kurt, why aren’t you saying anything?”

His head jerked toward her; he had been at a loss for words. But when he looked at her, he could see she was worried about his thoughts.

“Kat, I’m shocked. It’s just that you two haven’t been together that long. I don’t want you rushing into anything.”

Xander took her hand and held it before addressing Kurt.

“I can understand your concern, but I assure you that I love her, and we don’t see the point of waiting any longer.”

“I know you love her. Just promise that you’ll always take care of her.”

“You have my word.”

Kurt got up and went over and hugged her.

“My little sister is getting married; how you have grown. Now, if he gives you any grief, you let me know, and boss or no boss, I will give him the beating of his life.”

While the guys talked, the two women started making plans. It was decided that they would go to their favorite restaurant for a celebration dinner after the wedding ceremony.

***

Over the next few days, Xander took her to the jewelry store, where they picked out their matching wedding bands. He then booked a room at the restaurant instead of just a table for their wedding dinner. The reason was that Mr. and Mrs. Doukas, when told about their upcoming marriage, asked if they could come.

Kat was delighted to have them there on her special day. Then, some of Xander’s friends heard about it and wanted to be there, so there would now be fifteen people joining them.

Ten days before the wedding, his parents arrived. His mother couldn’t wait any longer to see them.

“Fred, Jean, I’m so glad you came.”

Jean took Kat’s hands in hers, giving her future daughter-in-law a warm smile.

“Honey, call us Mom and Dad. Oh, but only if you want to.”

“I’d like that, Mom.”

***

A few days later, since Xander knew how much his father loved golf, he took him to the nearest golf course. The women then went shopping for a wedding dress.

In the store, she tried on several dresses and was having a hard time deciding which one to buy. Some were way too fancy and not what she wanted, and others were just too plain.

Clara and Jean knew that Kat was getting frustrated, so they went through the racks to try to find one she might like.

“How about trying on this one?”

Clara held up a white satin gown, adorned with a smattering of sequins. It was sleeveless, simple, yet elegant. Kat was instantly smitten.

Stepping out of the dressing room, she was met with gasps from the others.

Jean’s eyes welled up with tears. “Oh, honey, you look absolutely stunning. I think you’ve found your dress.”

Kat nodded, turning to Clara. “What do you think?”

Clara beamed. “I love it. You look gorgeous, Kat. It’s perfect. Let’s celebrate with lunch, my treat.”

***

Later that night, as they lay in bed, he wrapped his arms around her. “So, have you thought about where we should go for our honeymoon?”

Kat smiled. “Clara suggested Bora Bora. She and Kurt honeymooned there. She said it was incredibly romantic.”

He nodded. “Sounds perfect. I’ll arrange it. How’s Clara’s pregnancy going? I meant to ask Kurt, but work’s been crazy.”

Kat chuckled. “She’s loving it. Kurt’s being super attentive. She’s already talking about having more kids.”

After making love, he noticed she seemed preoccupied. “What’s wrong? Did I not meet your needs tonight?”

She shook her head. “No, it’s not that. It was amazing, as always.”

He frowned. “Then what’s bothering you?”

She sighed. “I don’t know. I’ve been feeling like someone’s watching me. It’s probably just my imagination.”

His concern spiked. He’d made enemies in his line of work. “Kat, if you feel that way again, tell me immediately. Don’t go anywhere alone until we know you’re safe.”

She rolled her eyes. “You worry too much. I like my newfound freedom.”

He nodded. “I know, but please, just for now.”

She agreed, but with a condition. “Only if you make love to me again. And this time, use the cuffs and blindfold.”

He grinned. “Your wish is my command, my beautiful goddess.”

As the wedding approached, Xander and Kurt attended a business meeting, followed by lunch.

Kurt broke the silence. “Did you hear about Tony?”

Xander looked at him. “No, what happened?”

Kurt smirked. “He’s been arrested for embezzlement, insider trading, and more. You wouldn’t have anything to do with that, would you?”

Xander shrugged. “I might’ve mentioned my suspicions to a few people. They checked him out and found the truth.”

Kurt shook his head. “He’s lost everything. His reputation, his home, his money. No one will hire him now.”

Xander was unapologetic. “He brought it on himself. I hope he rots in jail. So, are you ready to see your sister and me tie the knot?”

Kurt smiled. “I never thought you were the marrying type. I was worried you were using her, but I see now how wrong I was. You’ve made her happy, and that’s all that matters.”

Xander changed the subject. “Excited about becoming a father?”

Kurt’s face lit up. “Absolutely. I can’t wait to hold my child. What about you and Kat? Any plans for kids?”

Xander shrugged. “We haven’t talked about it. I want to wait until she’s ready. But I won’t lie, I’d love to be a father. Has she mentioned anything to you about feeling watched?”

Kurt shook his head. “No, what’s she said?”

Xander explained. “Just a feeling she has. I told her not to go out alone. My parents are also keeping an eye on her.”

Kurt hummed thoughtfully. “Maybe it’s just her imagination. We know it can’t be Tony, he’s going to be in jail for a long time.”

Xander nodded. “Good point.”

Kurt chuckled. “Since Clara’s been pregnant, she’s been insatiable. It’s like she can’t get enough of me.”

Xander grinned. “Now I can’t wait for Kat to get pregnant. Not that she isn’t insatiable enough now.”

Kurt groaned, waving his hand dismissively. “Stop. I don’t want to hear about my sister’s sex life.”

Xander laughed, thoroughly enjoying Kurt’s discomfort.