“This isn’t a movie premiere. What are these tabloid journalists thinking?” Jackson pulls me in close.
I’m sure he can tell I’m terrified. His touch is electric. His chest is hard, and a fleeting thought of what it must look like underneath his shirt crosses my mind.
We walk in, and they don’t even ask my name. Inside the church is packed full of a who’s who of Silicon Valley—not only every tech millionaire and billionaire, but politicians. The governor of California is talking to Nate, and I spot Jim with a beautiful dark-haired woman holding his hand. Her eyes are red-rimmed and swollen from crying. There is no joy in this room. It’s low murmurs and sniffling in the solemn church.
The service is beautiful. Nate Lancaster speaks, and it’s difficult for him to get through without choking up. “Cecelia was my soulmate. You all knew how persistent she could be…” There is a chuckle in the room. “She talked almost all of you out of money for our foundation. Her passions included helping those who’d lost limbs in wars, landmines, and accidents, but also educating our future by making sure everyone has a computer.”
He shares with everyone how they met and how much she meant to him and his girls. By the end, he is full-on weeping.
I’m ugly crying, as are most of the others in the church.
Cecelia’s sister, Alicia, stands and gives a beautiful eulogy, which is followed by a full Catholic mass. It’s absolutely lovely. After the mass, Nate follows the casket out with his girls on either side of him, and he breaks down all over again. There isn’t a dry eye in the house. The girls are wailing as they roll their mother’s casket into the back of the hearse. Jim holds Nate up to keep him from collapsing in despair, and the woman with him is holding one of the girls and their aunt is holding the other. It’s heartbreaking.
Following the ceremony, there’s a very nice reception. I like that Jackson is by my side almost the entire time.
Mason Sullivan and his fiancée, Caroline Arnault, approach us. He extends his hand and Jackson clasps it. “Hey, man.” There’s a sadness in his voice.
Caroline turns to me. “That certainly sucked.”
I nod.
“Caroline, this is Corrine from my office. She worked with Cecelia.”
“She was so lovely.” Tears begin to pool in her eyes. “We worked with her foundation, too. I don’t know anyone who met her who didn’t want to work with her. She was kind and real. You know what I mean?”
I smile as Mason and Jackson step away.
“I’m not usually this weepy.” Caroline wipes the tears from her eyes. “It’s a good thing I went with waterproof mascara today.” She smiles at me, and I understand. I’m sure I look like a giant raccoon with all the crying I’ve done.
Still, I’m a bit awestruck to be talking to the Caroline Arnault. She’s American royalty. I’m ready for something a little more positive.
“I’ve seen in the supermarket tabloids…” I begin, realizing as I speak that this is a crappy thing to admit. “Will your wedding be in Italy?”
She smiles and links her arm with mine. “Cecelia would not want us crying. You’re so smart. Yes, it’ll be in Italy. One of my best friend’s in-laws own the Bellisima vineyards, and we’re getting married in Tuscany.”
“How romantic. Will it be big? Or small and private?”
“A bit of both. I hope you’ll come with Jackson.”
I shake my head. “Oh, I’m his assistant. He’ll take one of his regular girlfriends. I’m only here because I managed the relationship between the foundation and Jackson.”
She cocks her head to the side. “You look good together, and he hasn’t let you out of his sight all day.”
I snort-laugh. “Trust me, I’m not his type. He likes Barbie dolls.”
“Oh, I’ve met a few of them. They’re not right for him. But you…” She shrugs and nods.
“What trouble are you two finding?” Mason asks as he and Jackson return. Jackson hands me a drink, and I see Mason kiss Caroline on the temple.
I’m impressed by their obvious love for one another. That’s what I want.
We mingle for another hour. Each time Jackson and I get separated, I search until I find him talking to someone, and he spots me and smiles. My heart beats a bit faster. I’m not sure why I’m feeling this way about my boss.
Jim approaches me and introduces me to the pretty woman he’s with. “This is Kate Monroe, my fiancée.”
I grin. “So wonderful to meet you. What a crappy day.”
“I know. Cecelia had sent out invites to my bridal shower, and I had to cancel.”
I shake my head. “Oh no. That’s not very fun.”
She shrugs. “I had a friend do it for me. I’m actually fine without one.” She looks over at Jim and smiles. “All I care about is getting married to that handsome hunk over there.”
I blush, not because Jim isn’t a good-looking guy, but because it’s great to see her lust after him so clearly.
Kate sighs. “Can you believe Alicia’s eulogy? I loved when she said Cecelia knew the money she and Nate had was more than enough for many generations, and she wanted to be sure it
