Miranda felt the tension between them as she reached out a hand to caress the shadowy stubble across his jaw. She smelled the brandy in his breath and felt intoxicated. She saw desire spring into his hooded eyes and felt his arm slide down the small of her back. She closed her eyes as he kissed her gently and then with ever increasing pressure. Miranda wrapped her arms around his neck, ignoring the warning in her ear.
"Remember this is just make-believe."
Miranda felt his heart racing against hers. She moaned softly in his mouth as his fingers caressed the small indentation in her collarbone. She was eager for more and gave a small cry when he suddenly drew away.
"See, I knew you were ready." Ace smiled.
"You asshole, you were playing me?" Miranda was aghast.
"I've always wanted to kiss you. You're a desirable woman and I doubt, as you fear, that my grandfather will have misgivings about you and me."
" … I've always wanted to kiss you." The words sounded so good, they made her giddy. And for a make-believe relationship that was dangerous territory.
***
Miranda dreaded the meeting with old man Masterson more than anything in the world.
"Are you sure he knows we're coming?"
"Yes, along with a huddle of lawyers who will give you the third-degree."
"What?" She replied in horror, not realizing he was teasing. "You idiot," she remarked, catching on.
"Mommy, it's not nice to call people names," a tiny voice called from the backseat. Ace had proposed the wild idea of bringing Sadie along.
"I'm sorry, sweetheart." She apologized.
"Mommy is just nervous about meeting grandpa." Ace informed Sadie.
"Mommy said he might not like her. But that's okay coz you like mommy, don't you?"
"Yes Sadie, I like mommy very much," Ace replied, glancing at Miranda meaningfully. He squeezed her hand lightly. "You'll be okay," he assured her.
Ace was right. The old man looked imposing, even seated on a wheelchair with a blanket covering his emaciated legs. Miranda realized his irascible veneer stemmed from ennui being confined to a chair. He must have been physically powerful when he was younger; but what the years couldn't diminish was the astuteness as he studied her and Sadie.
"Grandpa, this is Miranda." Ace introduced her.
Miranda approached cautiously. "It's an honor to meet you, Mr. Masterson."
He said nothing, and scrutinized her face. Miranda wanted to look away in embarrassment. Then his frown turned into a huge beam. Miranda smiled in relief.
"And who is this angel? She is a vision and I'm already dead." Grandpa Masterson said, looking at Sadie who smiled and tolerated him taking her on his knee. The old man was captivated. The rest of the visit was a breeze as Miranda and Ace faked affection with soft caresses and meaningful glances.
"We should hold the wedding here, and it should be as grand as your mom and dad's wedding." Masterson announced.
"We were thinking of a simple wedding … " Miranda asserted, the words trickling off as the old man glowered. "We haven't discussed a date yet," Ace added.
"Make it soon" grandfather commanded, "and I want you all to move back here with me. This house is too big for me and the fresh air will do the child good."
"Shouldn't we be asking my future wife what she thinks?" Ace asked.
The old man glared at Miranda. How could she argue? Every fiber in her body was commanding her to say yes.
"Of course," she squeaked helplessly
***
Miranda had a glimpse of the affluence and power behind the Masterson name during the wedding preparations. Ace assigned an entourage catering to her needs as the bride-to-be. From the flowers flown from Amsterdam, the menu and wine accompanying each course, to the wedding dress that was specially made by a designer in Paris, and the rock on her finger, Ace never missed a beat.
She was upset over the exorbitant sum spent on a deception.
"Do you really think my grandfather won't speculate if I started saving pennies? I used to give away expensive cars to former girlfriends. Never underestimate him. He's got his eyes on us," Ace replied.
Miranda decided that if this were to be the only fairytale wedding she'd ever experience in her life, then she would savor every moment.
However, she was unprepared for the flood of emotions when the day arrived. A coterie of manicurist, hairstylists and two make-up artists fawned and fussed over her. "Does it really take so many people to make me look pretty for my wedding day?" She wondered.
The designer of the dress held the gown over her head as she slipped into it. He took her hand and led her to a full-length mirror as a string of ‘ohhs' and ‘ahhs' followed her. Miranda knew she had to look good. These people assisting her were experts in their field. She saw her reflection for the first time and gasped.
Who was that girl wearing the ivory-colored gown with the fitted bodice that accentuated every curve? Swarovski crystals decorated the sweetheart neckline and illusion lace at the back. The gown flowed to the floor in a mermaid style that accentuated her hips. Diamond-drop earrings dangled from her ears and a slim diamond encrusted bracelet hugged her wrist. Both pieces of jewelry were gifts from Ace.
"Oh my God!" She whispered in delight. She knew Ace would approve.
"Mommy, its time!" Sadie announced, entering the room with a flourish. She held Miranda's bouquet in her hand.
Miranda accepted it and asked her, "Doesn't mommy look like a princess, sweetheart?"
Sadie nodded, gave a toothy grin, and declared, "But you're not really a princess. You're just my mommy."
Miranda's heart was beating wildly as they headed to the courtyard. Every inch of space was decorated with exotic flowers. She trembled lightly as the music from the string quartet signaled the start of the ceremony. With Sadie by her side, she walked slowly down the aisle toward her groom who was equally dapper in a three-piece suit. He looked perfect. Everything was perfect.
Tears welled in her eyes. She knew she was in love with Ace. She had known that for quite some time. Unfortunately, that wasn't part of the legal agreement that she signed for this sham marriage.
***
"Exhausted, Mrs. Masterson?" Ace teased, noting the worn out expression on her face.
They were in the penthouse suite of a 5-star hotel Ace had booked to escape the revelry still going on back in the house. The band was a popular group and the party would last till the wee hours of the morning.
"No, not tired. Just confounded as to how I'll get out of this dress considering it took a team to get me into it," Miranda replied.
Ace eyed the sheer number of buttons that lined her back. "Let me give it a try … and if I haven't said it yet, you look ravishing."
Miranda secretly smiled, swept her hair aside, and stood with her back to him. Ace fumbled with the tiny buttons and swore under his breath a couple of times. Miranda wondered if it was the sight of her nape that was making him awkward. Back when they first kissed, he had said he always wanted to touch the back of her neck.
He managed to free her after what seemed an eternity and immediately poured a large glass of brandy. She headed for the bathroom door, casually stepping out of the expensive gown before going in. She knew he had a glimpse of her wearing just the strapless bra and lace panties.
"Here's to us," he toasted, handing her a glass of wine when she emerged wrapped in a dressing gown. He had shed off his tuxedo, loosened his shirt, and was walking around barefoot. Miranda had never seen him in this state of dishabille. A strange sensation stirred between her legs.
Casual conversation was needed to ease the tension she felt. "Do you think grandpa is happy about the wedding?"
Ace replied, "I think so. I've never seen him having so much fun dancing in his wheelchair with Sadie. That little girl sure knows how to weave her magic."
"Can you blame her?" Miranda asked. "She thinks he's everything, especially after he got her that pony. I hope he doesn't spoil her too much."
"He will," Ace countered.
"I don't know how I'll ever face him again if he finds out about us. He's been so kind and accepting of Sadie and me. That makes me feel so guilty. It weighs heavily on my mind, you know."
Ace drew close and held her tightly. "If that happens I'll tell him it was all my idea, that you had nothing to do with it."
Miranda was stunned. "You can't do that. You'll lose everything," she countered.
"I won't be poor if that's what you're worried about. It won't be Ace Masterson the billionaire playboy, just Ace the regular guy," he grinned.
Miranda shoved an elbow to his ribs, "Don't be silly. I don't think you'll ever be filed under the "regular" category."
Ace chuckled, still holding her. Miranda liked being held in his arms. She reached out a hand in a gesture of gratitude and stroked his face. "Thank you for everything- for a fairytale wedding, for being the kind person that you are, and for giving me a chance to keep my daughter."