“Let’s do it,” she said eagerly as the organ music swelled.
Then she had eyes only for Ben, who was standing in front of the altar, Mack and Richard beside him. Destiny was in the front pew, tears streaming down her face as she watched Kathleen come down the aisle.
When Kathleen reached Ben’s aunt, she impulsively leaned down and kissed her cheek, then crossed the aisle and kissed her mother. “Thank you both,” she murmured before stepping into place beside Ben.
Ben solemnly shook her grandfather’s hand, then reached over to clasp hers. His grip was solid and comforting, the grip of a man who finally knew his heart and was ready to reach out to grab the future.
“I love you,” he mouthed silently as the minister began the ceremony.
Kathleen beamed at him. Once he’d started saying the words, it seemed he hadn’t been able to say them often enough, which suited her just fine. If they lived to be a hundred, she would never tire of hearing them.
“Okay, Destiny, the wedding’s over,” Richard said not five minutes after the ceremony, even though the photographer was impatiently waiting for them to gather for pictures. “You said you’d tell me your idea about dealing with William Harcourt once Ben and Kathleen were married.”
Destiny gave him a look that would have daunted most men, but Richard was a Carlton. He simply stared right back at her and waited.
“Oh, for goodness’ sakes,” she snapped finally. “You’re not going to let this alone, so I might as well tell you.” She turned to Ben and Kathleen. “Sorry, dears, but if I don’t get this over with, he’ll spoil your reception by dogging my every footstep.”
“Please, Destiny, go ahead,” Kathleen told her. She was actually anxious to hear this scheme herself. It was bound to be a doozy.
Destiny looked each of her nephews in the eye, then said with quiet determination. “I intend to take over the European division of Carlton Industries,” she said. “I will deal with William. In fact, I predict it will be some time before he knows what’s hit him.”
With that, she turned and walked away, back straight, shoulders squared, looking for all the world as if she were heading into battle.
Kathleen was the first to break the silence. She began to chuckle.
“What’s so blasted funny?” Ben demanded.
“I agree,” Richard said, his expression grim. “I don’t find this the least bit amusing.”
“Oh, chill, big brother,” Mack said. “I think Kathleen’s right. This is perfect retribution.”
“On who? Us?” Ben asked irritably.
“No. On William. If you think it was fun watching the three of you squirm while she was matchmaking,” Kathleen responded, “something tells me this is going to be a whole lot more entertaining.”
“Absolutely,” Beth agreed.
“Oh, yes,” Melanie added happily.
Ben turned a sour look on all the women. “Good God, they’re all ganging up on us now. I knew there was a downside to adding all these women to the family. We’re outnumbered now.”
Kathleen laughed at his dismay. “And don’t you forget it,” she said cheerfully. “But we do love you.”
“Most of the time,” Melanie added.
Beth gazed pointedly at Mack. “When you’re not trying to control things.”
He held up his hand. “Hey, have this baby on your own. I won’t hover.”
“That’ll be the day,” Beth said. “Now come on. We have pictures to be taken and a reception to get to before the guests eat all the food.”
Melanie grinned at her. “Appetite growing, Beth?”
“By leaps and bounds. If this keeps up, I’ll be waddling around the hospital by my fifth month.”
“I told you I could give you an exercise regimen,” Mack said.
Ben and Richard immediately hooted. “Oh, brother, please tell me you didn’t say that,” Richard said.
“What’s wrong?” Mack asked. “I’m trying to be helpful.”
“Keep it up and you’ll be a dead man,” Beth warned.
Kathleen turned to Ben. “I hope you’re taking all this in,” she told him. “That way when I’m pregnant, you’ll have all the dos and don’ts down pat.”
“I already have a plan,” he assured her. “I’m moving out of the country.”
She pulled his face down and kissed him hard. “Not a chance. You’re never leaving my side, so get that idea right out of your head.”
“Like I said, I’ll stay and keep my mouth shut.”
“There you go,” she said happily.