Though everyone in attendance was well aware it was an engagement party they had been invited to, Ashley had insisted on waiting until all the guests had arrived before their engagement was announced.
“Cold feet already?” Cam asked dryly. “You haven’t said two words since I got here.”
Devon grimaced. “No. It’s done. No backing out now. Copeland has all but signed off on the deal. After the ceremony he’ll fax the final documents and we’ll move forward with the merger. I’ll want to meet with you, Ryan and Rafe as soon as I return from the honeymoon.”
Cam arched an eyebrow. “Honeymoon? You’re actually going on one?”
“Just because this marriage is part and parcel of a business deal doesn’t mean Ashley has to have any less of a marriage or honeymoon,” Devon murmured.
Cam shrugged. “Good idea. Keep her happy. If she’s happy, Daddy’s happy. You know what they say about Daddy’s girls.”
Devon frowned. “Don’t be an ass. She’s…”
“She’s what?” Cam prompted.
“Look, she has no idea what her father’s done. She thinks this is a wildly romantic courtship that culminated in an equally romantic marriage proposal. If I don’t take her on a honeymoon, it’s going to look strange.”
Cam groaned. “This can’t end well. Mark my words. You’re screwed, my friend.”
“Anyone ever tell you what a ball of joy you are?”
Cam held his hands up in surrender. “Look, I’m just trying to warn you here. You should tell her the truth. No woman likes being made a fool of.”
“And have her tell me to go to hell and take my proposal with me?” Devon demanded.
He sighed and shook his head. Yeah, he knew Cam had been through the wringer in the past. He couldn’t blame his friend for his cynicism. But he wasn’t in the mood to hear it right now.
“This deal is important to all of us. Not just me,” he continued when Cam remained silent. “Marriage isn’t my first choice, but Ash is a sweet girl. She’ll make a good wife and a good mother. Everyone gets what they want. You, me, Ryan and Rafe. Ashley, her father. Everyone’s happy.”
“Whatever floats your boat, man. You know I’m behind you all the way. But remember this. You don’t have to marry her to make this work. We’ll find another company. We’ve suffered setbacks before. Not one of us expects you to martyr yourself for the cause. Rafe and Ryan are deliriously happy. There’s no reason you shouldn’t hold out for the same.”
Devon snorted. “Turning into quite the rah-rah man. I’m fine, Cam. There is no love of my life. No other woman in the picture. No one I’d rather marry. I’ll be content with Ashley. Stop worrying.”
Cam checked his watch. “Your intended bride is looking this way. I think you’re on.”
Devon glanced over to where Ashley stood surrounded by friends and relatives. He could never sort out who was who because there were so many. She smiled and waved and then motioned him over.
He handed Cam his wineglass and made his way through the throng of people until he reached Ashley.