The Billionaire's Second-Chance Bride(14)

But Lucy was still sincerely grateful to have a roof over her head, so she rarely complained.

“Girl, this is hot!” Maxine commented as she took out her smartphone to take a picture.

“Maxine!”

“What?”

“You cannot take a picture. This is private property. There are laws against doing that.”

“The paparazzi do it all the time.”

“Maxine!” Lucy scowled at her assistant.

“Sorry,” Maxine pouted as she slid the phone back in her handbag.

Lucy felt guilty for snapping at her assistant in such a rigid tone. “Listen, if we ask permission later we can probably take pictures of the ballroom area and the garden for the wedding planning.”

“Oh, right. Of course. That was the reason I was taking pictures, Lucy.” Maxine playfully rolled her eyes.

Lucy grinned and shook her head. The excitement of being in a place such as this really got to them. In a good way, of course. They both felt exhilarated. It was as if they were in Hollywood or some sort of paradise.

“So this is what forty acres looks like up close, huh?” Maxine remarked as she and Lucy walked up the stone pathway to the palatial abode. They pressed a button and the intercom sounded. No doubt cameras were planted everywhere. Hidden cameras in addition to the visible ones. Lucy looked around and saw green land stretching far and beyond. The house was slightly on a hill so she could overlook the town. She had never seen this side of outer Toronto before. It was as if she was on an island, secluded from prying eyes, yet she could see all. She was so used to the city life and city living that she’d never imagined being near fresh, uncongested open air with hundreds of acres of land unfolding before her. She knew there was also a winery on the estate. It was amazing. Lucy appreciated that her client worked so hard his entire life to have all of this and she wanted more than ever to give him the dream wedding he so deserved—just as long as it didn’t cost him his life!

The thought of his grandson’s threat loomed large. This dream wedding could turn into a nightmare affair if she wasn’t careful and she knew that all too well.

“Yes, Miss Shillerton. Mr. Romero will see you in the study.” A man with a waiter’s tuxedo greeted them after opening the door.

“Thank you,” Lucy said warmly. She felt so out of her league and intimidated by the premise and the staff, which was so weird. Why should she be? They were just as human as she was, right?

The inside of the grand entrance boasted golden marble and the ceiling was the tallest she’d ever seen. It seemed to go on forever. An enormous chandelier dangled from above and the walls were adorned with beautiful yet subtle artwork. Lucy felt like she’d just stepped into an art gallery, not somebody’s private residence.

She also noted that this would certainly be an ideal place to take some of the pictures for Toni’s wedding to Shelly. The backdrop would be so romantic. So royal-looking.

Later, they received a brief tour of the beautiful premise and the enormous ballroom where the reception would be held. Maxine ferociously typed away on her iPad taking notes and snapping pictures of the setting. Then they were introduced to the official photographer so they could go over the layout and photo settings.

They had spoken with Shelly, who seemed so full of life and humor. She kept hugging Toni and held firm on his arms. Clearly, the couple seemed as if they were in love. Toni showed Lucy and Maxine his iPad with his Fun Bird scores and told them that while Shelly was caring for him after his second stroke, she’d showed him how to play the game to cheer him up and he hadn’t stopped since. He showed Lucy and Maxine their scoreboards with the names Mr. Romero and Shelly Romero. Of course, they had given Shelly his surname as a joke. Mr. and Mrs. R. Bird they nicknamed themselves.

“Beautiful,” Lucy commented. She was gushing now. This all seemed so perfect, except the fact that they still wanted to go ahead with the Fun Bird slingshot down the aisle.

“Well, you know there are risks involved, right?” Lucy warned the doting couple.

“Of course we know that. Life is a risk, wouldn’t you say?” Toni shot back before bursting into laughter. He seemed to be a jolly old fella who really did look more like a fit forty-something-year-old. Shelly and he looked roughly the same age—almost. His upbeat attitude was so infectious. It was obvious that one of the reasons Shelly loved Toni was because despite his age, he was young at heart and he rarely took things seriously, including himself.

“You know, Lucy, I want to thank you and your aunt…er…God rest her soul, for this wonderful wedding you’re putting on for us. It’s a dream come true,” Toni said as he looked lovingly into Shelly’s eyes.