The CEO’s Quadruplets

“Just enough?” he said in a sad tone.

Taking both hands, Isabella tried to reassure him. “Sweetheart, I know you like to pass with flying colors on everything, but our wedding was not a test. I never really wanted a big church wedding. Cathedrals are beautiful, but the formality and ceremony is a total buzz kill. All that mattered was you and me, and that is what matters now.”

Amory softly smiled as he touched her stomach with one hand and pulled her closer with the other whispering, “Us and them.”

Isabella let her hand run down the exposed skin on his chest as she replied, “Now you’re getting it.”

He kissed her then in the most tender way. It was moments like this that made Isabella feel beautiful and ageless. It was a kiss that a princess could share with her knight in shining armor. Heart-melting and passionate, the thought of so many beautiful romantic moments throughout all the best movies flashed through Isabella’s mind as she let the kiss take her to a new place away from reality. It made her want to order the realtor back out when she heard her high heels come clicking down the hall.

Pulling away, Isabella did not want to be caught in such a moment by a total stranger. They were for her and Amory’s delight alone, and forcing her joy back down felt difficult as Isabella did her best to put on a convincing expression to hide the evidence of their little moment.

“Do you have any questions?” the woman rang out in her melodic little bird voice as she stepped through the main entry to the kitchen.

“Uh, no. We figured it all out. I think based on the layout and the dated nature of these cabinets, we would have to have the space updated anyway. My wife and I would actually like to see the upstairs now if you don’t mind,” Amory told her as he changed into his business-like demeanor.

It made Isabella smile to see him like this. She knew he was going to haggle the hell out of the price. The poor realtor had no clue what she was in for, but Amory lived for exchanges and contracts. It was what made him such a good CEO.

Amory gave the agent a taste of it by saying, “You know it will probably cost me several thousand to update that kitchen. Plus, the other fixtures in this main level seem a bit old, and maybe too old to last us much longer if we do end up purchasing this residence. I noticed this home is being listed a market value, but should it not be adjust for its lack of turn-key qualities?”

The realtor faltered as she stumbled through her reply with, “I, um, yes well, the neighborhood makes this a prime home, and all the work truly is cosmetic. Much of the items you are mentioning should keep themselves – I mean, they truly are heirloom pieces. These light fixtures were custom, and should last you many more years. They are not my taste, but it is not damaging to the home overall I feel, Mr. Blake.”

“I understand, but a home of this size means even cosmetic work will add up, and I believe things in a home should last for decades,” Amory debated politely in a firm tone that both charmed and unnerved the poor woman.

Climbing the grand sweeping staircase, Isabella felt a swell of pride as she listened to the polite argument unfold before her like a kind conversation with a deadly undertone. Amory was angling and easily cornered the agent, negating her words left and right. He seemed to know more about the home than she did.

It was times like this that it felt good to be Mrs. Amory Blake.

***

Driving back down Sunset after stopping for lunch, Amory was riding the high of the offer he had been able to get accepted on the house. Now, lawyers would take care of the rest, but in a couple weeks the house would be theirs. Over lunch, they both decided to go to the beach for the afternoon.

Isabella held his hand over the front seat console, enjoying the warmth and solidity of his grip against hers. Through her wide Onassis-style sunglasses, Isabella sipped her tea the waitress had put for her in a plastic cup before leaving. The bright pink straw entertained Isabella by visual alone. The cartoonish color almost glowed in the sunlight filtering through the car’s windows, and she admired it still as Amory began to speak.

“Would you mind if we headed out to the canyon for a bit? There is a really interesting set that the studio is renting for rehearsals of the big western. I wanted to go see it in action, and make sure it is meeting the crew’s needs. I kind of want you to see as well. Like I said, it is a cool place. I had never seen something quite like it.”

Isabella furrowed her brow as she said, “You don’t mean Laurel, do you?”

He shook his head. “Eaton Canyon, but it is in the opposite direction. I’ll make up for it with something sweet if you like.”

“As long as you’re promising ice cream, I’m fine with whatever,” Isabella told him, but still needed some more clarification. “Aren’t you going to shoot in New Mexico?”

“Yes, but the little western town set here is good for some interior shots. There’s a cool saloon that really captures the eye, and it will be good for the cast to get their feet wet here before we pack up and take the show on the road.”

Bella laughed at his euphemism, and nodded, replying, “Of course, I would be happy to head out there.”

“Great!” Amory was boyishly animated about it suddenly. “You can meet the grandson of the great Duke Morrison! He’s a teenager, but he’s really a fantastic actor. I swear this is going to be his breakout film!”

Bella laughed lightly again, sipping her tea before asking, “Was his name really Duke?”