For Richer or Poorer

By Alisha Jones

After losing everything, including his fiancee, in a bad investment, Grady Harrison decides to leave his blossoming acting career, and Hollywood, behind. Heading east he Happens upon a small North Carolina town, where he meets an assortment of strange and wonderful characters, especially Lily, the woman of his dreams. Unfortunately, he guards a secret that could separate them before they even start a relationship.
Lily Morgan has a young son with a very special need, so she can't imagine spending valuable time with anyone other than him. That is, until a handsome stranger walks into her cafe. With the help of her friend, and matchmaker, Grace, she and Grady find plenty of time to get to know one another. However, a man from her past may interfere with their plans for a future.
Book one of four in Alisha's The 'Vows' Series.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Alisha Jones
• Release date: Nov 3, 2017
• ISBN: 9781370357185

Book preview

For Richer or Poorer

By: Alisha Jones

Chapter One

And, that's a wrap, ladies and gentlemen, the short, balding director shouted at his tired cast. He approached his star with his sweaty palm extended, Well, Grady, I enjoyed workin' with you. Maybe we can do it again sometime.

Grady Harrison sneered at the balmy hand before him. I sincerely hope not. As he scanned the aging man from head to toe, he wondered why he had even agreed to do the movie in the first place. This weasel of a director had no spine and always gave in to the whims of Grady's female co-star, Giselle McGovern. Oh sure, she was beautiful and a fantastic actress, and her grandfather owned the studio, but Grady couldn't stand her. If he had his way, he would never work with the woman again.

Eli Whittier blanched at the harsh tones from the judgmental actor who, looked so far down his nose at others, that he may as well be ten feet tall. He adjusted his glasses that had slid to the tip of his nose and smiled flatly. Raising his own nose in stubbornness, he said, I can live with that. He walked off grinning as he heard Grady's huffing.

Grady stormed off the set and plopped angrily into his Corvette convertible. Oh, how he loved this car! It's shiny, red paint job was expertly taken care of every weekend, and the tan, leather interior was custom stitched with his initials sewn into the headrests. He cranked the machine and threw the gear shift into 'Drive'. Speeding through the lot, he barely noticed anyone else. He didn't even flinch when he nearly ran two ladies off the lawn as he turned the corner too sharply. His tires gave a crying squeal when he slammed on his breaks to wait for the guard to lift the gate to the lot.

Have a good evening, Mr. Harrison, the chubby guard said as he reached the handle to lift the gate.

Yeah, yeah, Grady murmured. When the obstacle was removed, he jammed his foot on the accelerator and pointed his Corvette in the direction of home. As the wind whipped his hair around his face, he tried desperately to shake off the events of the day. He was so glad that this movie was over. They had encountered one problem after the other and was too far behind schedule to make it a good enough quality for his taste. In fact, if he thought he wouldn't get sued for breach of contract, he would have refused to finish it long ago. Still, there was one bright spot in his day, and he would see her when he got home. He had so looked forward to spending the weekend with his girlfriend and anticipated how he would feel in her arms. Thinking of Chantelle, made him turn his attention to his glove compartment. Reaching over, he opened it, just to be sure it was still there. Smiling from ear to ear, he pulled the black box free from its prison. He had spared no expense on Chantelle's engagement ring, and he knew she would love it. The two and a half carat diamond was encircled by the clearest pink diamonds he had ever seen. And, since pink was Chantelle's favorite color, he had no doubt that she would be head over heels in love with it. Replacing the box, he closed the compartment, and pulled into his driveway. He turned off the ignition, slid out and grabbed his jacket, throwing it over his shoulder. When he opened the door, he called, Chantelle? Hearing no noise or response, he threw his jacket on his plush, suede sofa and headed to the bathroom to wash off the day. He was always able to clear his head from the bad days by imagining that all his troubles simply flowed down the drain. And, after listening to his diva co-star's nasally voice and to the director barking orders given to him from that 'diva', he needed to wash away any trace of the day.

Twenty minutes later, he stepped out of the shower feeling like a new man. He headed to the kitchen, wrapped in a towel, to get something to drink. When he saw Chantelle and three other men sitting comfortably on his couch, he clutched the towel closer to him. Uh, Chantelle? What's goin' on?

Oh, Grady, Chantelle exclaimed as she clapped her perfectly manicured hands. I'm so glad you got out of the shower before Mr. Freemont left. She crossed the room and gave him a peck on the cheek.

Mr. Freemont? Grady asked. Chantelle whipped her head around, slapping Grady with her bleached blond hair. Why are these men in my house?

Spying the jacket carelessly thrown onto the couch, Chantelle smiled and picked it up, handing it to Grady. How many times do I have to tell you that this belongs in a closet? she whispered impatiently. Turning back to the men, she said, Grady, this is Mr. Freemont and his associates. He is the one I was telling you about. She turned back to Grady and, seeing no recollection of their previous conversation, she rolled her eyes and mumbled, The one with the great investment opportunity.

Ah, Grady finally remembered that they were supposed to meet with a man to talk about investing his money in some new stock that Chantelle had been raving about. He had assumed, however, that they would be having the discussion in a board room somewhere, not in his living room, and definitely not with him in his... towel. Ready to express this simple fact, he tugged Chantelle's elbow gently into the kitchen. When they were alone, he said, I don't think this is the time or the... he looked down to his barely covered body and finished, place, to be having this meeting. Why don't we meet Mr. Freeman tomorrow?

"Free-mont! she snapped. And, we can't. He's going out of town tonight. This is our last chance to invest in his stock."

Chantelle, I haven't even studied the specifics of this investment, Grady explained. I'm not gonna put all my money in some stock that I know nothing about.

Chantelle pursed her perfectly painted lips and placed her hands on her hips. I've researched it, Grady, and I know that it's a very worthwhile investment.

I'm sorry, Chantelle, Grady sighed, It's not that I don't trust you, it's just that I like to know where all my money is going before I sign it over to someone I just met.

She wanted to scream in protest, but knowing Grady the way she did, she realized she would have to turn on the girly charm. Batting her perfect eyelashes and turning on her winning smile, she sashayed her way to him, and wrapped him in an embrace. She gazed into his eyes, and whispered into his ear lovingly, But, Grady, don't you love me?

Of course, I do, he admitted. He wrapped his arms delicately around her waist, and gazed into her beautiful, blue eyes. Instantly, he knew he was defeated. He kissed the tip of her nose and relented, Okay. Let me go get dressed and we'll talk.

Chantelle clapped her hands in excitement and said, Yay. I knew you wouldn't let me down. She skipped out of the kitchen and left him standing in his... towel.

****

Grady went to bed with a knot in his stomach. He had allowed Chantelle to talk him into signing over more than half of his wealth to a man he had known for all of thirty minutes. He looked at the documents as closely as he could, but, with Chantelle flitting around and asking a thousand questions, he'd had almost no chance to look into the details of the investment. All he knew, was that some company called Macro-Visor was getting a very substantial amount of his money. And, he hoped that it wouldn't blow back in his face. He had always listened to his gut when it came to making financial decisions, but this time, he listened to a gorgeous blond with stunning blue eyes, and a killer smile. He supposed it would all work out either way. If he struck it rich, he would dote on his bride with every fancy trinket she wanted. And, if he was sent to the poor house, he would at least have her love to come home to. He figured he would be a winner either way, but he preferred the rich scenario to the poor one.

Chapter Two

Grady had called ahead for the restaurant to reserve the best table for him and Chantelle. This would be the night that he would propose to her, and he was beyond nervous. He didn't really expect her to say 'no', but he could never tell with Chantelle. She was so unexpected. That is exactly what had drawn him to her three years ago. She was unpredictable, and he liked that about her. He would simply have to hope that she wasn't tonight. Looking over at her, he smiled as she adjusted her lipstick in his car's visor mirror. She was so beautiful, and exactly the kind of woman that he had always envisioned for himself. From her blonde hair to her polished toes, he loved everything about her. He couldn't wait to see the expression on her face when he asked her to marry him and produced the ring. How could she not love it?

He pulled into the parking lot and climbed out. The valet opened Chantelle's door, but Grady extended his hand to help her out. He tossed his keys to the valet and warned, Treat her right. When the valet nodded, he escorted Chantelle into the restaurant. Nervously, he asked the Maitre De to show them their table. He had expected the staff to be flushed with excitement upon his arrival, but he hadn't expected the Maitre De to go stone cold with panic.

Pulling out his handkerchief from his jacket pocket, the Maitre De wiped his profusely sweating brow. I'm so very sorry, Mr. Harrison, but it looks like we have double booked the table.

Double booked? Grady asked. How is that even possible? I called well over three hours ago and asked specifically for that table. He and Chantelle always sat at the same table when they dined at this San Paulo's Restaurant because it boasted the perfect amount of privacy.

I'm very sorry, Mr. Harrison, the Maitre De said as he poured sweat from every pore in his face. But, just after you called, the mayor called and requested the same table. I really expect them to leave at any moment, sir.

I see, Grady sighed. He had always come second to the mayor. It seemed they each had the same taste in restaurants. And, by the looks of the mayor's dinner partner, the same taste in women. He glanced around the dining room and asked, Do you have another suitable table available?

As if stunned that he would play second fiddle to anyone, Chantelle gasped and threw her purse onto the podium where the Maitre De was standing. I don't want another table. I want the one we were promised.

Grady wrapped a quieting arm around her and tried to soothe her. Now, now, Chantelle, don't be a diva. God knows I've worked with enough of those. We'll be perfectly fine at another table. When she refused to surrender, he suggested, We could always go somewhere else.

No! she protested. I have looked forward to this all evening, and I will not be cast aside like the common trash. Maybe one of us should go tell the mayor to finish his meal quickly, or his wife will hear of his dinner date.

Not wanting to cause a scene, Grady released a huge sigh of relief when the mayor and his guest began to leave their table. As he headed in their direction, Grady wished he could borrow the Maitre De's handkerchief, for he was beginning to sweat, too. Smiling, he told Chantelle, Looks like that won't be necessary. He nodded toward the exiting mayor and almost giggled when Chantelle began primping herself to come face to face with the government official. He couldn't believe the change in the woman. She had gone from beast to beauty in a matter of seconds.

Well, Mr. Harrison, the Mayor said as he approached the well-known actor. We meet again.

Yes sir, Grady said as he extended his hand to shake the mayor's. How have you been?

Oh, about as well as can be, I suppose. The mayor had perfected that pasted smile, and he would use it until his very last day in office. And, this must be the lovely Miss Porter I've heard so much about.

Chantelle giggled like a school girl when the mayor reached out and took her hand. When he kissed her knuckles, she blushed all the way to her toes. Chantelle Porter, she informed.

And just as beautiful as your name, the mayor schmoozed. Nodding to Grady he left with the other woman.

Mr. Harrison, the Maitre De said, Your table is ready now.

Chantelle lost the smile and manners more quickly then she found them. She followed the Maitre De and said, It's about time. I do hope the food is better than the service.

Grady sat and smiled, Oh, c'mon Chantelle. We only had to wait a few extra minutes. He reached out and took her hand in his, Where's that beautiful smile I like so much? She didn't disappoint him. Her smile was radiant. That's my girl.

The rest of the evening went according to plan. After the waiter had poured their drinks and gone, Grady was unable to wait a second longer. Removing the ring box from his pocket, he knelt before her.

When Chantelle saw him kneeling in front of her, she blushed with embarrassment. Grady? What are you doing? Get up.

What? he asked smiling. I can't very well propose to you while I'm seated in my chair.

Of course, you can, she snapped looking around to be sure they weren't being watched. Please, you're making a scene. She rubbed her palms together nervously and took a sip of her water to soothe her dry mouth.

Grady unwillingly slid back into his seat and looked across the table to see her fidgeting. Are you okay, Chantelle?

Of course, I am, she lied while twirling her earring. Now, I believe you have something to ask me?

Stunned by her mannerisms, he stared into her eyes, and simply mumbled the words he had rehearsed so many times, Will you marry me?

Oh, Grady, she smiled, You know I will.

Even though she hadn't even seen the ring box yet, she held out her hand to him in expectation. He pulled the ring from the box and slipped it onto her finger. Still stunned, he couldn't even smile in appreciation for her answer. Not being able to go another second without an explanation, he finally asked, So, why are you acting so nervous?

Nervous, she asked as her voice squeaked. I'm not nervous, Grady. You know that I don't like public displays of affection.

Since when? he asked before he could stop it. She had never had a problem throwing herself at him before, even in a crowd of people. That was one of the reasons he had fallen for her. Of course, he hadn't noticed a change in her recently, so why would he have a reason to think that anything had changed. Never mind, he said as he saw her nervousness. Can I at least come over and kiss you? We did just get engaged.

Of course, you can, she smiled sweetly. When he approached her, she leaned her cheek out to him, and he gave it a chaste peck. When he returned to his seat, she took a long look at the ring. So, you were listening when I told you the kind of ring I like.

Of course, I was listening, he admitted. I want to make you happy.

Oh, I know you do, Grady, she smiled as she gazed at the ring again. Well, what sounds good to eat? I'm absolutely starved.

Grady couldn't quite put his finger on it, but something about Chantelle had most definitely changed. She gave him no comfort that he had pleased her, gave him no sign that she was happy to be getting married to him. She only seemed enthralled with the ring that she had practically picked out. He couldn't shake the feeling that swirled in his gut, that something was most assuredly... off.

They ate in silence, and though the food was delicious, Grady couldn't seem to stomach it. He kept watching Chantelle for any sign that she could give to her recent change in behavior. But, finding none, he finally gave in and tried to relax. So, do you have any ideas for the wedding?

Chantelle jerked at the sudden conversation. Uh, well, of course, I do. Every girl plans her wedding when she's just a child.

She smiled pleasantly, but Grady couldn't help but wonder why it seemed to be fake. Was she having second thoughts about their marriage? If so, why didn't she just say 'no'? As these questions, and so many more whirled around in his mind, he couldn't stop himself from asking, Chantelle, are you sure you wanna marry me? You don't seem too thrilled about the idea right now.

Chantelle could tell that he was doubting her, so she tried her very best to conjure an affectionate smile. Oh, sweetie, of course I do. I'm sorry. I guess I'm just distracted. I didn't have the greatest day.

Oh, I'm sorry, he replied. I had no idea. Do you wanna talk about it?

Seizing her chance, she tried the worn tactic that he had yet to fall for. She reached across the table and rubbed his hand gently. Why don't we go back to your place and I can show you exactly how thrilled I am.

Though every fiber of his being wanted to, Grady only grinned, Nice try. We've already talked about this. After the 'I do's', okay?

Chantelle tried not to jerk her hand away, but she lost the battle of self-will. I do not understand that belief, she said angrily. I mean, you're an actor for goodness sake. And, probably the only one in Hollywood with such an ancient opinion. She rested her face in her