That afternoon, Danielle Lynn Kane officially signed the contract that would guarantee her one million dollars immediately upon her legal marriage to Shane Thomas Tanner. Her signature was followed by Shane’s and it was notarized by Marguarite Grummond as their witness. Beforehand, when Shane saw that she was obviously apprehensive about signing it, he put most of her fears to rest by explaining it was strictly for her protection. There were no hidden clauses and no tricks. The document was simple; it legally assured the disbursement of the payment to her once they became husband and wife.

“I’m surprised Shane. I thought there was going to be lots of complicated details regarding living arrangements, my new job duties, pregnancy stipulations, child support…..you know….. stuff like that. This contract is so short.”

“Well if you think we really need all that other stuff in writing, I can certainly do that for you. Whatever makes you comfortable works for me. We can put in anything you want. But then I get to add my own clause stating the parameters of our fucking frequency.”

Shane grabbed Danielle’s thigh under the table and laughed at his own joke.

“Really? Like we don’t fuck enough to satisfy you? Puh-leeze!” Dani rolled her eyes in mock disgust.

“Please kids, stop with that talk. There’s an old prude in the room who still regards sex as something private,” Margie said with her hands covering her ears.

“We’re sorry Margie, but I thought you grew up in the ‘60’s? Didn’t all you hippies have wild orgies in the parks?”

“I’m sure a lot of them did Dani, but not me. I’m allergic to grass. I break out in hives. Nobody wanted to have sex with a gal with an itchy rash.”

The three of them started cracking up but Shane eventually restored order to the meeting.

“But seriously Danielle you don’t need to worry about anything. The state automatically protects you with mandatory child support laws and as for the rest of the things you mentioned, I’m sure as mature adults we can work things out as we go. This is uncharted territory for me as well but believe me, you and our child will want for nothing for the rest of your lives, even if we part ways.”

“I guess I’m okay with all that if you are?” Dani was feeling a lot better about the whole situation now.

As Shane poured three glasses of champagne, Margie had one last word for the couple.

“Just so you know, this document will not become a matter of public record. There’s no need risking possible exposure and public embarrassment. I’ll keep an extra copy for safe keeping.”

With that announcement, they raised their glasses and toasted to the new deal.

Over the course of the next several weeks the three of them implemented and orchestrated the plan to bring Shane Tanner (and thereby Tanner International) into the good graces of the Hawaiian people. The wealthy gallant suitor would woo the honorable island daughter in high style while Margie tipped off the press for continuous coverage and photo-ops. Their public courtship became regular fodder for the newspaper’s society section and Dani quickly adjusted to the commonplace occurrence of photographers jumping out at her from behind bushes. When the timing seemed right, Danielle moved into Shane’s hilltop house with him and Margie took up residence at Dani’s place, where she immediately began sowing friendship seeds with Auntie May, in an attempt to further bolster Shane’s reputation with the Hawaiian community.

To everyone’s surprise, in no time at all Dani seemed completely adjusted to the extravagant lifestyle of the rich and famous. Shane gave her a practically limitless credit card for shopping and even an Aston Martin of her own to drive. She was living it up in true grand fashion and fitting seamlessly into his wealthy world.

Eventually Shane and Dani decided on a date to formally announce their engagement. That’s when Shane realized that his pretend bride-to-be was starting to run off the rails. He began to find dozens of brochures around the house: Cartier and Tiffany & Co., around-the-world cruises, and luxury automobiles. He was starting to wonder if his sweet unpretentious island girl was turning into a bona fide celebutante.

He wasn’t exactly sure what to do about it, however. He was leery of rocking the boat with her because she was doing such an awesome job of creatively spinning Tanner’s environmental practices into “eco-friendly” innovations. He never would have guessed she was so good at public relations. She even persuaded the Hawaiian Conservation Alliance to abort a planned protest of a proposed Tanner land acquisition on the island of Lanai. Shane was impressed by her apparent company dedication and loyalty but taken aback just the same. He had to admit he wasn’t totally thrilled with the new changes in her character.

Eventually Danielle and Shane agreed it was time to formally announce their engagement and the fundraising luau at the Tanner Kaanapali Kai Saturday night seemed like the perfect place to do it. Dani was on cloud nine as she got ready for what she knew would be one of the biggest nights of her life. All eyes were sure to be on her when Shane announced their impending marriage. Of course there would be some people in attendance who were already privy to that information, but that was neither here nor there. Soon she was going to be Mrs. Shane Tanner the billionaire’s wife, and even though she realized their union would most likely be very short-lived, she would be tied to him for life through their child. Although it was far from ideal, she had decided she could live with those terms.

“Mmm you sure look fine tonight Shane and you smell delicious too,” Dani smiled up at him as she tied his tuxedo tie. “You’re so quiet honey. Are you feeling okay?”

“Yes I’m fine. Just a bit tired I guess.”

“What do you think of my new dress? It’s a Vera Wang original. Don’t you just love it?”

Daniel giggled with delight and twirled around in her designer gown.

Shane mustered up a smile and kissed her hand. “You look stunning as always Danielle. Shall we go? The limo is waiting for us.”

“I’m ready, my handsome prince. Oh I can’t wait to see everyone’s face when you announce our engagement. I’m so excited. Do you have the ring? We mustn’t forget that.”

“Don’t worry, it’s right here.” Shane patted his breast pocket.

“Okay let’s go then,” she said as she grabbed her clutch bag and wrap.

At the Kai, the formal luau was taking place on the tropical grounds of the resort. Danielle surveyed the approximately 300 people who were enjoying the $200 a plate event and proudly proclaimed it a definite success. It was being held to raise funds for the Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology, specifically benefiting Allyssa Caswell’s Maui coral reef research.

Allyssa came running up to Dani and gave her a giant thank you hug.

“This is so fantastic Dani. Thank you so much. You look gorgeous. That dress is out of this world!”

“You look gorgeous yourself girlfriend. It’s nice to see you in something besides scientist clothes. But no need to thank me for this, I’m just glad I can help.”

Dani didn’t want to tell her friend that helping her wasn’t her sole motivation for organizing the event. She also did it to ease her conscience about derailing the HCA protest on Lanai. But first and foremost it was to bolster Tanner’s credibility as a company committed to the environment.

“So where’s that incredibly handsome man of yours? I am so jealous.”

“I guess I should go find him. We haven’t had any of that marvelous food yet. I’ll see you a little later Allyssa.”

Danielle found Shane at the bar drinking a martini with Paolo.

“Hey you two. Paolo where’s Max? Don’t tell me he couldn’t make it again?”

“No, he’s around here somewhere. Wow Dani, that dress is divine. You look like a million bucks,” he said as he gave her a knowing wink.

“Thanks Paolo.” Danielle grabbed Shane by the elbow and pulled him away toward the buffet.

“Please can we eat now so I can finally get to wear that ring?” she whispered to him.

Once the couple was finished feasting from the luau banquet, Shane waltzed Danielle around the dance floor for a showy display of their love. Danielle couldn’t help but notice that Shane was still not quite himself, but she chalked it up to perhaps a case of the jitters about proposing in public. Finally it came time for Shane to take the podium to announce the silent auction that was also to benefit the cause.

“Before we begin the auction, I have another announcement I’d like to make,” Shane began. “As most of you know since coming to this beautiful island of Maui there has been one very special woman in my life…..”

With that, Margie shouted out in jest from her banquet table, “Aw Shane stop! You’re embarrassing me!”

The crowd exploded in applause and laughter. Once they quieted down Shane resumed his speech.

“Yes you’re very special to me also Margie. For those of you don’t know, that is my very efficient and very tipsy secretary Ms. Marguarite Grummond. I don’t know what I’d do without her.”

The guests applauded again and Danielle leaned in and gave her a kiss on the cheek.

“As I was saying, this island has brought me great fortune in that I have finally found the woman of my dreams. The woman I want to settle down with. I never thought such a woman existed but she does and her name is Danielle Kane. She has done me the honor of accepting my marriage proposal and in doing so has made me the happiest man on the planet. Danielle will you stand up?”

The crowd burst into applause again and Dani’s eyes filled with tears as she stood up in acknowledgement. Shane added one more thing before leaving the podium and heading back to the table.

“I haven’t given her the ring yet because I was having it custom made but now I’d like to put it on her very lovely finger…… if you’d all indulge me for a minute.”

While Dani was still standing Shane got down on one knee and took her left hand in his. “Danielle Kane, I love you and I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you,” he said as he slipped the spectacular 5-karat, marquis diamond ring on her finger.

Tears streamed down her face as she replied, “I love you Shane Tanner, and I can’t wait to be your wife.”

The newly betrothed couple kissed passionately to a final round of applause and then Margie stood up to lead the guests in a toast to their happiness.

“To the future Mr. and Mrs. Shane Tanner and to a long and happy marriage.”