Cole picked up on the many hints that Chelsea not so subtly dropped about the style of wedding ring that she preferred. He presented her with a two-carat cushion-cut diamond surrounded by a ring of tiny diamonds in a platinum setting. He knew he’d done well when she caught her breath then flung her arms around his neck and kissed him senseless.

He happily agreed to let her do whatever she wanted for the wedding. His father had advised him that it would be easier that way since they both knew she was going to want a lavish wedding and Cole didn’t want to be bothered with the details. Her family was paying for it, and it didn’t matter much to Cole what they did. He planned to just show up when they told him to, wearing the tux they’d picked out and enjoy the day as best he could.

It went pretty much as expected, though the wedding was even bigger than he’d anticipated. The final count for guests exceeded 600 and Cole had no idea who more than half of them were. Chelsea met with his father several times to go over the guest list, adding more names to it each time. Their wedding was a big deal in Charleston. Anyone who was anyone was invited, and just about everyone said yes. Those who sent regrets seemed to really mean it, according to Chelsea. Cole smiled at the absurdity of it.

For Chelsea, though, planning their wedding was almost a second job. It consumed most of her non-working hours. She was determined that it be memorable and no expense was spared. There was going to be an outdoor reception on the grounds of the Plantation, with twinkling lights and tents everywhere. Cole worried about rain, but Chelsea had a backup plan for that too. A nearby hall was rented and on standby, in case the weather drove them inside.

Otherwise, it would be a beautiful evening with an in-demand band and a portable wood floor for dancing. No detail had been overlooked. And even though she’d planned the wedding thoroughly, Chelsea still used a wedding planner to make sure that all her demands were carried out and so Chelsea would be able to focus on enjoying and networking at her wedding.

Cole was well aware that their wedding was an opportunity for Chelsea to network with many of the most important people in the city who were otherwise inaccessible, but through his father’s connections, would be at the wedding. The same went for his father. It was an opportunity for him to hold court and Cole knew his father would be in his glory, working the crowd to build support and cement existing relationships so that he could count on them for future elections. There was no doubt that there would be future elections. Cole was certain that his father’s ambitions went beyond being governor.

Everything went off perfectly. Chelsea was exquisite in a white dress that fit her slim figure snugly before flowing behind her. The weather cooperated and couldn’t have been better. Even the bugs stayed away, thanks to heavy spraying the day before.

They had moved into the Plantation house unofficially the week before, having all of their furniture delivered. The night of the wedding would be the first time they actually slept there, though, and only for one night before they left for their honeymoon, a Western Caribbean cruise.

“You look so serious,” Chelsea teased him near the end of the evening when she appeared by his side. The crowd was starting to thin out, and people were finally going home. Cole stood alone by one of the many bars and was sipping a fresh Jack and Coke as he gazed at the crowd.

“I’m just tired. I think everyone had a good time,” he said.

“Of course they did. I made sure of it,” Chelsea said with a laugh.

He smiled at her. “You did a great job. Everyone has raved about everything—the cake, the band, the food.”

The food had been amazing. There were stations for just about anything a guest could desire, from pasta to various meats and shellfish. Even Maine lobster tails had been flown in. Not to mention endless passed appetizers. Neither one of them had eaten much, though. They had been busy making the rounds and talking to people.

“It has been an amazing night,” she agreed. She leaned in and spoke softly. “Your father came through again. He introduced me to Bernie Shaeffer, and he invited me to meet with him when we get back from our honeymoon. There may be a job opening up at his firm that I could be good for.”

Cole smiled. His new wife was far more driven than he was, but he was happy for her.

“That’s great. I’m sure he will love you.”

Chelsea laughed “Of course he will. But not as much as you do, right?” She gave him a playful kiss and Cole kissed her back distractedly. He tried to focus on how beautiful his new wife looked and to ignore the memories of Laura that had been haunting him all day. He kept reminding himself that what they’d had was rare and he wasn’t likely to find it again in this lifetime. And that what he had with Chelsea was pretty darn good, too. They could be happy together and build a future. He was certain of it.