BUTTERFLIES FLY AWAY (40 page)

“Ah retirement is going to be fun!  Do you golf
Nico?”

“Not really I have tried Dan but my father is more
at home on the golf course than I am, it’s his domain”

“Mum and Dad, we wanted to tell you both
first.  Nico has asked me to marry him and I’ve said yes.  He asked
me last night when we were upstairs.  We didn’t want to say anything
whilst the party was going on and move the spot light from you.”

“Oh Carrie, are you sure?  Your father did tell
me last night that Nico had asked his permission.”

“Yes Mum, I’ve never been surer of anything in my
life.”

“Well congratulations darling.  Why are we
drinking coffee?  Dan let’s have some champagne we have some celebrating
to do.  Carrie, help your Dad with the glasses won’t you”

Kate had cleared the room to briefly speak with Nico
on their own.

“We won’t have long before they return, but I want
you to know Nico that I only want what is best for my daughter.  I don’t
care if you as rich as Croesus but if your playboy ways return and you hurt my
daughter in any way I will hunt you down.”

“Kate, I love Carrie very much and I will never hurt
her.  She has gone through so much but as Dan said last night, you
Reynolds are fighters.  I love her spirit, her strength, her
smile.    Everything about her.  I promised Dan I would
take care of her and I will.”

“Okay Nico, I believe you, just don’t let me
down.  I expect Belle will also have a similar conversation with you as
will Claire, Ryan, you get the picture!  We are a very protective family.”

It took the pop of the champagne cork and clink of
glasses before Carrie burst into tears.

“Happy tears Nico, remember.  Happy tears”

He pulled her close and kissed her softly on the
lips.  “Okay baby, I get you.  Happy tears, right?”

She nodded.

“Well, let me see the ring,” her Mum
interrupted.  “Oh wow, it’s beautiful Carrie.”

“I love it; Nico picked it from Harry Winston,”

Nico’s phone was ringing once more, “Sorry, I have
to take this call,”

“He should be back in the states but with some
alterations, I have him for another day.  So why the change of heart
Mum?  I thought you would be dead against the engagement.”

“After everyone left last night your father told me
about Nico asking his permission.  We talked about it.  Belle also
told me about your mugging and some of the details you omitted.”

“I’m sorry Mum; I just didn’t want to worry you
especially when Claire was getting stressed about moving and her
pregnancy.  Nico was there for me.  Even when I wanted to run away he
picked me up and helped me get better.”

“I understand that now.  I can see that you are
both in love.  I guess that was the turning point.”

“Carrie your Mum and I just want you to be
happy.  That’s all we’ve ever wanted for you.”

“I am Daddy, honestly, Nico makes me happy.”

Nico returned to the room, he relaxed as Carrie was
smiling at her parents.

“The Esperanza?”

“Yes, sorry one more crisis averted.”

“I was just about to ask my parents to come over to
the house later.  We haven’t told Claire and Ryan or Belle our news. 
You are the first to know.”

She knew this would please her mother as she always
felt excluded from Carrie’s announcements.

“I know Claire will be tired after last night’s
party but I would like us to have a little celebration before Nico leaves
tomorrow.”

“Leave it to me, I will organise some drinks and
nibbles,”

“Thanks Mum,”

“We have something else to discuss and I think you
guys will need to help me to persuade Claire and Ryan to accept.  I’m
going to give them the house.”

“What on earth!”

“I know, it seems a little crazy but hear me
out.  They love living there.  It has room for all of them and more
even once the baby is born.  For a few months now I have been thinking
about moving.  It is too big a house for one person.  Claire knows
this as I told her ages ago I felt disconnected living there.  Too many
memories,” Nico squeezed her hand.  “But that’s not why I want to do this;
I want them to make it the home that it should be.”

“Oh Carrie, it’s a wonderful gesture but I think
they might say no.  Your sister can be stubborn as a mule and she does
have her pride too!”

“Well
we
won’t let them, will we?”

“Kate and Dan, I fully understand why Carrie is
doing this.  She only wants Claire and Ryan to have a family home they can
make their own.”

“Carrie if Claire does refuse, don’t take it to
heart, okay?”

“Okay Daddy”

Nico returned to his hotel as he had a conference
call to make but he dropped Carrie back home and would return later that evening. 
She opened the door to the familiar sound of childrens TV.  Peppa Pig if
she was not mistaken.  “Hello,”

“Tantie, tantie,”  Harry ran across to her and
she scooped him up.  “Hiya Sis, how are you feeling?”

“Oh Carrie, today I am sore, my back aches, even my
toes ache.  Arghh”

“Stay there, don’t get up, do you want some tea or
anything?”

“Tea would be great, hey stop!”

“What?”

“I saw it, get back here.  What is that rock on
your finger?”

“Oh that, I was just about to tell you.  Nico
and I got engaged last night.  We just told Mum and Dad”

“Oh my god, oh my god!  Let me see” she
struggled up.  “Congratulations, I am so so so happy for you both,” she
grabbed Carries hand to look at the ring.  “Now that is a rock.  But
it’s a beautiful rock.”

Carrie laughed.  “I guess you could say it is
but I love it.  Now let’s get that cup of tea and I will tell you all the
details!  Oh and don’t panic but Mum, Dad and Belle are coming over later
to have a little impromptu glass of bubbly for our engagement.”

They had their tea and Carrie sent both Claire and
Harry away for their nap while she had a tidy up downstairs.  She removed
the ring and put it in her pocket whilst she was cleaning.  The duster in
her hand swept over the little candle sticks on the bureau, one of them wobbled
slightly before falling.  She caught it before it landed and straightened
it.  Moving it back into place it still had a wobble.  There
underneath the base, a penny.  A shiny new penny that she knew hadn’t been
there before.  Her breath whooshed out as she exhaled.  Rob, it could
only be Rob.  Did he approve?  She hoped that somewhere up above he
did.

She had some champagne in the garage in a box from
before, well before when Rob was alive, before when the house had people to
entertain, before everything changed.  After popping it in the fridge to
chill she checked on Claire and Harry who were both sound asleep.  Claire
on her bed and Harry in his cot bed.  She intended on soaking in a hot
bath before getting ready for the evening. 

The vibrant fuchsia Marchesa mini dress was hanging
over the door, ready for her just to slip into.  The embellished jewels
and crystals leaving no need to wear any other jewellery than diamond drop
earrings.  She finished putting the final pin in her hair as she wore it
in a lose bun.  Little tendrils softened the look.  Black dolce and
gabbana sandals with a thick ankle strap completed her look. 

Belle of course was taking credit for their
engagement.  “Nico, I am delighted to welcome you to the family.  But
please don’t call me Auntie Belle!” She joked.  “What do your parents
think of your news?”

“Thank you Belle, my parents don’t yet know.  I
will tell when I return home but I am sure they too will be delighted,”

Belle snorted which wasn’t unnoticed by Kate or
Claire.

“Okay Belle, spill the beans.  What was that
all about with Nico’s parents?”

“Oh its not my tale to tell,”

“Belle,” The tone of Kate’s voice left no room to
waver.  “Okay, okay all I can say is that Carrie didn’t exactly see eye to
eye with Nico’s Mum when she was staying at the Cape.  Although I have to
say initially I could understand why.  She thought Carrie was a married
woman carrying on with Nico and then his sister tried to humiliate Carrie at
dinner.  Then Carrie flung a glass of red wine all over the girl and
threatened to eh malkie Nico if he ever came near her again.  There that’s
the condensed version, if you want to know any more ask Carrie,”

“Malkie?  Where does that girl get that turn of
phrase from?”

Carrie wasn’t joining Nico at the hotel.  He
was leaving in a few hours, already impossibly behind his schedule as the
opening to the Esperanza drew closer.  Belle would be leaving with
him.  They had agreed to no public announcement and only Carries parents,
Claire and Ryan would know their news.  Nico had tried to prepare Carrie
for how her life would change.  Before they left for her parents earlier
that day he had given her a gift bag, “Another present Nico, you shouldn’t
have” She opened the bag and it contained another box.  Opening this it
contained a pair of black oversized a la Jackie O in style sunglasses. 
“For the paparazzi, so your eyes never get sore again”

Nico was tired, bone weary tired from travelling
across the globe and back again.  The Esperanza was almost complete. 
Tomorrow they began the handover from the contractors and their project
managers.  He and his team would be carrying out inspections and signing
over control for each department, each floor of the hotel to complete the
snagging.  Everything had to be perfect.  Not one area of the hotel
had been overlooked in the refurbishment.  The hotel was located in
Beverly Hills north of Wilshire Boulevard.  The building had gone through
a series of owners from its early beginnings in the 1920’s and several extensions. 
When the Devanti group took over the parent company it was as if even the
building breathed a sigh of relief that it would be returned to its former
glory.  Loyal customers had been kept informed of how the refurbishment
was progressing and despite the high demand they had worked with the travel
groups to keep those returning customers.  Bookings had been taken for the
rooms a year in advance.  It was much anticipated and could not
fail.  The Devanti PR team had taken it to another level and the momentum
on social media was rising.  All the big names were lined up for the
opening night.  Two weeks away. The potential losses for any delays were
currently calculated hitting the 1 million dollar mark per week.  So far
they were holding to the schedule even after the kitchen fire but there could
be no room for any major delays.   Dealing with a building that old
they had uncovered major rewiring, plumbing and in some areas had been stripped
back to the brick shell. 

The Spa was all re-branded in par with all the
Devanti hotels to offer that same level of luxury that all the guests could
expect.  The outdoor pool was currently being cleaned and filled all in
preparation for the re-launch.  Belle had taken charge of the Spa refit
and it was on track.

The Esperanza name was in reference to the old
Spanish church that was still on the grounds from the hotels early days as a
private estate.  This had also been returned to its former glory and would
now be exclusive use for the hotel as a wedding venue.  He was proud of
the work that was done by everyone in his team but he was ready for a break
after this project was over.  His priority was to finish up with the hand
back then return to the Cape.  He had news to share with his parents on
his engagement to Carrie.  He knew again they would be shocked but it was
his decision to make.  The prospect of grandchildren would smooth any
flames.  They were desperate for grandchildren and the prospect of
continuing the Devanti line.  But it was Lea he was concerned about. 
She had fixated on him.  The calls, texts and emails had suddenly stopped
which surprised him given there ferocity.  His security team had checked
and after some meticulous digging at her management company they disclosed she
was in a private rehab.  He didn’t add, again.

All he wanted was to finish at the Esperanza and
marry Carrie as soon as possible.  They hadn’t discussed the when and
where’s but it was an unspoken decision to be together at the earliest
opportunity.  Her family wanted the best and he had thought it would take
longer to win her parents over.  They were still sceptical about his
intentions, his playboy past casting a shadow.  He had partied hard and he
didn’t deny it.  He had never shown any interest in settling down. 
Even during his romance with Lea he was always referred to being with other
models or movie stars.  A photograph at a party and kiss hello.  It
was all gossip and usually without a grain of truth.  He had stayed
faithful to Lea during their time together.  Even if the media thought
otherwise.  Carrie would need to adjust to this change in lifestyle but
she wasn’t frail anymore.  She was his tough fighter.  She was his.

“Uncle Donald thanks for seeing me today.  I
know you have a busy schedule and Dad said he would be here on time.  I’m
a little early,”

“That’s alright Carrie, gives me a chance to catch
up with you, I haven’t seen much of you recently,”

They were seated in his very grand office which was
located in the centre of Glasgow in a building that was a former insurance
company from the turn of the century.  It had retained much of the
original features of high ceilings and wood panelling but the modern technology
influences remained.  Tea and coffee was brought into the room followed by
her father.

“Donald, grand to see you, parking in the city is a
bloody nightmare so I got the train today.”

“Hi Dad,” she was greeted with a kiss on the
cheek.  “Coffee?”

Carrie fixed the cups for everyone.

“Okay let’s get down to business then if you are
ready,”

He placed a dictaphone on the table and pressed
record.  No need to take any notes and it was a familiar process for
Carrie when she had visited before.  He did have a note pad ready and
occasionally scribbled on it. 

“Dad is already aware as we have discussed it but I
would like to start to some legal paperwork and need your help drawing this
up.  Dad is here as he is the executor of Rob’s will and I would like him
to be aware of what I am doing.”

She opened her bag and gave them copies of paperwork
with the distinctive Devanti logo. 

“Uncle Donald, I am engaged to Nico Devanti, this is
a prenup agreement that Nico’s legal team have sent me.”  She didn’t
disclose that receiving it by courier which she had to sign receipt of had been
a surprise as she hadn’t discussed it with Nico.  She had told him the
night he proposed that she didn’t want any of his money, this form said
otherwise.

“Well congratulations Carrie, I’m very happy for
you, he seems like a nice chap,”

“Thank you, I am very happy, I will give you a quick
moment to go through the paperwork but I have a few amendments I want to make.”

The agreement froze both their assets prior to the
marriage.  Carrie would retain her home, car, stocks and shares.  The
£700k that she had in her bank account.  Nico would have no claim to that.
 

Her eight carat engagement ring valued at $3.2
million dollars was hers.   She had nearly passed out reading that as
she had just finished washing some dishes wearing the same ring.  The ring
was a gift and in the event of the marriage ending she would retain this.

She would receive $1 million dollars for every year
they were married to be capped at 10 years.

$5 million dollars for every child that they had.

She was actually disgusted to read that she would in
effect be paid for having children.  The document had arrived
yesterday.  Nico was travelling and she didn’t want to speak to him. 
It hurt her too much like a physical blow reading those clauses.  Today,
she wanted to have the agreement re-drafted on her terms.  She didn’t want
a penny from him, not a single cent of his money.  No $1 million a year or
per child.  No way.  If their marriage ended then so be it.  She
would walk away with the one thing not listed on the sheets and sheets of
paper; her pride. 

The list continued explaining Nico’s assets. 
His apartment in New York.  Apartment that was a joke.  He told her
he recently purchased it and maybe it was her naivety but it was a penthouse
and the value of the property at $14.5 million was also listed on the
paper.  She didn’t know what she expected when he told her that he had
somewhere to stay when he was working in New York and didn’t want to stay in a
hotel!

He was the heir to the Devanti Group, Devanti
Holdings, Devanti incorporated etc etc etc.  His siblings would inherit a
percentage of the business which he would control in the event of the death of
their parents.  As CEO he had a bonus scheme, shares, all of which were
listed as assets before the marriage.  Bank balances with so many zeros
she had to blink to read it. 

Finally, “in the unhappy event of divorce”. 
Yes it actually said that.

Spousal support of $50,000 per month with clauses
for expenses, medical care and so on to be added.

Community property would be listed as and when
purchased during the life time of the marriage.

Joint custody of any children and support would be
discussed as and when.

It was a body blow.  What the hell was she
doing?  She had opened the envelope with a prickle of excitement. 
Expecting it to be some surprise from Nico.  Well it sure was a
surprise. 

“Carrie, I had no idea, all that money!” her Dad
exclaimed.

“I know Dad; I’ve had the whole day to digest what
was written.  That’s why I want a new agreement drafted up.  When
Nico proposed I told him that I didn’t want a penny of his money and I would
sign anything to state the fact.”  She took a sip of the coffee to give
her a moment to gather her thoughts.

“You will still be a wealthy young woman Carrie in
your own right.”

“Well that’s another thing to take into
account.  I would like you to prepare the paperwork to transfer ownership
of Bluebell Gardens to Claire and Ryan.  I’m gifting it to them. 
Also I want to set up a trust fund for Harry and the new baby for £20,000.00 
Should Claire and Ryan have any further children they each will also receive
£20,000.00”

“Carrie are you sure about this?  That is your
security which Rob left for your future.”  Donald advised her.  “Yes,
I am sure.  I’ve discussed this with Mum and Dad about the house. 
The only thing they didn’t know about was the trust funds.  The dividends
from the stocks and shares I would like to be channelled into running the trust
funds if possible.”

“This will take some time to draft up but we can
have the right people working on it and we can bring in an independent
financial advisor too,”

“I appreciate that.  If you could arrange for a
letter in the interim to reflect the transfer of ownership and the trust funds
that will be great.  Dad, I’m finally taking control of my life.”

“You are Carrie and I am proud of you.  I can
see why you want to do this, Rob would too”

“Thanks Dad, I just can’t be with Nico and abuse
what Rob left me.  It doesn’t feel right,”

She handed a copy with her amendments to
Donald.  “I don’t want a penny Uncle Donald.  I don’t want to be paid
when I have a child.  I certainly do not want money if the marriage
succeeds or fails”

“Carrie you are potentially refusing millions of
dollars”

“Yes I am, but no-one is buying me”

They sat in one of the small bars that her Dad knew
from his youth in Glasgow.  One that had not changed in at least 50
years.  “I think someone followed us from Donald’s,” he exclaimed as he
sat down with a pint of beer and a glass of wine for Carrie.  “It’s okay
Dad, it’s part of Nico’s security team.  I’m in “a high profile
relationship” which could be “exploited”.  I have a bodyguard now.  I
guess walking around with a ring which is worth millions doesn’t help either.”

“Carrie lass, what have you gotten yourself into?”

“I’m okay Dad; I know I don’t sound as enthusiastic
as I did before.   I guess feeling like a commodity when I saw the
prenup didn’t help.  But I have to make a stand now.”

“So what is Nico saying about all of this?”

“I haven’t spoken with him yet.  He was
travelling back to LA.  Tonight is the launch party for The
Esperanza.  It has been quite chaotic but he is in London next week. 
I said I would visit him then and we could plan the wedding.  We don’t
want a long engagement.”

“Claire is due the baby next week.”

“Yeah, I know on Rob’s birthday too but, if Claire
has the baby early or on time Nico will come to Glasgow instead.”

They ordered their pub lunch and changed the
subject.  Enough talk of money and agreements had taken place.  “Well
wait until Peggy hears you are engaged, she might just explode with that piece
of news!”  Carrie couldn’t help but laugh at that.

True to his word Donald had the letter of transfer
drafted up for them finishing lunch.  They collected it from the reception
and headed to the waiting car.  Carrie had texted the security team she
was ready to go home.  The blacked out range rover was waiting for
them.  Parked on the double yellow lines in front of the offices in a
totally fuck off kind of way.  “Oh Carrie, I feel like a rock star!” her
Dad joked.

“You get used to it Dad.  I guess I won’t need
my car much now.  That is something I’ve already taken care of.  I’ve
transferred ownership to Claire.  They can use the car to trade in for
something for all the family to use or keep it.  That’s something else I
have to tell her.”

“I think maybe you should wait until she has had the
baby before you go telling her any of this.  It might just send her into
labour!”

She had a missed call from Nico.  Then a text. 
“Hey I missed speaking to you last night.  Call me when you get this x”

She texted him back.  “Hi been out for lunch
with Dad.  On way home x”

“Are you okay?”

“I’m fine”

Fine?  What the hell does that mean? He had
learned quickly with Carrie that fine didn’t necessarily mean fine.  It
was usually the opposite.  Was it because he hadn’t invited her to the
launch party tonight?  He hadn’t because he knew it was close to Claire’s
due date and she didn’t want to leave the country.  Also he didn’t want
the paparazzi to focus on his date for the evening as intensely as it would be
tonight.  It wouldn’t be fair to put her in that spotlight just
now.   Next week they would be focussing on their future together and
setting a date for the wedding.  His parents had taken the news
surprisingly well.  He had only told them not Paolo and Chiara.  At
this time they still wanted the veil of secrecy until they were ready to make
the announcement.  His siblings would indirectly leak the news. 

“It’s a bit sudden son.  Do you have some other
news for us?  Are we about to become grandparents?”

“No Dad, it’s nothing like that at all.  We are
in love.  It’s as simple as that.”

“Love!  It’s too soon for love.”

“Well for gramps and grandma it was ‘Love’.  It
does happen you know Mom”

“Well I hope you have a prenup in place” she
retorted.

“No I don’t.  Not that it is any of your
business Mom.  Carrie isn’t interested in my wealth.  She said she
would sign anything I wanted but maybe I don’t want her to sign a prenup.”

“What!  Have you lost your mind?  Of
course you have to have a prenup.  It’s to protect your legacy. 
Protect the business that this family has built up from nothing.”

“It’s a business that I have helped grow
Mother.  When Dad stepped aside it was still a success but he made some
risky decisions.  Did you know that?  Was that part of the legacy?”

“Nico, your Mother doesn’t need to hear this.”

“Yes she does, I’ve more than doubled the turnover
since Dad stepped aside.  No wonder he had the heart attack the stress he
was putting his body under.  We’ve diversified where we needed to. 
Changes that needed to be made.  Did you know there was a mortgage on this
place?”

“No never, why would there be?”

“Because Dad needed the capital after we hit a
recession.”

“My Home!”

“It’s all paid now Mom.  But I wouldn’t put
this family in jeopardy.”

“Why didn’t you tell me about the finances?” 
Dorothea asked Gino once Nico left the room.  “I didn’t want to worry you
Dotti.  It was a long time ago now and Nico fixed things.  Once he
saw the mess things were in he turned it around.  It was like trying to
plug a dam with toilet paper.  It was never going to work,”

“Well we have to
protect this, we can’t let him marry this girl and throw away everything this
family has worked for.  We have to get her to sign a prenup without any
delay.  He has been so impulsive with her I expect him to elope to Vegas!”

The calls were made and within 24 hrs the prenup
couriered to Carrie without Nico’s knowledge or consent. 

Claire’s waters broke later that evening. 
Carrie stayed at home with Harry while Ryan went to the hospital with
Claire.  Although born a week early baby Daniel was perfect.  A
healthy 7lb 2oz and already a future heartbreaker in the making.  He was
gorgeous and named after his grandfather who was quite literally chuffed to
bits.   Carrie phoned Nico to tell him the baby news.  “Mother
and baby are doing well.  I’m at home with Harry but I will see them both
tomorrow.  If all goes well they should be able to come home.”

“That’s great news Carrie.  Pass on my
congratulations.”

“I will, so are you all set for this evening’s big
launch?”

“It’s all going to plan so far.  Are you okay?”