Romance Baby, You're a Rich Man

"Now you're fishing for compliments," replied Ben just as Candice and Leona approached the table with their beaus.

"Where are Amber and Jason?" asked a puzzled Becky. "Are they running late?"

"They're in the middle of a tete-a-tete. I'd honestly be surprised if they joined us tonight," revealed Candice.

"I'd bet some of the money I won today on Jason not showing his face," stated Wes bluntly. "I'd say it's even money they won't be engaged after tonight."

"Oh, no! Did they have an argument?" asked a concerned Becky.

"You could say that. Jason argued he wasn't an asshole and Amber argued he was," summed up Leona. "Didn't Ben tell you what happened today?"

Becky quickly looked at Ben, but he was calmly sitting back in his chair with a curious expression. "He never mentioned anything. Please tell me what happened."

"I like the way Wes tells the story," stated Leona with an evil grin as she looked to Wes. "Tell Becky what happened at golf."

"Jason was trash talking like crazy before we teed off. He insisted that we all verbally admit we were playing for fifty bucks a hole and we wouldn't whine when it was over. He made sure we knew his comments were directed at Ben.

"Jason teed off first and hit a beauty right down the middle. Ben went next. His shot carried about thirty yards beyond Jason's. That was the beginning of a long day for Jason. To his credit, he played very well. He tied on two holes and won another on the front nine. Chuck and I didn't really figure into the competition very much. I think Jason used three of Chuck's shots and Ben used about four of mine, including a long thirty foot putt I sank," added Wes proudly.

"Anyway, Jason was down five holes net, or two hundred fifty bucks after the front nine. By this time he was bitching that it was Ben's home course and he knew it better. Therefore it wasn't an even match. Get this! Ben offered to give Jason a stroke on each hole on the back nine. I couldn't believe it when Jason accepted the offer."

"It was pretty embarrassing," agreed Chuck. "It's one thing to lose, but at least do it like a man. Jason's all about winning, not competing. He didn't have enough pride in himself or his game to refuse the offer."

"Anyway," continued Wes, "Jason tied on two holes and won two others on the back nine. For the math challenged, that means two holes were a wash while Jason won two of the remaining seven, giving Ben five holes. That makes a difference of 3 holes or another one hundred and fifty bucks. All told, he won four hundred today. "

"You would think Jason would have paid up after all the shit he gave us at the beginning about not whining if we lose, but he cried like a little bitch," related Wes as he shook his head at the memory. "Ben told him to keep the money. Friends shouldn't bet on things like golf anyway.

"Jason at least knew enough to be embarrassed by that. He got in Ben's face and called him a few choice names, thinking he's prove his dominance physically if he couldn't do it with his golf game."

"Jason was out of control," added Chuck. "He was yelling in Ben's face. I think he thought he'd get Ben to take a swing at him so he could pound Ben into the fairway."

"I thought that, too," agreed Wes. "Ben took it longer than most would before he told Jason, and I quote, 'fuck off, you little bitch'. That tripped Jason's last neuron. He took a swing at Ben.

"No! Did he hurt you?" questioned Becky as she began to exam Ben's face.

"You really should be looking at Ben's knuckles, not his face," wisecracked Chuck. "Jason never touched him."

"Ben casually ducked under Jason's roundhouse. Then he dropped him like a bad habit," added Wes with a chuckle. "I never saw a guy go down so fast. Jason didn't know what hit him until we explained it to him when he came around. He's not just an asshole, but he has a glass jaw to boot."

Ben watched Becky closely for her reaction. If she tried to blame him or defend Jason, he would know they didn't belong together. There are things a man cannot accept, and Jason had crossed that line.

"Ben, I'm sorry I placed you in that situation. I didn't know Jason was such an ass. I guess he didn't know you're a Marine," stated Becky with a grin. "The Ivy League is nice, but Marines build men."

"They build some damn good golfers, too," insisted Wes. "Ben was making shots I couldn't believe."

"I assume Amber is pissed at Jason for acting like such an ass. Do you really think they'll break up?" asked Becky.

"I think it's pretty much a done deal," replied Candice. "Amber was telling me she was having second thoughts before Jason played the fool last night and then fucked up so badly today."

"I dumped his ass and gave him his ring back," broke in Amber as she approached the table. "I really feel I have to apologize to Becky and Ben for his behavior. You both were nothing but gracious to Jason and me. He just got so jealous of Ben he melted down. He's used to being the big frog in the pond and he felt Ben was making him look bad by comparison. To be quite honest, Ben was. Jason's taking a room at a motel in town for the night. It's embarrassing, but I'm glad I found out about his personality disorder before we were married."

"You have nothing to apologize for," insisted Becky. "That's all on Jason. I'm just glad you learned this before the wedding. Ben isn't upset, are you, Ben?"

"As long as you're not angry at me, I'm as happy as a clam," answered Ben with an easy smile. "I think we should enjoy our meals and just have a good time tonight."

Becky felt bad for Amber, but was delighted Ben had accounted so well for himself over the weekend. She couldn't help but notice how the staff at Centerfield treated her far more warmly that weekend than in the past. It was apparent that Ben was very well liked by the employees and being seen out him caused her stock to go up.

After dinner, the group moved to a large game room with a panoramic view of the golf course and spent a few hours chatting. Becky learned more about Ben that evening than she had in the previous few months. It was obvious that her friends enjoyed his company by the way they laughed and joked with him. They all promised to meet for breakfast the next morning in order to have some more time together before her friends caught their flight.

Becky had been careful to not drink too much and was pleased to see Ben was careful about what he drank. As he walked her to his car, she made a decision.

"Would you like me to go home with you tonight?" she asked nervously.

She was afraid Ben was going to turn her down the way he studied her face. Perhaps she had misread his interest! This was embarrassing.

"If you're certain, I'd be delighted," admitted Ben. "You don't have to come home with me to keep my interest. You're a beautiful woman with a great deal going for you. I'm extremely attracted to you, but I'll wait as long as you want. I'm under your spell."

As they entered Ben's apartment, Becky mentioned her concerns. "I never do this, Ben. I've only been with two men in my life and they were a few years ago. If you think of me as a booty call, or a friend with benefits after tonight, please don't ask to see me again."

"I'd like for us to be exclusive. I really enjoy being with you, Becky. If you're willing, we could see where this takes us," replied Ben before he pulled her into his arms.

Becky only had a couple of drinks, but she felt higher than she ever had in her life. Ben was willing to commit to an exclusive relationship! She made up her mind she would be the best lover he ever had. She'd do her best to keep his interest, and she felt great sex was one of the main requirements for a guy like Ben.

When Ben and Becky joined their friends at breakfast the next morning, Candice looked at her and smiled broadly. "It seems someone had a very good night! Talk about having a glow."

Amber looked at Becky and joined in. "We know she's not talking about me, so I'm guessing it's you. I slept alone. At least I managed a good night's sleep."

"Is anyone having the French toast?" asked Becky as she blushed a bright red. "Our guests always rave about it."

"Is there anything else you want to rave about this morning?" teased Candice. "I'm so happy for you, Becky. This trip was quite educational. Amber saw Jason's true colors and Becky saw... pretty much everything!"

Becky joined her friends in laughter at Candice's comment. Ben squeezed her hand under the table and it felt perfect. She had some great friends. They seemed to like Ben and that meant a lot to Becky. She trusted her friends to tell her if they felt he wasn't right for her, although she might argue the point.

Monday brought a new challenge for Becky. The daughter of Centerfield's owner, Victoria Blake, was suddenly scheduled to drop in, and management was expected to be in their offices and available to meet with her.

Becky was quite surprised when Victoria strode into her office shortly after nine. Her office had to be one of the first stops of the day. She saw a shadow in the doorway and looked to see Beverly with a look of disbelief on her face.

"I'm Victoria Blake. My mom owns this complex. She asked me to stop in and see how the operation is going and to report back to her. You're Rebecca Carson, are you not?"

Becky stood to greet the young woman. Becky took in the expensive clothes, the perfect makeup and the undeniable beauty of the woman as she extended her hand. This was a poised and confident young woman.

"I prefer to be called Becky. I'm just the assistant marketing director. Beverly Wentworth is my immediate superior. Her office is across the hall."

"I saw that," replied Victoria, showing little interest in the information. "Please call me Vickie. Do you like working here? Do you feel it's being run efficiently? Are the employees treated well?"

Becky was surprised at the bluntness of the questions and wondered why they were directed at her when there were quite a few people above her in Centerfield's food chain. She looked at Beverly's office only to see her listening intently. Victoria caught her concern and moved to close the door.

"Feel free to speak candidly. I assure you anything you tell me will remain between us, unless I feel it is something Mother should know. Even then, your position here will be protected," promised Victoria.

"This is a very well run business," replied Becky. "I'd only suggest a few tweaks here and there. I'm ashamed to admit I have not been interacting with many of the other employees as much as I should. I only recently came to that realization."

"I appreciate your honesty, Becky. I'd like to hear any suggestions you have. Please give me a moment to get some coffee," responded Victoria as she opened the office door to find Beverly standing nearby.

"Good, you're right here. Please see that Becky and I have coffee and Danish delivered here as soon as possible?"

"Of course, Miss Blake. I'll see to it immediately," stuttered the surprised and obviously embarrassed woman.

Victoria was smiling as she again closed the door to Becky's office. "There are some people who just can't kiss your ass enough. Now explain what it is you do here and how you think things could be improved."

Except for being interrupted by Beverly delivering a tray with coffee and half dozen pastries, the two women spent an uninterrupted hour discussing the business and how to improve it.

Becky found herself enjoying the beautiful woman's sense of humor as well as her business acumen. It was quite apparent she had done her homework regarding Centerfield, even though it was not one of the larger investments the Blake family held.

"Could you take me on a tour of the facility and the property?" asked Vickie, as Becky now knew her.

Once again, Becky concealed her surprise at the request. How would her superiors feel about Becky spending so much time with the daughter of their boss? Shouldn't top tier management be the people with whom Vickie spoke? Now she would be seen by many of the employees escorting Victoria Blake. How would this play out?

Becky decided she had no choice, and her superiors could not blame her if Vickie showed an unusual interest in her. Becky told Vickie what she knew about each division as they visited it. She noticed that everyone watched her with great interest as she led Vickie around the complex.

"You seem to be rather popular here," observed Vickie. "Most of the staff greet you warmly and call you by name. I like that. Good managers build a rapport with other team members."

Becky had noticed the unusual friendliness of the staff as well. She wondered about it until she hit upon a possible explanation. "I had a couple of dates with the assistant golf pro here. He seems to know everyone and they all like him. I think it may be they are warm to me because they like him so much."

"A workplace romance?" asked Vickie with lifted eyebrows.

"It was only a couple of dates. I was told there are no regulations against dating staff or guests as long as it wasn't inappropriate. Am I in trouble?" worried Becky.

"Hardly!" replied Vickie with a laugh. "I'm just curious to see this guy. You're a very attractive woman, so I imagine he's a good looking guy."

"You got that right," gushed Becky as she thought about Ben's face and body. "He's probably out of my league, but I'm not complaining. The surprising thing is he isn't some pompous ass who thinks he's God's gift to women. He's a good guy. You'd like him."

"I'm sure I would," responded Vickie quickly enough to cause Becky to reconsider what she was telling the other woman. Vickie was beautiful, almost beyond belief, wealthy, intelligent and single. It may not have been the smartest thing to tell her about Ben. A woman like Vickie could have any man she wanted, and who wouldn't want Ben?

Vickie was extremely perceptive and noticed Becky's reaction to her words. She felt the need to allay Becky's concerns. "Don't worry about me trying to move in on your guy. I hate women who pull that type of shit. Besides, I've been seeing a guy, and I don't lie or cheat."

"I have to admit that's a relief," Becky replied with a smile. "I can't compete with you, and I admit Ben is pretty special to me.

A few minutes later, the women entered the pro shop only to find Ben showing a young woman the correct putting stance. He stood close behind her with his arms around her and on her hands as he adjusted her grip.

"That's Ben. He's with a customer at the moment. Maybe I can introduce you later," offered Becky and Ben finally looked away from woman he was helping and saw Becky with Vickie and noticeably flinched.

Vickie seemed not to notice as she whispered to Becky. "He sure is good looking. Is he a good lover?"

"That's a little personal," Becky replied hesitantly before her pleasant memories of her night with Ben came flooding back. "I'm not the most experienced girl in the world, but he certainly did everything right for me."

"I thought so," Vickie stated as she grinned at her new friend.

"That may have been too much information," Becky quickly admitted. "Please don't spread that around. No one knows we've been intimate. I don't want to have rumors about us spread at work."

"I can understand that, as well as your attraction to your Ben. He's quite a catch. Is he wealthy?"

"Ben? No, he doesn't make that much as an assistant golf pro. My salary is more than his, but he was in the Marines, so I think he'll do well. He's smart, good looking and hard working. That's a formula for success."

Becky spent most of the day with Vickie and greatly enjoyed her company. Near the end of the work day, Becky returned to her office after Vickie drove off in her BMW.

"You seem to be on very good terms with Miss Blake," observed Beverly from the doorway to Becky's office.

"Yes, we hit it off. Vickie's really nice and down to earth. She doesn't act like a spoiled rich girl at all," stated Becky.

"You think so? She was picking your brain all day long. She honed in on you for a reason. I suspect it was because she felt you would be easy to manipulate. Did you find yourself telling her personal information? Maybe make some suggestions about better ways to run the business?"

"A little bit, but she wasn't looking for anything to use against us," assured Becky. "She was just being friendly."

"Keep telling yourself that," retorted Beverly." One of the wealthiest young women in the state dropped in and suddenly realized you were a lot of fun to talk to and spent the day with you. Her mother happens to own the business where you are employed, but she had no agenda? Time will tell just how friendly that woman is."

Becky found herself thinking about Beverly's words all night. She was awake long before dawn, and she made an impulsive decision. She would drive over to Ben's place and talk it over with him. He was level-headed and would have some logical input. On the way over, she would pick up some doughnuts to share with him.

When Becky pulled into the condo complex where Ben rented, she immediately noticed Vickie's white BMW with the vanity plates "VIK TRIA". Becky suddenly had a bad feeling about Victoria Blake. She sat in her car for a few minutes and watched Ben's doorway.

Becky felt ill when Victoria Blake stepped out the door. It got worse when the beautiful woman gave Ben a firm hug and a kiss on the cheek. Ben was bare-chested and wearing pajama bottoms!

She waited for Vickie to drive away and Ben to close the door before she drove back home with tears falling into her lap. She vowed that she would never believe a man again and to be especially wary of good looking men trying to get into her pants. Men were pigs, pure and simple.

For his part, Ben noticed he hadn't been seeing Becky around like he usually did. After a few days, he had to accept that she was avoiding him. It was the middle of the next week before he finally managed to catch her alone in a hall way.

"Becky, why are you avoiding me," he demanded.

"Because I don't want to see you. That should be quite evident," snapped Becky. "I told you I'm not going to be your booty call. Just leave me alone!"

"We agreed to be exclusive," reasoned Ben. "I'm not looking for sex. I just want to spend time with you. Why are you angry at me?"

"Think about everything you've done since we were together and it should come to you. Please don't talk to me anymore or I'll report you for harassment. You'll forget about me, if you haven't already. I do not want to see you again. Please respect my decision."

Ben slowly turned and walked dejectedly back down the hall. He had done something to upset Becky and he had no idea what. His deadline was rapidly approaching and he didn't have much hope of meeting it.

Becky spent most of her time in her office after that. Others noticed it, but Becky always cut them short when asked about it. It was five weeks later when Olivia Blake presented her proposal to Becky.

Friday afternoon found Becky having lunch with her mother, two sisters and three best friends. They had all arrived late Thursday evening and were extremely curious about Becky's wedding plans and the identity of the groom.

"I have been asked to not reveal his name," responded Becky to a question from her mother. "I know it's unusual, but that's the way it's going to be. Rest assured he's a decent man and will be able to support me quite well."

"This is way out of character for you, Sis. You were always the romantic one. Now you're rushing into a marriage with some guy your family has never even met. When did you meet this guy? Where did you meet him?" asked Becky's older sister, Nancy.

"Do you mean it isn't Ben?" asked a surprised Candice. "I assumed he was the guy you were marrying after the way you two acted when we visited you a few weeks ago."

"Who is Ben? Was he your boyfriend?" asked Becky's younger sister, Beth.

"It looks like you're about to find out," observed Leona when she noticed Ben was striding toward them.

"Becky, I need to talk to you!" insisted Ben as he stopped next to Becky's chair.

"Just leave, please," replied a surprised Becky. "We have nothing to talk about."

Everyone at the table watched in stunned amazement as Ben dropped to a knee next to Becky. "Please marry me! I'm in love with you and I think you must still have feelings for me."

Becky's mother was aghast at the sudden appearance of a very handsome young man asking her daughter to marry him. It was the day before her wedding and this fellow was trying to convince her to marry him instead! Her two daughters shared her confusion as they watched the drama unfold.

"I can't marry you, Ben. I don't trust you, so a marriage would be doomed. Why can't you see that?"

"Because you can trust me with your life!" insisted Ben. "I'd never hurt you. I certainly wouldn't lie to you."

"There's the problem. I know you're lying to me. We had a nice time together, but it's over now," concluded Becky.

"That night meant more to me than a nice time. I know it meant more to you, too. Why won't you just give me a chance?"

"You know you're a good lover. You think the sex is good enough to make me overlook your cheating and lying. That won't happen. Just leave me now or I'll call for help."

The women watched Ben dejectedly stand and walk off with his shoulders slumped.

"I'm sorry about that," apologized an emotional Becky. "I wasn't expecting that. He doesn't take rejection very well."

"Did you just tell that hunk he was a good lover?" asked Beth.

"Yes, I guess I did," admitted a flustered Becky. "I'm sorry I said that in front of everyone. That should have been a private conversation. In fact, it never should have taken place at all. What would possess a guy to embarrass himself like that?"

"I think I can answer that one," declared Amber. "That guy is so deeply in love with you he can't think straight. I doubt he even knew the rest of us were at the table. I have to wonder what he did to make you so determined to drop him from your life.

"I dropped Jason, but he was a pompous ass and a bully. Ben is courteous, thoughtful and handsome as hell."

"Yeah, Sis," added Becky's sister, Nancy. "Your fiancé must be something special to make you disappoint a hunk like that so badly. Will you give me his number?"

"Ha ha," replied Becky. "I certainly will not. I don't want a snake like that anywhere near my family. Forget you ever saw him."

"Could you at least tell us what made him such a good lover?" teased Candice. "I can't say I'm surprised at all, but inquiring minds want to know."

"My Mom is sitting here. I don't think she cares to hear the sordid details," responded Becky in an effort to end the conversation.

"Actually, my curiosity has been piqued," her mother stated, much to Becky's surprise. "He's an exceptionally handsome young man. It was obvious he's in excellent physical shape. I'm quite curious about him."

"Mom! We are not going to have that discussion. I'm getting married tomorrow. Please just be happy for me and forget about Ben. He's just a mistake I've managed to correct."

Candice watched Becky closely and could see she was unhappy and quite upset, although she strove to conceal it. This would be a topic for later, when Becky's family wouldn't be present. Something was very wrong and Candice was going to do her best to help her friend through it.

"Becky called me 'skanky'? I thought we got along great and were friends," said Vickie to her mother the morning of the wedding. "I wonder what Ben did to upset her so much. We were getting along famously the last time I saw her. You know how I took a day off law school so I could meet the woman Ben claimed to love. Where did it go wrong?"

"Now I'm wondering if she was the right choice. I didn't tell Ben who he was marrying today. He didn't seem to care very much. If it wasn't Becky, it didn't matter.

"The staff told me he approached Becky while she was having lunch with her family and her college friends, He got down on one knee and asked her to marry him! She flatly refused and sent him packing," marveled Olivia Blake.

"I'm afraid she'll refuse to go through with our deal once she sees it's Ben she's marrying. How will that make him feel? He's quite depressed already," worried Olivia.

"Mom, she loves him. I know she does. Let's hope she lets go of whatever it is that's pissed her off so badly and comes to her senses. Ben is the best catch in the state. Why did Grandfather have to be such a jerk about Ben's youthful indiscretions? He's trying to control Ben from his grave."

"My father was a man of honor. When your father died, he assumed the role of father to you and Ben. Of course, Ben had to rebel. He was in all kinds of trouble, much of which you were never told.

"When Dad learned he had terminal cancer, he decided it was time for Ben to grow up. That's why he set up the company the way he did. Ben knew he had to follow Dad's instructions or we'd all lose everything. Dad made it clear he'd pass everything on to charity if Ben didn't get with the program."

"I can understand wanting Ben to show more maturity, but insisting he go into the Marines right after graduation was pretty cruel. Ben could have been killed. He did a tour in Afghanistan, for God's sake!" complained Becky. "We're just lucky he's still alive."

"Dad felt it was less risk than Ben running with some of his high school friends. Two of them have died since graduation, and another is serving a ten year prison term," pointed out Olivia. "Look at how Ben grew and matured in the Marines. He went to college and got a degree after his tour of duty was up. I was angry at Dad back then, but I see how much good it all did Ben. I'm very proud of the man he's become."

"I still don't see why Grandpa put in that last provision that Ben be married by his twenty-seventh birthday or all of the company's holdings would be dispersed to charities. Hasn't Ben done enough?" asked an emotional Vickie.

"Dad felt that marriage and fatherhood should be one of the fundamental goals and achievements of a successful man," explained Olivia. "The will was written so I was to select a bride for Ben if he failed to find one through his own efforts by his birthday, which, as you know, is Monday. Ben understood and agreed to it, long ago. I know he expected to find the right girl before it became necessary for me to become involved, but it is what it is."

"That's why you're not telling Becky or Ben who they are expected to marry, isn't it? This way they'll be face to face and either hash it out or put an end to it.

"Ben making a scene at lunch was just him trying to marry the girl he loved before his mother stepped in and found a bride for him," marveled Vickie. "I wish that girl knew how much Ben loves her. That must have been embarrassing."

"My spies tell me he was devastated. All the staff is talking about it and wondering what the hell is wrong with Becky," acknowledged Olivia. "We're just a few hours away from finding out if Becky will go through with it. I have a very strong hunch that Miss Wentworth will stand in if we need a warm body."

"You mean Beverly?" asked Becky as she made a face expressing her displeasure. "She'd marry a damn donkey if it allowed her to get her hands on our family checkbook."

Shortly before one, Candice was with Becky, trying to talk her out of going through with a loveless marriage. "I promised I wouldn't tell anyone about you getting ownership of this place for marrying some sick bastard who can't find a wife on his own, but this is killing me. Ben's the guy for you! He loves you. I know he does. Why do you refuse to tell us what he did to upset you so much?

"He banged my future sister-in-law a couple days after he promised we'd be exclusive, okay? Are you happy now?" demanded Becky as she wiped tears away in an attempt to save her makeup.

"Ben did that? Are you sure? It sounds pretty strange to me. You said she was only here the one day and you got along great with her."

"Well, she was also here for one night and Ben got along ever better with her," replied Becky bitterly. "I can't be with a guy like that. If I accept lying, cheating and disrespect now, it'll only get worse."

"I just wish there was another way, Becky. Leona, Amber and I all liked Ben a lot. He seemed like such a good guy. We'll try to like your new very wealthy husband, just as much. It sounds like the music is starting. Your dad is here to walk you down the aisle. "

Ben stood waiting at the altar in the chapel at the resort, waiting for his bride. Tim Mason was his best man and Jim Peak was his groomsman. He had been told the bride would only have a maid of honor and one bridesmaid, so he should choose his attendants accordingly.

As he waited, he thought back when his grandfather told him he needed to become a man and stop being a burden to society. He wasn't entitled to the family wealth simply because he was born into the family. He needed change drastically, and permanently. That was why his grandfather insisted he join the Marines. Even in the current situation, Ben silently thanked his grandfather for insisting he turn his life around and make it mean something.

The bridal march began playing and Ben turned to watch his future wife enter the chapel. Her heavy veil made it impossible to identify her, but Ben had surprisingly little concern. If it wasn't Becky, it really didn't matter much. He noticed Candice, Amber and Leona standing with their mouths hanging open in surprise. Ben wondered if his mother had invited them, and if so, why?

The chapel was filled. Many of the seats were taken by employees given some time off to attend and fill the seats. Ben chuckled at their obvious shock at him being THE Bentley Johnson Blake, son of Olivia Blake and heir to a vast fortune. They all knew him as Ben, and that was the way he preferred it.

In the front were the other women who had been with Becky when he had humiliated himself so publicly the previous day. They were animatedly chattering to each other as the bride and her father stopped in front of him. Ben watched as the man lifted the veil and was stunned to see Becky!

Becky had forced herself to remain calm as her father escorted her down the aisle. She had decided to not look at her future husband until it was absolutely necessary. She had conducted an internet search and found nothing once Bentley Blake graduated from school. He had greasy long hair covering much of his face in every photo she could find on the web. It was a small wonder his mother had to buy a bride for him.

As her father lifted her veil, she raised her eyes to finally look at her future husband. It was Ben, looking incredibly handsome in a tailored tuxedo! The fact he looked so good served to fuel her anger.

"What in hell are you doing here?" she demanded. "I agreed to marry Bentley Blake, not Ben Johnson, if that's even your real name. If this is supposed to be a joke, it isn't funny."

"Your name is Bentley?" asked Ben's best man. "I wish we knew that over in the sand box. We would've busted your balls good."

"Not a good time, Tim," stated Ben. "Why are you here if you didn't want to marry me, Becky? I thought you believed I did some horrible thing to make you hate me. Did the money change your mind?"

"Fuck you and fuck your family's money!" shouted Becky. "You're a damn liar, a cheat and an asshole. There isn't enough money in the world to get me to marry you!"

"How did I ever lie or cheat? My name is Ben Johnson, or at least it's the one I used in the Marines. That's the closest I ever came to lying to you, except maybe posing as an employee here to learn more about the way Centerfield is currently operated" insisted Ben.

"How about that damn beautiful bitch standing by your mother?" yelled Becky. "Did she spend the night with you? It was the same day she lied to me about not wanting to steal my guy. That night she slept with you! You both make me sick."

"You mean my sister? You're upset because Vickie stayed at my place one night?"

"We didn't sleep together, thank you very much," broke in Vickie. "Ben told me he had fallen in love with some beautiful, if somewhat judgmental and neurotic bitch, so I drove down to check her out. You fooled me. I gave Ben my blessings the next morning, right after he got up off the couch and visited the bathroom."

"Vickie is your sister," stated Becky like she should have known it. "You didn't sleep with your sister. You slept on the couch, like a good brother would do."

"You thought I slept with my sister? What kind of creep do you think I am?" asked Ben angrily.

"No! I mean I didn't know she was your sister. I saw her leave your condo that morning. She hugged you and kissed your cheek. You were only wearing pajama bottoms, so I thought she had seduced you, or maybe you seduced her. I didn't know she was your sister."

"Didn't that night we spent together mean anything to you, Becky? Was I just a hookup, or was it more?"

"It was a lot more. You made me pregnant. You broke my heart when Vickie left your apartment and I thought you were lovers. I hated you, her and even myself. I don't know...

"Did you say you're pregnant?" asked Ben softly.

"Is that all you got out of my expression of despair and grief? I'm not sure it's yours. It could have been someone else. I have lots of lov..." was as far as she got before Ben pulled her to him and kissed her soundly.

Once he pulled back, Ben smiled at her. "Don't bullshit me. I know you haven't been seeing any others. You're not the only person who stalks their lover. Is this your father?"

At Becky's nod, Ben extended his hand to the older man who had escorted her down the aisle. The man tentatively took it and shook with Ben. "Sir, I'm in love with your daughter. I'm asking for your permission to ask her for her hand in marriage."

Becky's father had listened to everything that had transpired, but was totally confused at the turn of events. One thing he had gleaned was his daughter was pregnant. He felt the need to protect her.

"I don't know about that," began the man. That was as far as he got before Becky's mother elbowed him while his other two daughters called "Dad!" at the same time.

Those were actions the man understood. "If my daughter chooses to accept your proposal, we'd be pleased to have you in the family."

Ben once again dropped to a knee in front of Becky. "Becky, I love you and want you to be my wife. Will you marry me?"

"Yes!" responded Becky emphatically.

"Dude, I never saw a man propose on the altar during his own wedding before," observed Ben's groomsman, Jim. "Is your name really Bentley?"

Once the ceremony concluded and Becky and Ben had accepted well wishes from everyone, Becky's mother-in-law hugged her tightly. "Olivia, I feel guilty about taking money to marry your son. If I had known it was Ben and he wasn't sleeping with your daughter, I would have gladly married him with no compensation."

"Ben, along with his wife, will be the majority owner in the family businesses. He'll receive some input from his sister and mother, but will rely a great deal on his wife," replied Olivia with a chuckle as she hugged Becky a second time. "When you need someone to watch the baby, please think of me. It's well worth any price to have my son happy and a grandchild in my arms. As far as my family's concerned, you're a blessing."​