Page 25 of Craig

Windows were floor to ceiling. It was from one of those the very tall man turned away, leaning on an ivory cane.

The resemblance to the man standing next to her took her aback and had her staring.

Her reaction, her beauty, and the fact that the boy was holding onto her like she was his salvation had his brow clearing. He had done his research on her, of course, and had his misgivings, wondering if she was a gold digger.

"He didn't tell you?" His voice was deep and rusty, a smile touching his lips.

"No."

"You're late." He shot a look at the boy who merely lifted a brow, as he guided Regina forward.

"My fault entirely." Pulling away from Craig, Regina extended a hand.

"I'm habitually tardy." When he took her hand, she tilted her head to stare at him.

"You certainly don't look like a man who's on his deathbed."

The sharp intake of breath from Craig was the only sound in the room for a full minute. Then the sound of laughter split the air, surprising the couple.

Cecil Muldoon grinned, his mood taking a turn. The gal would do indeed.

The boy had made a hell of a choice.

"I'm not dead yet." He turned his head to his grandson, and Craig saw, to his surprise, the approval portrayed there.

He had been dreading this meeting ever since Regina agreed to the plan, knowing that Cecil Muldoon might have certain attributes he wanted his future granddaughter-in-law to possess.

But from all appearances, it looked like she had passed the initial test.

And she handled herself well. If she was intimidated by her surroundings and the questions Cecil peppered her with, it didn't show.

She matched him question for question during the five-course meal in the very formal dining room with maids flitting in and out like shadows.

He asked about her tattoo, and she told him she was free to do whatever she pleased because it was her body. "I have more."

She slid a glance to Craig, her smile wicked.

"In a more intimate place. Ask your grandson."

"I'm not going to answer that." As hard as he tried, the flush still stained his face.

Cecil guffawed in delight, then asked her about her sketchy career in acting. "Couldn't hack it?" he mused with a glint in his eyes.

"Darling, I can 'hack' anything I put my mind to. I just hated the constant competition and smiling or posing for the camera. That's why I gave up modeling as well. God! This is too delicious for words," she murmured, savoring the chocolate soufflé on her tongue.

"As soft as butter and completely sinful." She opened her eyes to see both men watching her.

"I've a weakness for chocolate."

Clearing his throat, Cecil picked up his coffee and took a fortifying sip. "The wedding will be a church one."

"No." Regina responded before Craig could.

"I don't believe in churches. Too many hypocrites with the goal of lining their pockets. We have the wedding here. A small, intimate ceremony. Craig already has a minister in mind."

She touched his hand briefly and met his eyes.

"You don't believe in God?" Cecil asked with a frown.