Chapter 46

forty-six

DANIEL

I glanced at my watch, then strode into the master bedroom. My grandfather and brother would be here in twenty minutes. If I didn't get a move on, I'd still be hunting for my cufflinks when they arrived.

Ben was getting ready in the spare bedroom. It was a big night for everyone, but especially for him. Over the last fortnight, my secretary and PR team had spent a lot of time replying to emails and calls about the award. With some of the top names in the jewelry industry making the final round of judging, most people had taken B.J. Davis out of the running. No one in their right mind thought an unknown jeweler from Colorado would win the award.

But they couldn't have been more wrong. Ben's jewelry had scored higher than the other finalists on creativity, execution, and design. His necklace and earring set had captivated the judges, and Ben had captivated me.

I opened my bedside drawer, looking for the silver cufflinks that were a graduation gift from my grandparents. If they weren't here, I didn't know where they could have gone. When I saw their small black box underneath some papers, I breathed a sigh of relief.

As I pushed the first cufflink through a buttonhole, I looked at the sheet of paper my secretary had given me. A contingent of high-profile reporters, bloggers, and social media influencers would be at the Rockefeller Center, wanting to interview anyone directly involved in the award. It was my job to know who they were and where they'd be seated.

Once the second cufflink was in place, I pulled on my dinner jacket and stepped into the living room. Ben stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows, staring at the Manhattan skyline. His black dinner jacket hugged his wide shoulders and lean hips. My heart pounded and everything inside of me stilled.

I didn't believe in fairy tales or happily ever after, but I did believe in Ben. He was the most important person in my life. I loved him and would do everything I could to protect him.

I cleared my throat, letting him know I was in the room. "You look fantastic."

He turned and smiled. "So do you."

"How are you feeling?"

His smile dimmed. "I don't know whether I'm more nervous about meeting your family or about the presentation."

I walked across the room and held his hands. "It'll be okay. I guarantee Granddad and Owen will like you. And the award ceremony will be a breeze. If you can organize a charity auction, you can accept a trophy from me."

Genuine fear darkened Ben's eyes. "What if I forget my speech or trip over my feet?"

I squeezed his hands. "Just be yourself. That's all anyone expects from you."

"It's not that simple."

I knew what he meant. From the moment the judging panel had chosen him as the winner, nothing had been simple. And if I was completely honest, it never would be again.

The doorbell rang. "That'll be Granddad and Owen. Are you ready to meet them?"

Despite his nerves, Ben nodded. "Is your brother like you?"

Wrapping my hand around his elbow, I led him across to the front door. "Not really. He's more handsome and less grumpy."

He bit his bottom lip. "You're saying that to make me feel better."

I grinned. "Is it working?"

He sent me a grateful smile. "Yes. Thank you."

"You're welcome." I gently kissed him. "I'm sorry I can't spend more time with you before the presentation, but we don't want anyone to know who won the award until it's presented. When you arrive at the Rockefeller Center, Granddad and Owen will look after you. Afterward, I'll be right beside you."

Ben's hand tightened on my arm. "Thank you for everything you've done for me."

I brushed my hand along his jaw. "You're special, Ben. Even if I hadn't fallen in love with you, my company would still be presenting you with the award. None of this would be possible without your creativity and determination. You design incredible pieces of jewelry and Wilson Enterprises is proud to be associated with you."

Ben took a deep, shaky breath. "We're a great team."

"We are." When I opened the door, I stared into my grandfather's deep brown eyes. All I could do now was pray that everything worked out the way it was supposed to.