CEO's Expectant Secretary by Leanne Banks Read Free Book Online

same,” Elle muttered, thinking of her grandfather and how she had betrayed Brock.
    “Close enough,” Lauren said. “Just try to be open to possibilities. It could turn out much differently than you expect—I speak from experience. Most importantly,take care of yourself. You’ve got someone precious growing inside you.”
    Elle felt a sudden urge to cry. Her eyes burned with unshed tears. “Thank you,” she said. “You don’t know how much I appreciate that.”
    Lauren pulled her into an embrace. “Have you thought about names?”
    “That’s way in the future,” Elle said. “I’m still just getting through today.”
    “The good times will come soon. Believe me,” Lauren said.
    Elle could only hope her friend was right.
     
    Two days later, Elle put on the dress she and her mother had found on sale at an exclusive shop not far from Maddox Communications. Elle had thought about visiting Brock at the office at the time, then quickly dismissed the idea. He wouldn’t have wanted her there.
    “You look beautiful,” her mother said, hugging her. “I’m so happy you’re getting married. I’m so happy your baby will have the father you never had. You have no idea what a relief that is, Elle.” Her mother sighed. “I wish I could have given you that.”
    Elle’s heart twisted. “You gave me the best things in the world. You, attention and bubbles.”
    Her mother laughed. “You always did like bubbles.” She put her hands on Elle’s belly. “I bet your baby will like bubbles, too.”
    “You and I both will blow bubbles for him or her,” Elle said, unable to resist a smile.
    “Yes, we will,” her mother said. “But first, it’s time foryou to get married.” She leaned toward Elle and brushed a kiss over her cheek. “You’re beautiful, sweetheart. Your Brock is so lucky. Be happy, my girl. Be happy.”
    Elle could only hope. She forced her lips into a smile as her stomach turned somersaults. She looked in the mirror. Was that really her? That woman wearing ivory with baby’s breath in her hair? Was she really going to marry Brock Maddox? And could they really make their marriage work?
    She and her mother rode in a chauffeured car to the beach location for the wedding. The sun had burned off most of the morning fog, so at least there would be no rain. The car pulled to a stop in front of the private cottage where they would eat a meal afterward. Elle spotted Brock in the distance. Her heart stuttered at the sight of him. When she’d first met him, she’d never dared to dream they would be married. There were too many obstacles. She wondered again if this was a mistake.
    “Elle,” her mother said, lifting her hand to smooth the crease between Elle’s brows. “Stop worrying. This is a happy day.”
    “But—” Elle said, fear twisting her inside like a vise.
    “No buts,” her mother said. “Remember. Never trouble trouble unless trouble troubles you.”
    Elle smiled at the saying her mother had quoted to her so many times throughout the years. She took a deep breath. Just for today, she would try not to trouble trouble. She followed her mother from the car to the cottage where the hostess greeted them.
    “Everyone is ready for you,” the woman said. “Especially the groom. The harpist is already playing.”
    “Harpist?” Elle said in surprise, craning to look out the window.
    “Oh, I’m sorry,” the hostess said. “Perhaps that was supposed to be a surprise.”
    Her mother’s eyes danced with excitement. “I’ll go first, like we planned,” she said, smoothing her blue dress then lifting her hand to Elle’s cheek. “I’m so happy for you, and for the baby.”
    Elle’s stomach dipped. “I love you, Mom,” she said.
    Elle watched her mother walk down the stone path, then down smooth wooden planks over the sandy beach. The blue-gray Pacific rippled with white crests. Gathering her courage, she walked toward the door. A bouquet was pushed into her hands.
    Blinking, Elle