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Date Posted: 03:06:46 02/17/08 Sun
Author: Hannah
Author Host/IP: port144.dialup.bfree.on.ca / 66.207.116.144
Subject: Northern Woods, Chapter 140
In reply to: Hannah 's message, "Northern Woods" on 01:01:21 02/11/08 Mon

Chapter 140

Just then, the hired musicians paused in their playing and there was a muted round of applause throughout the ballroom.

Chuck looked towards the door and smiled. There were Michael and Nikita, standing in the entrance. “Excuse me ladies. I’d like to go and greet the happy couple.”

“Of course.” Sarah replied as she gazed at the lovely blonde who was dressed in an exquisite raspberry satin gown. “Is that her?”

“Yes.” Chuck said softly. “Was I right?”

Without waiting for a reply from either lady, Chuck quickly disappeared from their side, only to reappear next to the guests of honour minutes later.

“Oh yes.” Marie said as she looked at the gorgeous blonde who was standing next to Michael. “What a beautiful girl! Look how he looks at her! Oh Sarah… you remember how miserable that bitch made him before, don’t you?”

“Yes.” Sarah replied. “No one at the office liked her.”

“I don’t doubt it for a minute.” Marie replied. “Chuck and I have known Michel since we were children. He’s like a brother to me. Every time I heard how miserable Elena made him, I wanted to strangle her! I’m so glad to see how happy he looks now!”

Sarah smiled slightly at Marie’s pleased exclamation and nodded in agreement. “So am I. Monsieur Samuelle is a good man. It’s a pleasure to work for him.”

~~~~~~
Nikita stood at the doorway to the grand ballroom clutching Michael’s hand. The polite applause that had greeted their entrance died and suddenly she felt faint. Normally, her self-confidence did not desert her, and she knew it shouldn’t now. After all, she knew that Michael would help her though anything that might happen.

“What’s wrong, ma chérie?” Michael whispered as he continued to hold her hand and shift his intense gaze between her trembling lower lip and her eyes.

“I’m afraid Michael.” She admitted quietly.

“You have nothing to be afraid of ma belle.” Michael said with a soft smile as he lifted her hand to brush it gently with his lips. “You look incredible, I adore you… and we’re going to have a wonderful evening. This party is for us and I can’t wait to introduce you to all my friends.”

“Oh Michael.” She breathed lovingly as she smiled shyly at his handsome face. “I love you too! It’s just that there are so many people here! And they’re all looking at me!”

Michael grinned. “Ah yes. No doubt all the men are jealous of me. They didn’t get to arrive with an angel.”

“Michael!” Nikita said demurely as a soft flush crept into her cheeks.

She couldn’t help but remember the reaction Michael had displayed when she’d first appeared in her finery tonight for his ‘inspection.’ The wolf whistle he’d come out with had been long and appreciative. Never in her life had she had a man react to her that way, but that hadn’t been the half of it. The look in his eyes as he’d surveyed her appearance had been heated and possessive. For a brief moment she had almost asked him to cancel the entire party so she could spend several hours just having him.

‘I will later.’ She promised herself. ‘Oh my God, the way the man looked at me!’

“What’s really bothering you, chérie?” Michael asked as his loving eyes scanned her treasured features and his smile turned tender. Solicitously he brushed her velvet cheek with the back of his knuckles. “Is it my old girlfriends being here?”

“Well, yes a little. I hope they won’t hate me.” She replied shyly, gazing up at him adoringly through her mascara darkened lashes.

“You are my wife.” Michael said firmly; as his eyes hardened and his jaw took on a stubborn set. “I don’t care who likes that fact or not. They will treat you with respect or they will be asked to leave.”

Marie nudged Sarah slightly again. “Look Sarah! Look how he’s looking at her! He obviously adores her! Oh it’s so nice to see! Look, there’s Chuck! If I know my brother, he’s going to take over for a few minutes. This should be fun!”

‘‘Monsieur Johnson is correct.’ Sarah thought as a small smile blossomed on her normally serious face as she followed Marie’s gaze across the room. ‘‘Nikita Samuelle is as gorgeous as any model I’ve ever seen. You can tell even from here that Monsieur Samuelle loves her… but the way she looks him! Incredible! No wonder he’s seemed so happy since he’s returned! And if she’s as nice as Monsieur Johnson claims, I can’t wait to meet her!’

Nikita nodded at Michael’s words and looked up just then to see Chuck arrive by Michael’s right shoulder.

“Hi Chuck.” She said shyly.

“Good evening Michel; Nikita.” Chuck replied as he tried not to gape at the beauty in front of him. “If I may say so Nikita, you look lovely.”

“She does, doesn’t she?” Michael replied with a proud smile; his eyes never wavering from hers.

“Thank you.” Nikita said quietly as she smiled shyly at Michael once more.

“Is something wrong?” Chuck asked with a frown as he sensed the tension in the air. ‘What have I forgotten? I can’t think of a single thing!’

“Nikita’s nervous, Chuck.” Michael confided quietly. “I’d forgotten what a big crowd this would be. I’m sorry Kita… it was never my intention for you to be nervous.”

“It’s okay Michael.” She said taking a deep breath. “I’ll be okay as long as you’re with me.”

“I’m not going anywhere.” Michael promised as he finally broke eye contact with his bride to glance at his best friend. “Now, let’s begin, shall we?”

With that, Michael led his wife by the hand and followed Chuck to the table that had been set apart for them. Madeleine and Lakeisha had been standing nearby, having a glass of wine and getting acquainted; while Willie hovered in the background. He had been wired in the same manner that Maria had been earlier and was in discreet contact with the rest of the team.

The polite welcoming applause died and Chuck stepped in to fill the awkward pause that had developed. Moving closer to the microphone the management had placed there earlier that evening, he began to address the crowd.

“Mesdames et Messieurs…. Attention, s’il vous plait?” When the crowd complied, and a hush fell, he continued, “Would you all have a seat, please?”

Willie and the rest of the security team continued their stance, and soon only Michael, Nikita and Chuck were left standing. Lakeisha and Madeleine sat down at the places set aside for them at a nearby table and waited expectantly to see what would happen next.

“Who’s that?” Lakeisha whispered to Madeleine.

“That’s Chuck Johnson.” Madeleine replied readily. “He and Michel have been friends for years. They’re like brothers. Chuck ran Samtech Industries while Michel was away.”

“I see. He’s very handsome.” Lakeisha said as she watched Michael’s friend appreciatively. “Is he married?”

“No, and as far as I know he doesn’t have a girlfriend either.” Madeleine supplied helpfully with a sly smile.

“What’s he like?” Lakeisha inquired as she assessed the tall handsome man who was standing with Michael and Nikita.

“He’s a very nice man.” Madeleine said honestly. “Some girl will be very lucky some day, I think.”

“Hmmm.” Lakeisha commented, in a non-committed tone. “I’d like to meet him.”

“That shouldn’t be a problem.” Madeleine said with a broad grin. Her brown eyes danced impishly as she took in the beautiful green clad woman in front of her. Nikita’s friend was a charming lady and if Chuck liked her, who knew what might happen. She’d also noticed the new security man Willie couldn’t keep his eyes off this lovely lady either. Tonight just might prove to be interesting for all concerned.

“I’d like that.” Lakeisha replied.

“Shhh…” Madeleine said. “I think he’s going to give a speech.”

Willie continued to linger on the fringes of the crowd insuring their safety. Chuck stood apart from the happy couple and continued to speak to the ballroom’s inhabitants.

“Tonight I have the privilege of welcoming my old friend Michel Samuelle back to Montreal after an absence of two long years.” Chuck began in English. “I have missed him and I am happy he’s returned.”

“I’m sure you are Chuck.” Michael joked as his friend paused in his speech. “You were probably overworked.”

“Yes, but not underpaid.” Chuck joked back. “I have a generous boss.”

The crowd laughed politely and once their response had died down, Chuck continued.

“Imagine my surprise when Michel called me before he arrived to tell me he had married.” Chuck grinned. “ ‘She’s beautiful’ he said to me. Ah yes, I thought… that’s what all men say when they’re in love.”

Couples throughout the room grinned and looked at each other fondly.

“If I remember correctly,” Michael interrupted in French again with a twinkle in his green eyes, “you tried to convince me otherwise.”

“I did. I was convinced you were deluded, mon ami. We all know that appearances can be deceptive,” he replied softly in French, so that only Michael could hear. Both of them knew he was alluding to Elena, “and I have always considered it to be my duty as your friend to keep you from delusions.” Chuck replied as he tried to keep a straight face.

The situation was humorous now, but at the time, he’d been afraid for his friend.

‘I haven’t always been successful in keeping you from delusions, my friend. After Elena, and all the women after her… what friend wouldn’t have been afraid for you?’ Chuck thought as he remembered why he had reacted that way during that fateful call.

“I think you take your “duties” far too seriously.” Michael smirked back in that language as well. He understood all too well what Chuck had meant by his comment. He had been fooled by Elena, but he also knew that problem was no longer an issue.

“And you became upset with me… non?” Chuck bantered back.

“I did.” Michael replied, valiantly trying to repress his grin. “Who was right?”

“You were, mon ami... you were.” Chuck said, suddenly serious. “Elle est si belle. Forgive me for doubting your taste, mon ami. You are a very lucky man.”

“Thank you. ” Michael replied solemnly.

“Michael?” Nikita asked quietly. “What is Chuck saying?”

“He’s reminding me of a conversation we had when I called him from Toronto.” Michael replied honestly. “He didn’t want to believe me when I told him how beautiful you were, and he’s apologizing.”

“Michael!” Nikita replied, as she felt heat rise in her cheeks.

“What chérie?” Michael replied lovingly. “Do you think I’m the only one who can see how lovely you are?”

Nikita didn’t know how to reply to that and Michael chuckled quietly at her look of confusion.

“To continue…” Chuck said in a louder voice, and this time returning to the use of English to do so, “I was, of course, delighted to hear of my friend’s happiness. As a friend, I was only too glad to organize this evening’s gathering for my friend and his lovely bride.”

At this, the assemblage applauded once again. Chuck waited until the polite acknowledgement had died down.

Nikita blushed and Michael grinned as he noticed that she lowered her eyes modestly. With a grin, he nodded at his friend to continue as he tightened his arm possessively around his wife’s trim satin encased waistline.

“Tonight my friend wishes to introduce all of you to his wife, Nikita.” At this point in his speech, Chuck paused again and turned slightly to smile warmly at his friend’s lovely wife.

Nikita took a deep breath then and raised her eyes to look directly at Chuck. She knew she had to get over her embarrassment if she was to make Michael proud of her. She was relieved to see that Michael’s friend was smiling at her warmly.

“Nikita… welcome. I don’t believe I’ve ever met anyone quite like you. You are beautiful… and that beauty shines from within you. I hope we’ll always be the best of friends.”

“I think we will.” Nikita said shyly, speaking up for the first time she entered the room.

“I’d like that. Michel has been like a brother to me for many years… and now, it seems I have a new sister!” Chuck said sincerely, and with a huge grin.

The crowd applauded politely once more and as Michael looked around the room, he noted that his friends were all smiling in agreement with Chuck’s comments. His face blossomed into a broad grin. Things were going beautifully and he couldn’t remember feeling happier than he was at this moment.

“Nikita… I have never seen Michel this happy before! I know we can lay credit for that at your door.” Chuck said as he noted the pleased expression on his friend’s face. “I thank you for that with all my heart and I have no doubt that Michel’s other friends will feel that way too. Welcome to Montreal and into our hearts.”

‘What a nice man he is.’ Lakeisha thought appreciatively as she watched Chuck’s handsome face. ‘I wonder if he would be this attentive to a woman of his own.’

Again the crowd politely applauded and Nikita felt her face flush once more. She also heard Michael’s soft chuckle and felt his arm tighten around her waist once more.

Chuck now looked at Michael directly. All the humour left his face and he continued seriously. “I only have one other thing I’d like to say. Michel…mon ami. It is my sincere hope that you and your lovely wife will have many happy years together and that your home will be filled with love and children’s laughter. You deserve that.”

‘Especially after being married to that witch!’ Chuck added mentally. ‘Thank God she’s gone and that Adam is going to be raised by this lovely lady! The poor kid needs her!’

The crowd applauded once again, and Chuck made his way over to Michael and the two men hugged briefly.

‘Madeleine was right.’ Lakeisha thought in wonder as she watched Michael and his friend. ‘He’s a very nice man… and so sensitive! He’s nothing like Willie! Why in the world is he still single? He’s handsome and he seems to be well off too. Why hasn’t some woman snagged him before now?’

Willie, along with all the other inhabitants of the room was watching and listening intensely to Chuck’s speech. He was also watching Lakeisha’s face, and as he did, his heart sank.

‘I’ve lost her.’ He thought miserably. ‘Chuck doesn’t know it yet, but she’s fallen for him. Why was I so foolish to take her for granted? Michael tried to warn me… I’m such a fool!’

“Thank you Chuck.” Michael said softly as he shook his friend’s hand in thanks. “Your words mean a lot to me. I hope for the same things.”

“I hope I didn’t embarrass you too much, Nikita.” Chuck said seriously as he looked at his friend’s lovely wife.

“Well, maybe a little, but that’s okay, Chuck.” Nikita said softly. “Thank you for the lovely welcome. Suddenly, I don’t feel nervous anymore.”

“Good… and you’re welcome.” Chuck said simply as he turned again to look at his old friend. “Michel?”

“Oui, mon ami?” Michael replied with a smile as he watched his best friend and his wife converse.

“May I kiss the bride?”

Michael smiled and nodded, and Chuck turned to Nikita once again. “Nikita… is that all right with you?”

Nikita smiled shyly and Chuck took pity on her. She was still clearly embarrassed, so instead of kissing her lips, he gently clasped her hands, bent slightly and softly kissed her cheek. Then he released her hands and stepped away.

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