Stepping into the main gaming area, all eyes were drawn toward Kendall. She was every bit as breathtaking as Zach had told her, and the assembled men and women alike acknowledged it by their reaction. He looked at his wife with pride at her beauty and accomplishments in overcoming the difficulties that had led to this opening night. He had been deeply saddened by her family's behavior, and felt a good measure of guilt at the current state of estrangement between Kendall and Bianca and Erica. However, she had emphatically told him that she would not allow it to disrupt their evening… and he hoped that his son did not try to ruin things by crashing their party either.
Ethan's continued offensive had made it impossible to even be civil with him. He had been doing all that he could to peddle influence and outright bribes to prevent any successes in re-opening the casino, and had extended his anger toward Kendall and her family after the confrontation at the Valley Inn. If Ethan continued on this path it would lead to his own destruction, as Livia had already provided the authorities with several examples of Ethan's direct attempts to circumvent the legal process. However, the more Ethan aimed his attacks toward Kendall and Bianca the less understanding Zach was of the boy's pain. He found it ironic that the earnest young man Zach had wanted to believe in but had denied for his own good had turned so completely into a childish bully that he was ashamed to recognize as his son… and he wondered if he been blind to Ethan's true nature when they had first met.
Zach's pride and affection for Kendall completely eclipsed anything he had ever felt before. It was tangible to everyone around them… and the friends who had remained by their side since the marriage had noted their genuine fondness for each other. Where Erica and Bianca had been judgmental and unforgiving of Kendall's impulsive marriage, even Jackson had unbent to a small degree after regular contact during legal maneuverings. Kendall's relationship with Greenlee and Ryan had stabilized to normal levels, and Greenlee had even argued with Erica about the marriage on more than one occasion. He smiled to himself at the incongruity of having Greenlee Lavery and Jackson Montgomery as allies.
Zach's smile broadened noticeably as they were approached by Myrtle Fargate, a woman who had worked tirelessly to convince Erica and Bianca to give him a chance… and his one source of hope at restoring a relationship between mother and daughters. Without a word she pulled Kendall into a warm embrace, her eyes twinkling as she looked at Zach.
"Zach Slater, you handsome devil, you are monopolizing the most beautiful girl in the room," she said after relinquishing Kendall.
"The two most ravishing women now that you've joined us," he chuckled.
He allowed Myrtle to embrace him and she whispered in his ear, "Erica is on her best behavior tonight… she promised not to ruin it for Kendall. I've been able to accomplish that much at least."
He kissed her on the cheek in silent appreciation before stepping back and turning to greet Marion and Stuart Chandler who had quickly approached at their arrival. Marion had found them a spacious loft that was currently undergoing renovation and they hoped to move in a few weeks. As usual, Stuart pumped Zach's hand vigorously and commented on how well marriage agreed with him, but Marion was much more interested in speaking with Kendall.
"May I examine your necklace?" Marion asked Kendall as she approached the younger woman. "It's stunning, Kendall."
Kendall smiled and touched the sapphire, "Isn't it, though? The necklace and earrings were a wedding present, but he keeps adding to my collection as we open casinos."
Myrtle was still beside them and asked, "What are the additions, darlin'?"
Kendall held her wrist aloft and said, "This bracelet was to celebrate opening the casino in Vegas and the sapphire is for tonight's opening."
Opal Cortlandt joined them, "Why… that's the same Z/K thingie that was on the invitation, isn't it?"
"Yes it is," Kendall beamed. She was feeling almost giddy at their friends' reaction.
"What a vision of loveliness," remarked Adam Chandler as he approached with his son JR. Adam grasped Kendall's hands and leaned forward to kiss her cheek, taking a moment to cast an appraising eye on her diamonds before stepping back and allowing his son to pull Kendall into an embrace.
"Thank you… both…" Kendall commented as she quickly extricated herself from JR's too forward hold as he took full advantage of Kendall's exposed back. Every time they met, his hands strayed to unwelcome places and he had to be reminded to back off. Zach noted JR's actions, but also recognized that Kendall handled him expertly… he would have enjoyed rearranging the boy's smug face, but knew that Kendall's methods were more appropriate to the evening. If he continued sniffing after Kendall, though, Zach promised himself the enjoyment of administering a thorough thrashing.
"Kendall… I've never seen you look more beautiful," Jackson said as he approached and pulled a relieved Kendall into his arms, while behind him stood Erica with an expression of trepidation on her face.
"Thanks, Jack… Mother… I'm so glad you came," Kendall said quietly.
"Oh, Kendall…" Erica said with tears in her voice. "You look amazing, my darling."
The two women hugged tightly while Zach stepped back to observe the exchange between mother and daughter with contentment. He continued to step aside in the hopes of avoiding notice by his mother-in-law and destroying Kendall's moment of happiness. Livia approached from the side and he turned and led her to a quiet corner.
"Kendall looks…" Livia began.
"Yeah… I know," Zach grinned with warm admiration and pride in his eyes and voice. "The night of our opening in Vegas I thought she was the most beautiful woman I'd ever seen… but tonight… wow."
"Wow is right. Tonight is a triumph for you both… and we're not going to discuss business," Livia answered.
Zach nodded, "I know… I just wanted… well, Erica…"
"I know, Erica is a handful… Jackson is coming around, though. He still doesn't like you, but he sees that you've been good for Kendall. Now that he and Erica are married he can sometimes be a positive influence on her," Livia said consolingly.
"Livia… it's not my feelings I'm concerned about. This rift between her and Bianca… I've been tempted more than once to hop on a plane for Paris and have it out with her, but…" Zach said with a frown.
"…but you're afraid it will make everything worse. I know… believe me… Tom and I have discussed the same thing. Not hopping on a plane… but definitely placing a phone call," she answered with candor.
"Thank you," Zach said quietly. "Kendall and I are very fortunate in our friends."
"It works both ways, Zach," Livia answered before turning toward her husband who joined them.
Zach and Tom Cudahy clasped hands and exchanged greetings before observing Kendall as she worked the room. Zach found himself more than content to remain close by but out of the way as Kendall experienced her night of conquest… made all the more sweet by the obstacles they had overcome to get there. When she rejoined him later, he could see that she was extremely happy, although very tired.
"Is it time to go upstairs?" he whispered in her ear.
She nodded with a smile and wrapped her arm around his waist as he pulled her close. The evening had waned and most of the guests had already found their way to the rooms they had reserved. "Lead the way, I'm too tired to watch where I step," she answered.
When they left the elevator it took Kendall a few moments to realize that he was leading her not to their penthouse but another room in the hotel… a room that had remained unfurnished since before their marriage. At her look of confusion Zach said, "Last time we celebrated a successful opening at the casita… since we can't go there tonight, I decided to bring it to you. Happy anniversary."
With a flourish he opened the door and she stepped into the room that was once again furnished exactly as the original in the Nevada desert. Kendall looked at him with bright happiness on her face before Zach pulled her into a passionate embrace and kicked the door closed behind him.