The Boss's Marriage Plan (Proposals & Promises 2)

After a slight nod of approval from her, Scott turned back to their team. “Tess and I are engaged,” he said simply. “We haven’t determined a date yet, but we’re going to be married.”

Amid the startled cries and happy claps, Scott held up a hand to add, “You all know how valuable Tess is to this company. Just so you know, we aren’t making any immediate changes in her responsibilities here in the office. So carry on, and here’s to another great year for all of us who make up PCCI.”

She’d appreciated his attempt to make sure she was treated no differently by the staff now that she was marrying the boss, but she knew some changes were inevitable. If there was any resentment, she didn’t see it at the moment. Still, she and Scott would have to be very careful in the future to keep their personal life clearly separate from work, just as they had to this point.

The phones had begun to ring and everyone went back to work. Scott left soon after the staff meeting and was out of the office most of the day, though a series of terse phone calls and texts from him kept Tess and the rest of the staff busy trying to keep up.

He hadn’t returned by the time Tess had to leave, so she sent him a text reminding him that she had plans with Jenny and Stevie, and that she’d see him at work in the morning.

I’ll call you tonight, he texted back. Have fun with your friends. Tell them hello for me.

She arrived at Stevie’s place for their own little Christmas celebration. A cozy bungalow, Stevie’s house was the one in which she’d grown up with her mother and brother, located in a neighborhood that had briefly declined and was now undergoing a revival. Her white frame home sat on a corner lot, so her nearest neighbor was a ’60s-style brick ranch on her west side, the one in which the widowed cat owner lived. Tess glanced automatically that way as she parked at the curb in front of Stevie’s house. A dark car sat in the carport and lights burned in the windows, so she assumed Stevie’s neighbor had returned from his business trip, though she caught no glimpse of him. She’d bet Stevie was glad to be done with her cat-sitting duties for now.

The neighbor hadn’t decorated for the holiday, but other houses on the block were festooned with festive lights and oversize Christmas inflatables in their yards. Stevie had arranged a string of w

hite lights around her little porch, and a Christmas tree with white lights was visible through the lace curtains at her front window. A big wreath with a red velvet bow decorated the front door, which was painted blue to match the shutters at the windows.

Stevie and Jenny both greeted Tess with such expectant expressions that she shook her head wryly. If they were trying to be subtle, they failed miserably at it. She’d told them individually about the engagement, sending messages to them both before they heard through the grapevine, and she’d promised to give them details tonight.

“At least let me set this stuff down before you start pelting me with questions,” she said, handing over two wrapped gifts before peeling off her coat.

Jenny set the gifts beneath the tree while Stevie stashed away Tess’s coat and bag. “Did Scott really blurt out that the two of you were engaged at Dana’s party?” Jenny asked avidly. “Before you’d even told your sister?”

“Even worse,” Tess replied with a groan, glad she could finally speak frankly about that night. “He told everyone we were engaged before he even got around to asking me.”

“Oh, we definitely need to hear this whole story,” Jenny said after a moment of stunned silence.

“Tell us while we eat,” Stevie ordered. “I didn’t cook all this food to serve it cold.” She loved to cook, and she’d insisted on preparing the meal without any contributions from her friends.

An hour later, stuffed with delicious food and emotionally drained from talking, Tess sat with her friends in the living room, preparing to open gifts. Stevie was leaving the next morning to spend Christmas with her brother in Tennessee, while Tess and Jenny both had plans with their families here in Little Rock, so this had been the only night they could get together for their own little celebration.

“I’m so glad we decided not to have a big party this year. I prefer that it’s just us,” Jenny said as she leaned back against a throw pillow. “Though I would like for us to all get together soon to get to know Scott better. Gavin met him briefly when he responded to that break-in at your office earlier in the year, but they should get to know each other socially since I’m sure they’ll be seeing quite a bit of each other through us. And Stevie will bring Joe, of course.”

Stevie cleared her throat. “That’s not an ‘of course.’”

Tess and Jenny exchanged looks.

“Are you and Joe breaking up?” Jenny asked quietly.

“Looks like it.” Stevie raised both hands to stave off any comments. “Would you mind if we talk about this later? After Christmas? I need some time.”

“Absolutely.”

“Whenever you’re ready,” Tess assured their friend.

Blinking rapidly, Stevie nodded. “Thanks. Besides, tonight is all about you, Tess. Jen and I hope you and Scott will be very happy together.”

“Thanks, Stevie.” But now it seemed completely wrong to discuss her engagement when her friend was obviously in pain. “You know, I have an idea. Let’s not talk about men or relationship issues for the remainder of the evening. Let’s focus on ourselves. Our friendship. Our jobs. Stevie, I want to hear all about this busy season for you. I know it’s been great for your reputation and your bottom line. And, Jenny, tell us about your idea to open a store in Fayetteville. How exciting would it be to own a chain of three boutiques, maybe more? And I need to tell you about the new accounting clerk I hired this month.”

Her eyes brightening, Stevie smiled. “I’d love to talk about my business, but first,” she said, tugging impatiently at the red mesh bow on the gift Jenny had brought for her, “I have just got to see what’s in here. I can’t wait any longer to open presents!”

Laughing, Tess and Jenny ripped into their own gifts. They were still laughing two hours later when the night came to a close.

Stevie gave her a warm hug as Tess prepared to leave. Jenny had stepped into the restroom, so Tess and Stevie had the moment to themselves.

“Merry Christmas, Tess,” Stevie said, pressing a kiss to her cheek. “Thank you so much for the bracelet. I love it.”

“And thank you.” Stevie had given her a hand-thrown pottery serving bowl. “It’s gorgeous.”