Good Pet

Kane turns to Reese. “Darling,” he says in his usual charming way, “can you do me a huge favor?”

“Of course, Kane,” she says. “What can I do for you?”

“Can you make sure a press release goes out today, notifying each one of Vanacore’s clients of the change in leadership?”

The more I listen to him speak, the more I feel my head spin.

“I sure can,” answers Reese.

Melissa’s hand laces itself in mine covertly, almost like she knows I’m getting dizzy and need someone to steady me. I squeeze her hand back, immediately thankful for her support. The dizziness does go away.

“Also, make sure all of Vanacore’s crap gets thrown out for her on the sidewalk,” adds Kane.

“Got it,” answers Reese mischievously.

“And also make sure all of the plaques on Vanacore’s office gets changed over to Mr. Radner’s information,” says Ashton, putting in his two cents.

“Absolutely, Ash. Will do.” With that, Reese rushes back to Kane’s office to do all of the work she’s just been given, and I’m left there to be dumbfounded and starstruck.

I’ve been promoted to actual “boss” status! Me! And when all I started out wanting was just a job outside of the legal aids’ floor! I feel extremely lucky. I not only have a nice new job, and the ability to actually fulfill my dreams of being a lawyer, but I have the best girlfriend in the world. A girlfriend I want to make into a wife.

So, while every one of the partners is still there is a witness, I get down on my knee, surprising Melissa. At first, she looks worried — like I’m fainting or something, but as I take her hand in mine, and kiss it, she looks like she’s about to faint. She’s turned at least fifty shades of red.

“I know I don’t have a ring yet,” I say, shoving away feelings of embarrassment, and the little demon in my head who says I’m not worthy enough of her, “so I know this looks kind of dorky, but I’m going to do it anyway, right now, before I lose my nerve.” I pause, gathering my breath and my words and my courage and my strength. “Melissa Star”—she’s already starting to cry, and waved her hand quickly in front of her face— “Love of my life, impromptu wardrobe artist, bringer of all my fortune and happiness, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife? Of becoming my partner in crime, not only at work? But on the road of life?”

Everyone around us starts to make “aww” sounds. Even the partners, who are not usually so mushy.

Melissa’s completely overcome with tears, but she squeaks out, “Yes! Yes, my love! I will marry you! Nothing would make me happier than to become your wife!”

I kiss her hand. “Then imagine I’m putting a ring on your finger.” I smile sheepishly over her hand. “I’m going to go out and get one once we’re done here, but I imagine that it’s there, okay?”

“I’m imagining,” says Melissa comfortingly, “and it’s beautiful. I can’t wait to see the real thing.”

I get up off my knees, bringing her in for a kiss in front of everyone and break away, saying, “You won’t have to wait long, because I’m going out to get a ring for you right now!” Saying that I run full tilt toward the elevator, with plans to walk to the nearby retail area to the jewelry shop I’ve always wanted to go in but never had a reason to. There, there’s a big, fat ring with Melissa’s name on it, and I have every intention of getting it for her.

Chapter Sixty-Seven

Melissa

I was happy to get Vanacore out of here. I was happy to see her dragged away like the criminal she is. I was dizzy with joy and gratitude hearing of Tommy’s promotion. It is the just reward for all of his honorable, kind-hearted work.

What really makes my head spin, and my heart feels like it’s so happy it’s going to break into a million dazzling little pieces, is the marriage proposal I’ve just gotten from Tommy. There’s no ring with a yet, but there will be. He’s heading to a jewelry shop with all speed, to do just that.

But I’m not about to let him go without another good piece of news my own. “Wait a moment, husband-to-be,” I shout at him.

Tommy stops short, whirls around with a goofy smile on his face. “Yes, babe?”

“Since you’ve just proposed to me and been living at my apartment for the last two weeks while you were on your vacation, you officially live with me now, okay?” I’m smiling as I say this, not caring that half of the upper office floors are still watching our exchange. “You already have the spare key anyway. The one meant for my dearest, sweetest husband.”