The Amendment (The Contract 2)

I swallowed hard, my throat constricted. I had to blink several times before I could respond. With Katy and my girls, I was able to show my emotions. The tenderness and love I felt for them were easy for me to express. Katy had shown me how to be real with them. I was still learning when it came to other people. I could joke around with Maddox. Tease Jenna. Hug Laura and allow her to fuss over me. Graham’s acceptance and trust in me overwhelmed me at times because of the deep sense of need it fulfilled within me. The paternal role I’d lacked my entire life that he filled with his encouragement and pride.

I cleared my throat, but regardless, the words were thick and heavy as I spoke them. “That means more than I can adequately express, Graham.” A grin pulled on my lips, the irony not lost on me—words and ideas were my thing after all, but this was different. Personal and overwhelming. His trust and opinion were paramount to me. I met his steady gaze. “I won’t let you down. Thank you.”

“I know you won’t. This is the right move for all of us. Call your wife and give her the good news. Come to my office later, and we’ll sign the paperwork.” He chuckled. “Some formalities that have to be done. HR, you know. They insist on this stuff.”

Standing, I reached across my desk, extending my hand. “Thank you, Graham. This is unexpected and amazing. I’m excited about the entire concept.”

He shook my hand, his grip firm and strong. He stood and walked toward the door. He turned with a wide smirk. “I’m glad you’re excited, but you might not be thanking me once you meet Brad.”

I wasn’t concerned. I had dealt with lots of junior executives in the past. I once was one of them. I knew how to handle their brashness. Really, how bad could this kid be? If Graham and Laura were fond of him, and Graham was bringing him into the company, he had to have merit. He probably needed a firm hand from someone who didn’t have a direct family connection. If he was going to be part of my team, I would oversee and encourage him.

I was grinning as I picked up the phone, anxious to share this news with Katy. Maybe we could get Mrs. Thomas to babysit and I would take her out tonight to celebrate. Dinner and a hotel room for a few hours so I could have her to myself. I grinned at the idea, liking the thought.I stared at my wife across the table. The candlelight flickered, the dim glow casting shadows on the walls and highlighting her lovely features. Her beautiful eyes were filled with pride and happiness—and a little glassy from the champagne we had drunk to celebrate my new role.

“I’m so proud of you, Richard.”

I tilted my head. “I couldn’t have done this without you, Katy. All of this—my life, my career, my children—is because of you.” I knew as the words left my mouth how true they were. Katy had been the turning point in my life, and without her, nothing would be worthwhile. Because of her, I had changed and become the person I was now. I reached into my pocket and pulled out a long, flat box, sliding it across the table. “For you.”

She stared at the box, worrying the inside of her lip. It still amused me that, after all this time, she wasn’t used to being spoiled. Every gift I gave her was greeted with the same surprise and delight. It didn’t matter how big or small, she loved it. It made giving them to her all that more enjoyable.

“Take it, sweetheart.” I pushed it closer.

Her eyes widened as she picked up the box and opened the lid. She lifted her gaze to mine then back to the box. “Richard…”

She removed the diamond and sapphire bracelet from the box, the gems glinting in the light. “It’s lovely!”

I reached across the table and fastened the clasp around her wrist.

“The blue reminded me of your eyes, Katy. I love how they look at me—the way they see me.” I held her hand, staring at the glittering jewels. “I wanted to give you something to mark today.”

She blinked at the tears forming in her eyes. “Thank you, my darling. I will treasure it always.”

I leaned close and kissed the tender, thin skin of her wrist. “I’ll treasure you.”

Her gaze was luminous as she regarded me. “Take me home, Richard. I need to be alone with you.”

“I got a room here, and I told Mrs. Thomas we’d be really late. She said she’d sleep in the guestroom.” I winked. “I want you loud tonight.”

“Take me upstairs.”

I signaled for the check.We barely made it into the room. Katy was all over me in the elevator, her body molded to mine, her mouth hungry and demanding. I fumbled with the key, finally getting her into the room. I pressed her against the wall, lifting her and wrapping her legs around my waist.