Christmas Pet

I took her hands in mine, and when she didn’t pull away, I brought them to my lips. “I’m sorry I hurt you. I’m sorry I wasn’t truthful about spending time with Lyla. If you forgive me, I’ll never keep anything from you again. I’ll spend a lifetime making everything up to you.”

She shook her head. “I don’t know, James. Your world—”

“My world is your world, pet. Without you, I don’t have anything. I can’t eat. I can’t sleep. My work is suffering.”

Her lower lip wobbled, but she rolled it between her teeth.

“Come back to me.” I cupped her face in my hands and ran my thumbs along her cheeks. “I love you.”

Her eyes widened, and she gasped.

“Before you came into my life, I didn’t believe in love. I didn’t believe I could care for someone as deeply as I care for you. With all my heart and soul, I love you, and if you’ll have me, I’ll protect you and care for you for the rest of your life.” I fell onto one knee, rummaged around my jacket pocket, and took out the ring I’d bought at Christmas. I held it out to her.

“Marry me, pet. Make me the happiest man alive.”

Her hands moved to her mouth, and tears trickled down her cheeks. “Yes, sir. I’ll marry you. And I’m sorry for hurting you too. I’m sorry for telling you to leave when it wasn’t what I wanted. I’m sorry for jumping to conclusions. I’m sorry for everything.” She got down on her knees in front of me, and I slid the ring onto her finger.

“I love you, sir. I’ll never stop loving you.”

“Are you ready for the rest of our lives to begin?”

She nodded. “Yes, sir.”Chapter Twenty-Four - PearlThe past few weeks had been hell on earth. The night James left the trailer, instead of sleeping on the sofa, I’d wanted to run after him and tell him I was sorry and that I hadn’t meant what I’d said. That I was stupid and stubborn.

But my pride got in the way, and I’d allowed him to walk out of my life. I reasoned with myself that it was all his doing, and if he wanted to drive home in a snowstorm, he was welcome.

It wasn’t his fault things ended as shittily as they had. My insecurity had caused the problems between us. Sure, he hadn’t told me the truth about the fundraiser and Lyla. It would have been nice if he had. Like I’d told him, I would have been irritated, but I would’ve gotten over it.

He’d respected my decision to end things, and since then, we hadn’t had any communication that wasn’t professional.

I tried to convince myself I was fine, but I wasn’t. Not one bit.

Nothing could get me out of my self-pity funk. Not even binging on reality shows with Bella and getting blind drunk while we made fun of stupid people who got married at first sight.

When I went back to work after the holidays, all of the managing partners had called me in to a meeting to congratulate me on my new position as an associate. That news was something I had wanted to celebrate with James. I wouldn’t have gotten it without him championing me.

The partners all made it clear that I’d gotten the promotion because of my work ethic and drive. They hadn’t said outright that it had nothing to do with my previous relationship with James. They were all tactful and diplomatic, which I appreciated. Even Susan had congratulated me on getting the promotion and hadn’t once made any snide remarks about James and me.

I hadn’t been brave enough to talk to him and apologize for my behavior. Some of the things I’d said to him were unforgivable and hurtful.

I placed my hands on his chest, loving how his heart pitter-patted against my palm. “I really am sorry for everything I said at the trailer. I didn’t mean a word. I should never have compared you to—”

“Ssssh. Don’t fret, pet. We all say and do things in anger, but I will have to punish you for your behavior.”

I grinned. “Now, sir?”

“I’ll save it for later. I’ll have to come up with something suitable.”

“I don’t suppose you’re going to tell me what it is when you do?”

He chuckled. “And ruin the surprise.”

I groaned. “You know how much I love surprises, sir.”

He curved his hands around my waist. “Hop up on the table, pet. There’s something I’ve wanted to do ever since I overheard your phone conversation.”

My heartbeat accelerated. If he was going to do what I thought he would, I would die and go to heaven.

Laughter danced in his eyes. “Is there something you want to ask me?”

I slid up onto the polished surface, and James positioned himself between my knees.

It took me a second to figure out what he meant, and when I did, I giggled. “Will you do something for me, sir?”