Michael’s voice interrupted my musings. “Grace.”
I glanced up. “Sorry?”
“I have those documents ready to head to the courthouse.” He held up a file.
“Oh, right.” I stood and took the file, then returned to my desk to grab my coat. It was getting chilly these days, late fall swirling around us.
“Think about a costume,” Michael urged.
“She needs to be thinking about studying,” Jaxson griped, walking from his office. “Far more important.”
“Everyone needs to have fun, Jaxson. You should try it,” Michael responded.
“I have fun,” Jaxson snarled.
“Berating me and bossing Grace around is not what I consider fun,” Michael shot back.
I tried not to laugh as I picked up my purse. “You could wear a bear hat and be yourself,” I teased, meeting Jaxson’s eyes. “Not too far a stretch.”
“I’m going to fire both of you,” he retorted.
“Whatever.” Michael sniffed. “Good luck.”
I left the office smiling. Jaxson liked Michael a great deal and was good to him, but it was something only the two of them knew about. Michael complained about him, Jaxson glowered at Michael, and they were both fine with it. As with everything personal, Jaxson hid his emotions.
I walked to the courthouse, my breath hanging in the air. I would have to change my fall coat for a winter one soon. Last night after coming home from the cake tasting with Addi, there had been frost on the ground—early for Toronto, but not unheard of. Brayden had driven us out to the winery where the wedding was to take place, and I was excited to see the spot where they would get married. The winery was owned by ABC and had been one of Addi’s visions. It had been extensively remodeled, and it was spectacular. The various cakes had been delicious, and in the end, they had decided on a simple white cake, light and flavorful, with rich buttercream frosting. They also added a variety of different cakes for the midnight buffet to please everyone’s palate. I had brought home several pieces. Jaxson had been waiting for me and took great delight in sampling many of them. Then sampling me. He had texted me a few times while I was with Addi and Brayden, but they were too wrapped up in each other and the wedding to notice, which I was grateful for. That was a conversation I didn’t want to have with Addi. She’d ask too many questions I didn’t have answers for. She would be shocked at my relationship with Jaxson and worried, and I wanted her to concentrate on the upcoming nuptials, not the fact that I was sleeping with my boss. Although I was certain it was more for both of us, I wasn’t ready to divulge anything. It was too personal, too new, and if I was honest, too overwhelming.
I arrived at the courthouse and put all other thoughts out of my mind.
Halloween arrived, the city blanketed in its first dusting of snow. I arrived at the office early, changing into my costume in the washroom. Michael and I had planned it all out, deciding to coordinate our costumes and double our chances to win a prize. I stood back, looking at my reflection in the mirror. I had my hair done up in a twist, a few tendrils escaping. I was dressed as a lady from the late 1800s. I had found the dress in a thrift shop—it was an old costume from a defunct theater company, and I loved it. Deep burgundy satin and velvet whispered against my skin as I moved. The skirt was wide and layered with lace, the waist pin-tucked and the sleeves three-quarters long. The neckline was plunging but had lace trim to give the illusion of modesty. Luckily, it had a built-in corset and a hidden back zipper. Otherwise, I’d never be able to get into it on my own. I added some low-heeled boots that were comfortable, and since the skirt was long, you couldn’t see anything but the tips, so they worked. I felt like a heroine in one of the historical novels I loved to read. I smoothed my hand down the skirt, wondering what Jaxson would think. If he would even react.
I walked into the office and clapped my hands in glee. Michael was dressed in a costume of a scholar from the same time period as my dress. His dark breeches and waistcoat fit his slim build. He’d slicked back his hair and wore wire-rimmed glasses. His tie was a simple length of black material, tied in the fashion of the day. He struck a pose beside his desk, clutching a heavy tome and looking serious. He’d brought in a few props, including some old lanterns and candlesticks and more old books, giving his area the look of a studious law clerk.
“Oh my god, you look perfect,” I enthused.