Forever Mine

“Should I get a check prepared for her?”

“Probably, but you’ll need to run it by Human Resources and the Ethics Committee. I don’t want there to be accusations of collusion.”

“On it.” I hear the faint sound of keys clacking as Ernest fires off emails to all the appropriate parties, and then I hear Rose’s voice.

“Hello. This is Rose.”

“Hey, Rose, it’s Wyatt. I’m quitting and so I’m not going to be around. Just wanted to give you a heads up.”

She sighs. “I don’t want to sue the firm. It looks bad, and other firms won’t touch you because of it.”

“I know. Ernest is sending some paperwork for you to get a settlement. Take the money and run. Gotta go. Take care of yourself, kid.”

Inside, the house is dead. I hate when Lucy’s not here, and she’s only lived with me for two days. I call her, but the line goes to voicemail. I hate that, too. The doorbell rings. I spin around and am disappointed to see it’s a courier service. “Wyatt Donovan?”

“Yeah.” I take the clipboard and sign. This is Lucy’s ring. I wanted to get her a pink diamond because she loves pink, but it wasn’t a stone they had set. It was in a vault, shipped by plane to my jeweler, who put it in a platinum setting surrounded by a dozen VVS white diamonds. It’s a show stopper. I hope it makes all the rich bitches bleed with envy.

“I’m going to need to see an ID first.”

I grab my wallet and flash my license. The courier hands over the box, and I hand him a big tip. We both leave happy. I kick the door shut and text Lucy.

Don’t know what you’re doing at this moment, but I quit my job. I might’ve gotten fired. That was the subtext with Uncle C. I’m not standing outside with a box of personal goods but I do need some good loving from my fiancée. Any idea when you’ll be home?

I don’t have to wait long for a response.

You quit your job? That was your family’s firm! Your name is on the door.

Why is everyone so surprised? I’m not married to my job. Or that firm. The only one I’m marrying is you. Besides, I own that building, and the fourth floor is free. I’m going to hang out my shingle there after we have a honeymoon. You should office share with me. There’s plenty of space. Uncle C’s secretary will be looking for a new job too. Come home and hold me and I’ll tell you all about it.

Okay

Luv u

It feels right to type that last bit out.

Chapter Twenty

Lucy

I try not to cry as I read the text over and over while I sit in the back of the cab. If anyone should know how fast life can change it’s me. Here I was running home about to tell Wyatt I couldn’t marry him. Now I’m running to him for a whole other reason.

Everything is going to be okay. I feel it in my heart. For so long I’ve been trying to protect it. Now I realize that there is no protecting it. Especially not from Wyatt. He’s had it from that first day he strolled into my life like a white knight. If I ran, my heart would break in the same way as it would if I stayed and things didn’t work out between us. But staying at least gives me a chance at a different outcome while running guarantees heartbreak.

The cab barely stops before I jump out. I throw a bunch of cash toward the front of the car while thanking the driver. The door to the townhouse opens before I even get to it. Wyatt’s whole face lights up with a smile when he sees me. I throw myself at him. He catches me.

“I love you,” I say before I kiss him, pouring in everything I’ve ever felt for him. He kisses me right back.

“Fuck I love you too, beautiful.” He kicks the front door closed, pinning me to it. “I’m going to quit my job every day if this is the reaction I get.” I snort a laugh. “Are you crying?”

I nod. “I’m scared but…” I lick my lips, still tasting him there. “I don’t want a fake marriage, but I guess you don’t need to be married now that you quit.” I trail off at that realization. I was so focused on the fact that Wyatt’s job wasn't number one to him that I forgot that small detail. Shit. I’ve been trying to not get married this whole time and now all I feel is disappointment at the knowledge that I won’t be. I want to be his wife more than anything. I want to be his everything.

“We’re still getting married.” The smile drops from his face and a look of determination takes over as he carries me through the house into the living room. He sits down on the sofa with me in his lap. “I’m not doing this shit anymore.” His hands on my hips tighten.