My Life With Kate (Jack Ryker Book 3)

by M T Stone

  “Are you sure you want to hide yourself like that?” Cynthia asked, without the slightest hesitation.

  “I’m not hiding mom, but Kate’s Collection means nothing to anyone but me. If the line is called Beautiful and the tagline is American Made for The American Woman, it actually means something. After we tackle dress clothes for working women, we can make comfortable jeans that average women can feel good about wearing. How many normal women feel comfortable in low rise jeans?” She argued.

  “I totally get it,” Jayne piped up. “Even half the models don’t look good in those damn things. I feel self-conscious every time I have to bend over in public.”

  “Eventually we could broaden out to shoes, jackets and anything else that needs to be comfortable as well as fashionable,” Brandon added. “I can’t believe no one else has used that name in a major way.”

  After hearing the other reactions, even Cynthia had to agree saying, “I have to give you credit Kate. You put the brand ahead of your ego. No one else does that in this industry.”

  “That’s why this is going to be so successful,” I told her. “We’re going to put comfort and quality ahead of profit margins, as well as putting the brand ahead of anyone’s ego. If we follow that strategy, we will have a truly revolutionary company.”

  Everyone was so excited about the virtually unlimited prospects that agreeing upon the ownership details took only a matter of minutes. Jayne and Cynthia would each start out with 15% ownership in the company. As they each met certain performance milestones, their ownership stake would escalate as high as 25% which would make them equal partners with Brandon and Kate. Kate had already told me that she envisioned all four of them being equal partners in the near future. For that to happen it would mean that the company had launched successfully and would have solid leadership for long term growth. Each of them also agreed to carve out a couple percentage points for Brenda and any other key executives who came to the table.

  As the entrees began to arrive I encouraged everyone to push business aside and focus their attention on the truly exquisite meals. As I indulged in my Calotte De Boeuf, I couldn’t help but think about how everyone was going to react to our after dinner announcement. I had asked Kate to wait and slip on the ring just before the champagne toast to be sure we took everyone completely by surprise. Even though we wanted to announce our engagement, we were not making any wedding plans for the moment. Neither of us wanted to distract from Jayne and Julian’s nuptials scheduled for June.

  Kate

  My excitement continued to grow as everyone ordered dessert and Jack asked the waiter for two bottles of 1992 Moët et Chandon, Dom Pérignon, Épernay. I had no idea how rare it was until Brandon pointed it out on the wine list. At $2100 per bottle I knew it was going to be a complete waste splashing across my taste buds. After spending six weeks with Jack, I still preferred a $20 bottle of Martini & Rossi Asti Spumante. I had stopped mentioning that fact, however, because it seemed to annoy him.

  I took it as my queue when the waiter asked Jack to sample the bottle. I casually slid my hand into my purse to grab the ring. Ok, it was just here. This purse is tiny, where the hell could it have gone? Please don’t tell me I’ve lost it! That thing has to be worth a fortune. I’ll bet it isn’t even insured yet. Oh my God, I have to find it. I could feel my cheeks burning up and I was sure everyone would soon notice my all-out panic.

  “Excuse me. I have to use the restroom quick,” I said quickly sliding out of my chair.

  Ting, ting, ting… was the next thing I heard as my new ring went bouncing under the table. How in the hell did that just happen? I quickly bent over and grabbed it before anyone else saw what it was. I slipped it onto my finger and pulled myself out from under the table.

  “Are you alright?” Brandon asked as I bumped my head on the way up.

  “I’m fine. Just a little off today.”

  “Weren’t you on your way to the restroom?” Mom asked. She’s always the observant one.

  “Yeah, but I just wet myself. So I don’t really have to go anymore,” I replied causing a burst of laughter that distracted everyone from the fact that I was completely flustered.

  From that moment on everything seemed very surreal, as I sat there waiting for what was about to happen next. I looked at Frank and Nancy, wondering how they were going to react to their son marrying me so quickly. Next was my mother who was currently on cloud nine, how would she react to yet another shocking development? Then there was Jayne. Her upcoming wedding had already been overshadowed by all of the fuss over our relationship and Jack’s health crisis. We have to reassure her that we aren’t planning anything until later in the year. Finally, I turned to Brandon. I wonder what the hell he was up to with Ellie and Sasha all weekend.

  “Everyone grab your glass of champagne,” Jack said as he arose from the table. “I have one last announcement to make.”

  I could feel my heart pounding in my chest as I anticipated the next words that would come from his mouth.

  “I’m scrapping my idea of going into contract manufacturing,” he said tipping his glass toward Brandon.

  “I’ll drink to that,” Brandon replied. “I was hoping you would come to your senses.”

  “Ok, that wasn’t my real announcement,” Jack said looking down at me with that broad smile. “My real announcement is that I asked this little lady to marry me last night… and she accepted,” he said reaching for my hand.

  As I stood up, he pulled my hand to his lips and gave it a kiss.

  “Oh for sweet,” I heard Nancy say. She’ll be a pretty cool mother-in-law.

  “I’m happy for both of you too,” my mother whispered across the table.

  “Holy shit! Check out the rock!” Brandon exclaimed as he grabbed my other hand.

  “Yeah, I went a little overboard on the diamond, but I couldn’t resist,” Jack explained.

  “You definitely make too damn much money,” Frank chimed in.

  Out of the corner of my eye, I saw that Jayne was still seated and was holding her face in her hands. As I turned, I could see her shoulders were shaking and she had actually burst into tears.

  “Don’t worry Jayne, we aren’t making any wedding plans for now,” I assured her hoping to sooth her fears.

  “Honey, we will most likely just get married on a beach somewhere in the fall,” Jack concurred, walking over to her.

  “It’s not that,” she replied obviously distraught.

  “What is it then?” Jack whispered as he crouched down next to her.

  “It’s Julian,” Nancy replied. “She thinks Julian has cold feet. I assured her that it’s perfectly normal.”

  “It’s not normal Nana,” she sobbed. “We had a long talk about it last night and he’s not ready to start a family.”

  “Well, getting married doesn’t mean you need to start a family right away,” Jack tried to reassure her.

  “But I’m pregnant,” she blurted out before completely losing it once again.

  “Oh baby,” Jack said putting his arm around her.

  “It’ll be alright,” Nancy tried to console her. “We’ll all be here to help you along.”

  “That’s right Jayne. We’ll help you as much as we can,” I added giving her a hug from the opposite side.

  After a moment I went back to my chair in order to give the two of them a little privacy. As I watched Jack console her, I felt a sense of pride that I was going to be his wife. I had seen his obsessive business side, as well as his fun and sexy side, but it was this side of him that completely melted my heart. He really is a good man.

  “Poor Jayne,” Brandon whispered. “She was hesitant to move in with Julian because she was afraid this would happen. He always wants what he can’t have.”

  “Yeah, I feel sorry for her. I can’t believe she got pregnant,” I whispered back.

  “She’s always said the pill made her feel bloated. She wanted to be skinny for her wedding,” Brandon replied.

  “Y
ou seem to know quite a bit about these things.”

  “Hey, I lived next door to her for several years. I know more than any guy should!” He laughed.

  “How are Ellie and Sasha by the way?” I teased, poking him in the ribs.

  “Good. They are out shopping right now and will be stopping by to pick me up in about fifteen minutes,” he smirked.

  “So… what are you guys up to tonight?” I asked giving him my best inquisitive look.

  “Oh, you know… Just having a little fun,” he winked in return.

  “I’m really glad I’m not living next door to you.”

  “You and me both!” he laughed. “I was definitely surprised to see you yesterday.”

  “Yeah, I noticed. You should’ve seen your face. It was hilarious to see you blush like that.”

  “What are you two laughing about?” Mom asked as she made her way over to our side of the table.

  “Nothing. Brandon is just being his normal hilarious self,” I replied, not wanting to embarrass him in front of his family.

  “Well, I just wanted to say that I’m very happy for you and Jack. I’m still jealous, but happy nonetheless. Also, thank you for including me in the business. It will be a treat working with Jayne on a daily basis,” she said giving me a one arm hug.

  “Thanks Mom and you’re welcome. It’s going to be a great business and you are a perfect addition to the team.”

  “I’ve started a list of buyers that I’ll want you to follow up with as soon as the line is ready,” Brandon informed her.

  “Sounds great. I look forward to working with you too Brandon,” she added. “Imagine the four of us owning a business together. I never would’ve dreamt of it.”

  “You’re lucky that your daughter is a dreamer,” Brandon said raising an eyebrow. “I don’t have one tenth of the creativity that she has.”

  “Me neither. I am very proud of her,” she replied patting me on the shoulder.

  Within a couple of minutes my mother had told me she was happy for me and proud of me. That was the most positive reinforcement I had ever received from her. It was a little overwhelming when combined with everything else that was going on around me.

  “Thanks Mom,” I said choking back my emotions.

  After such an emotional evening, it was sort of a relief to get back to the hotel. Jack was having some second thoughts about leaving the city, but I assured him that we would be in touch with Jayne on a daily basis. There really wasn’t anything we could do for her at that point anyway. For the moment she just needed to hire a mover to bring her things back to her co-op on Central Park. Brandon is going to be so disappointed.

  “What are you smiling about?” Jack asked seeing my wheels turning.

  “Oh I was just thinking about something Brandon said.”

  “What?”

  “Oh he’s just been enjoying the freedom of not having his sister next door to him. Do you realize he actually knew that she had gone off the pill so she wouldn’t be bloated for her dress fitting?”

  “Hmmm, well I’m glad they still confide in each other. Those two have learned to lean on each other the last few years. I wasn’t really there for them the way I should’ve been,” he said with a pained expression crossing his face.

  “Maybe not, but you are definitely there for them now,” I reassured him. “I saw how you consoled Jayne tonight and I love you for it.”

  “Thank you, but I give you full credit. It’s because of you that I won’t repeat my past mistakes.”

  He took me in his arms and for the moment everything felt right in my little world. I felt safe, Mom seemed happy and I was even excited about the business once again. It had been quite a weekend, culminating with an emotionally intense evening. Honestly, I was ready to get back to the Caribbean. I know it may be selfish, but I want Jack all to myself for a few weeks.

  Chapter 9

  Wednesday February 22, 8:10am

  Jack

  Kate was right. It does feel great to be back on the yacht. I slept great last night. After two days of plane flights, activating satellite phones and taking care of endless details it was great to feel the motion of the ocean again. We had set sail from Santo Domingo at 5:00am, so we would reach Ponce, Puerto Rico just after 4:00pm. Ponce was home to one of my all-time favorite restaurants, El Negocio de Panchi and I had been looking forward to sharing it with Kate. She is going to love it. Panchi is a culinary genius. I wonder what time Kate got up? I didn’t even hear her leave the room.

  After a quick shower, I headed down to the promenade deck to look for Kate. She hadn’t answered my text, so I assumed she was either busy or on the phone. Both turned out to be correct. She had a half-eaten plate of breakfast to her left and several design sketches in front of her. She was talking on the phone while pecking at her laptop with her free hand. She was so absorbed in what she was doing that she didn’t even notice my presence. It sounds like she’s working with Brenda on production details. I’m going to find Chef Jameson and see what’s on the menu for today. I’ll start working out tomorrow.

  “Good morning Jack! It’s good to see you and Kate back onboard,” the chef greeted me enthusiastically.

  “It’s good to be back. I’m looking forward to some sun and fun over the next few weeks.”

  “We should be fully stocked to meet all of your needs sir.”

  “Great. Let’s start off with a ham and cheese omelet, toast and black coffee. What time was Kate down this morning?”

  “I came out at 6:00 and she was already here sir. She was busy as could be,” he said accentuating with his hands.

  “That’s odd. She was the one who wanted an extended vacation.”

  While waiting for my food, I checked in with Jayne. I still felt bad for leaving her behind in the city when she was feeling so low. At least she has Mom there for her.

  “Hi Dad,” she whispered as she answered my call. “Cynthia and I are on a conference call with Kate and Brenda. Can I call you back when we are through?”

  “Sure. What are you guys discussing?”

  “Oh, nothing too exciting, mostly just production details,” she replied obviously anxious to get back to the other line.

  “Alright, I’ll talk to you later honey.”

  “Bye Dad.”

  As the line went dead, a weird feeling came over me. It felt as if I had been left out of the loop. Everyone else was on a conference call while I was still in bed? That’s not the Jack Ryker way…

  “Here is your breakfast sir,” Havier said breaking my thoughts of self-pity.

  “Thanks Havier,” I picked up the tray and headed back out to the promenade deck.

  I gave Kate a quick kiss on the forehead before grabbing a comfortable chair facing the back of the ship. I decided to enjoy my breakfast while watching the Dominican Republic fade into the distance. After about four and a half minutes of that, I was already beginning to feel restless. Things didn’t appear to be wrapping up with Kate anytime soon, so I gave Brandon a call.

  “Hey Dad, I’m on the other line. Can I get back at you around lunch time?”

  “Sure. That’s fine.”

  I installed a stock market app on my new phone, so I could see what was going on in the markets. The market’s up again. I pulled up the calculator and punched in the numbers. Hmmm, I’ve made about $14 million this morning. How ridiculous is that? I thought back to a time when having a total net worth of a million dollars seemed like an impossible dream. It wasn’t until we took our company public that I realized how people become incredibly wealthy.

  We went public on a Friday and it was such a hectic day that it wasn’t until Saturday that I began to realize how much it would change my life. I remember sitting in front of the computer that next morning in my robe and doing the first calculation. The calculator showed that I was worth over $10 million. It was a life changing moment. What took me over ten years to build back then, now happens in a day. It’s crazy how life works out sometimes.

&
nbsp; “It’s good to see you relaxing,” Kate said as she plopped down in the chair next to me.

  “Actually, I’ve been sitting here reflecting on how boring it is to not have anything productive to do.”

  “Really? It’s a beautiful day, all you have to do is sit back and enjoy it,” she chided.

  “Are you done working?”

  “Yup, my goal was to be done by 9:00, so that’s what I did,” she beamed.

  “It’s good to see you so happy. However, I’m a little confused about your 180 degree change over the past few days. You were upset as hell on Saturday when I was working.”

  “I know, it was an over-reaction and I still feel bad about how I acted.”

  “I understand that part, but what has caused you to become so motivated to work on the business all of a sudden? You haven’t been this motivated in weeks.”

  “I know… this will sound bad, but I think it was you telling me that I didn’t have to do it. Once the pressure was off, my creativity came back and it all became fun again.”

  “Believe it or not, that actually makes sense. I’ll have to remember to use reverse psychology on you in the future. One more question.”

  “Yes?”

  “Since you get mad at me when I work, what am I supposed to do for the next several weeks?”

  She smiled and rose from her chair. She swung her leg across mine and sat down straddling me.

  “I’m going to teach you how to live a balanced life,” she said looking straight into my eyes. “We are going to get up in the morning, exercise, have a nice breakfast, work until lunch and then enjoy each other’s company for the entire rest of the day.”

  “That sounds pretty good,” I smiled giving her a kiss. “You must have gotten an early start this morning.”

  “Yeah, I woke up when the Captain revved up the engines a little after five. All the things I wanted to get done started pouring into my head, so I decided to get them done before calling the girls at eight,” she explained.