An Unexpected Bride

by Shadonna Richards

  Emma had called him early this morning to let him know she had a breakthrough with a better slogan—and that she would be in a tad later in the morning. He didn’t mind since she had worked late at night from home after visiting her grandfather at the hospital. He had asked her about her grandfather and was glad to learn he was doing much better. He wished he could say the same about his father.

  He sighed.

  He was eager to hear about Emma’s idea on the pitch this morning. He loved the concept. He couldn’t wait to see what she had printed out from her computer at home. Evan really appreciated when his staff, especially Emma, went the extra mile.

  Evan didn’t require his employees to work from home, but Emma had a raw dedication he admired. She cared about her work. She took pride in meeting the needs of their clients. It was all about meeting needs. Solving problems for society—one step at a time. Every thought she put behind her words and her work had the interest of the betterment of others. If she didn’t feel it was worth it or fair, she would state her claim.

  God, he loved her spunk. They seemed to, oddly, have a great deal in common. They both loved soccer—and she had suggested they have a company team last year. That went very well. They played his rival advertising agency and beat them 4-2. What a game!

  He always told her she “could kick ass without moving a foot.” And he was right. She was smooth and swift but to the point on an argument. Any argument.

  Whenever they had to eat out or order take-out when working late at the office—which was becoming a habit lately—she knew exactly what he wanted to order and what food he was in the mood for on a given day which changed every so now and again. It was as if she knew him as well as she knew herself. Was she studying his habits? Or him, perhaps?

  But lately, she seemed to be preoccupied. Probably had to do with her grandfather.

  Okay, Evan, enough already. Why are you thinking about Emma so much?

  With his hands shoved his pockets of his tailored blue suit, he moved away from his desk and walked over to the passageway to get a glimpse of the weather outside at the full wall to wall, ceiling to floor window. He often dressed down on a day-to-day basis, but when there was a client pitch or business meeting, he was all business. His Armani suits spoke volumes that he was a true professional.

  The view of south Mercy Springs was breathtaking. He could see the beautiful lake to the side and the backdrop of Mercy Springs. The hills in the background, the view of the downtown core. The traffic below.

  He had an unobstructed view of the street and could see people coming in and out of the building. The rain was letting up slightly and the grey clouds were beginning to lighten by the minute. He had to think of something besides his account coordinator. He would focus on the Weddings R Us account. Visualize winning the contract. The company had already given him the heads-up that they had shortlisted two ad agencies including Fletcher Advertising for the deal. Now, it was up to them.

  “Oh, great!”

  Just then, he caught a glimpse of Emma walking across the street. She looked stunning in her trench coat as it flapped open. She wore a peach dress with a plunging neckline that was cut above her knee. Her bosoms heaved as she strode across the street towards the glass building. Her hoop earrings, dangling fashion necklace, and scarf accentuated her features. She was always so coordinated from hairline to her pedicured toes. Her long, curly ebony hair shined as it swayed almost rhythmically from side to side with the gentle spring breeze. She oozed confidence. Grace. Beauty. Charisma. He hated to sound cliché, but she looked as if she was one of those models in a hair or clothing commercial. Evan felt his privates tingle. He was embarrassed by his feelings and had to shift his focus. She was, after all, his employee. Nothing more. Besides, even if things were different, he was not the commitment type. But he wasn’t going down that road again.

  Maybe looking out the window was not such a good idea after all.

  He stretched, got back to his desk, leaned back in his leather chair, and continued to mull over finishing details of his pitch.

  Emma rushed into the office with her bag and materials for the presentation that afternoon.

  She had risen early at 4 o’clock in the morning to put her mock print ad together along with her slogans.

  Little did Evan know she had two pitches lined up. One for the client and the other for him. She was still working out in her mind the latter.

  Landing this hot account meant a lot to FAC as well as to Emma. She tried to push the thoughts of yesterday morning out of her mind—but she kept Genie’s wacky idea in mind. If her own plan or wedding pitch to Evan failed, she would have to follow Genie’s advice.

  She shuddered at the thought.

  “Oh, Emma. There’s a meeting at 10:30 in the boardroom,” Lucinda called out as Emma hurried past the reception desk.

  “Oh, right. Thanks.” Emma tried to hide her disappointment that the practice pitch was scheduled so early. She was hoping she would have a little more time to herself before meeting and going over last minute ideas.

  Emma lugged her backpack and papers into her office. Everything all seemed so surreal. This would have been an ordinary day at the office if it hadn’t been for the huge gaffe she sputtered out yesterday. But she had to push that to the back of her mind for the moment.

  She pulled off her trench coat and wiggled to pull down her dress that had ridden up—when she turned around to close the door, she froze. Evan stood at the door with his hand partially raised about to knock.

  She thought she saw him flush—but that had to be her imagination.

  “Sorry, er, if I caught you at a bad time.” Evan tried hard not to look directly at Emma’s thighs. He shuffled some papers in his hand and handed her a sheet. “What do you think?”

  It was a briefing with some statistics on weddings.

  “Great. Um…” Emma fixed her dress and stood erect as she grabbed the sheet of paper from Evan.

  She felt breathless, but she tried to hide it. Evan looked ravishing in his dark blue, executive suit. God, did he look delicious enough to eat.

  Stop it, Emma. Focus.

  As her eyes quickly ran down the page of information on their new client meeting, she felt Evan’s eyes scan her own silhouette. Or was that her imagination? She glanced up quickly.

  Nope, it was not her imagination. Their eyes locked momentarily. This was so awkward. Yep, he definitely blushed. For a second, his sexy, dark brown eyes pierced into her. His eyes travelled down, he blushed then looked away. She glanced down at the sheet but was horrified to see that her cleavage was showing a little more than she had intended. Oh, great. She had purchased the lycra cotton fabric spring dress, but hadn’t worn it until today. When she had readjusted her dress, that wasn’t the only part of the dress that went south. He cleared his throat and changed the non-verbal subject.

  “So? Do you think we should go ahead with the stats during the meeting for more persuasive effect?” He transformed his expression to all-business. She could tell he was slightly embarrassed. Probably more than she was, if that were at all possible.

  “Um. Definitely.” She tried hard not to be distracted by the scent of his sweet aftershave and his presence. It was definitely hard to focus. “I think we should go ahead and throw in all we’ve got. Let them know we’ve done our research above and beyond.”

  “Great. Well, why don’t you look these over? I’ll leave these with you. See you in twenty.”

  “Right. Oh, and Evan.”

  “Yes?” He turned around with his hands in his pockets. God, he looked irresistible. His shirt and black tie made him look so sophisticated. Though he had on his suit, you could tell he had a killer body underneath it. His biceps were ripped. He stood firm. Erect. Confident. Fit at six feet, four inches.

  “Um…” She needed to talk to him today, after the meeting. Hopefully if all went well with the pitch. “I was just wondering, if-”

  “Evan, Bianca is on line one.” Just then, Luc
inda walked by with her headset in her ear; she had left the reception desk to deliver the news.

  “Oh, I’ll be right there. Keep her on hold.”

  Okay, so who is this Bianca, again? Emma racked her brain to try to remember where she heard the name before. A client? No. Family? No. Oh. My. God. His ex? What does she want?

  Emma tried to hide the panic in her expression. This could only complicate things, but for starters, he would normally tell Lucinda he would call the person back. Oh, God. Were they getting back together? She wished she could pry into his private business right now. If only it were appropriate.

  Okay, calm down, Emma. Don’t go jumping to conclusion. Keep it professional.

  “Yes, you were saying?” Evan turned back to Emma as he derailed her secret panic attack.

  “Um. Oh, right. Yes, I was wondering if…” after the meeting today, you’ll considering marrying me next week before we go to New York? “...we could speak after the meeting today.” Emma was a bundle of nerves inside. She hoped he didn’t see or notice the quiver in her voice. The falsetto. Her unusual higher pitch of tone.

  “Oh, of course. Is everything okay?” He wrinkled his brow. A look of concern on his face made Emma realize he could think it was a more serious issue—but then again, maybe it was.

  “Well, yes, it’s fine. I, well, I just needed to talk to you about…” ruining your life while I try to convert you from a carefree bachelor to an overnight groom. “...something important, that’s all. Nothing to do with work.” Okay, that may not have come out right.

  Evan shot Emma a puzzled look but shrugged. “Sure. I’m game. After the meeting.” He sighed. “Thanks again for your hard work and all the time you’ve put in on this. I really appreciate it.”

  “Thanks, Evan. I know you do. And thanks for having me on this team. Let’s get ‘em.” Emma threw a team punch as she winked—trying way too hard to keep her nerves under control. Okay that sounded lame, but I’m trying to hide the insanity that will later overtake me.

  This had better work, Emma thought to herself. But, first things first. She had to give it all she had for the pitch this afternoon. She sighed as she walked over to her desk, sat, and leaned back into her leather chair.

  Emma made sure the boardroom was booked for the pitch at 2:30 p.m. and that the caterers were coming to deliver the refreshments for the meeting.

  She had picked out some of the client’s favorites. She’d always gone to great lengths to do her due diligence ahead of time and ensure every client felt right at home when they arrived at Fletcher Advertising.

  She checked and rechecked to assure the décor in the boardroom suited that of a wedding reception or luncheon. She ordered pastries and wine in addition to fresh fruits, cocktails, and lined the chairs with wedding satin chair covers. Matching silk and cream coloured balloons adorned the boardroom. It looked exquisite.

  “I’m impressed.” Evan smiled as he walked into the boardroom with the copywriter, graphic designer, and account executive. They had brainstormed earlier and decided to go with a full theme to celebrate Weddings R Us. Over by the wall, hung a poster with a list: 10 Reasons Why Every Bride Needs Weddings R Us. Followed by a list of the top ten reasons adding some valuable tips in addition to marital humor and various union scenarios. “It’s all about environment. The feel. The look. Everything,” Emma added. “We’ve got to show them that we’re not just about their business. We’re about…” Okay, I’ve run out of steam.

  The truth was, Evan made Emma’s insides tingle. She felt herself flush when he stood near to her admiring the room. She hoped no one else noticed. She felt so transparent at that time. This was awkward. His deep voice, his charm, his physique. She had to refocus. “...them,” she finished.

  Evan nodded as he walked around. He had trusted her with her input. She really wanted to be senior on this account. To move up the ranks. To manage this baby.

  Though the others walked in with their hands behind their backs at her little surprise-she made Evan promise earlier not to look or to let anyone else in as she got the boardroom done up—they didn’t look as impressed with the décor as Evan. They thought he shouldn’t trust a junior staff member as much and go with the simple, professional look and stick to the business side of things. After all, to them, she was still part of the reception staff and a former college student. It was hard for some to shake that initial first impression image of her. She was glad Evan believed in her enough to take charge.

  Evan was taking a chance on Emma’s idea, and as such, he was sticking by her.

  Of course, she had something else in mind, too. But she had to push that to the back of her mind.

  The group gathered round the table as they went over their roles in the presentation that would only last ten minutes in itself. Each spoke as they went around the table. Evan leaned back in the chair stroking his chin as he listened in on everyone’s input. He looked as if he were pondering in deep thought. He nodded occasionally. He had masterminded many great advertising campaigns, but what Emma admired about him was that he was willing to let someone else or others step up to the plate and spoon out their own delight. He always gave others a chance. Just as he was giving her an opportunity to shine with the wedding campaign.

  But he threw a gaze directly at Emma from time to time which made her flush, shift uncomfortably on her seat, and pray to God no one else in the room noticed. Perhaps she was reading into this too much.

  The graphic designer put on display the most exquisite looking gowns, wedding cakes, and flowers. Emma swore the whole environment was enough to seduce anyone into the mood for getting hitched. Heck, if she hadn’t been burned by an ex-flame in the past, she may even want to give it a go, for real this time.

  With an assistant by her side, Ms. Kelsia Endo, the owner of Weddings R U, came into the office with quite a presence. Her head held up extraordinarily high. She was dressed in a long pink coat and a long pink dress with pearls that glowed. Her earrings were bold and as large as her ears. Emma could not help but notice the bling. They sparkled. She tried hard as she reached to shake her hand not to stare, but it was just so in your face.

  She wore a large rimmed church-style hat suitable for a queen. The only thing missing was gloves. In her bright pink matching coat and dress, Evan ushered her inside the reception area and gave her a tour. She seemed at first rather stoic. The story was that she was a romantic at heart. Her beloved husband died many years prior and left her with a whole whack of money. Millions. She decided to invest in her own start-up business. Making others' wedding dreams come true. She was also the daughter of some wealthy socialite of African British background.

  “Yes, it’s beautiful,” she commented with her head held up high. She barely looked at Emma. Her only non-verbal assessment was a quick look at Emma’s cleavage. Emma swallowed. Great, first impression. She really wanted to win the account despite Ms. Endo’s standoffish first impression.

  “Mr. Fletcher, your office is impeccable.”

  “Thanks, I’m glad you like it. And please, call me Evan.”

  “Very well, Evan.”

  Emma could tell that Evan was half-waiting for her to say "please, call me Kelsia," but that didn’t look like that would be happening any time soon.

  When Ms. Endo walked into the boardroom, she froze. Her eyes widened.

  Emma swallowed hard. She could tell that Evan did, too. Was this a horrible mistake?

  “It is…” Ms. Endo gaped around the room, leaving everyone in suspense. “Exquisite. I’ve never had an agency go through such effort. It looks like…like the reception I had with dear old Percy before he left to be with the angels. God rest his soul.” She clasped her hands to her chest.

  Okay, maybe it wasn’t such a bad idea after all. As Ms. Endo strolled ahead of them, Evan squeezed Emma’s shoulder. Emma felt her insides turn to jelly. She thought her knees would buckle beneath her.

  She drew in a deep breath. She hated giving presentations. She would mu
ch rather be taking a bath in tar and feathers than to give a speech. But she digressed. She would get on with it. Evan had coached her earlier on deep breathing and visualization during these pitches—stuff she learned in college, of course. He would remind her to try picturing everyone in the boardroom naked—which would make her giddy inside if she dare visualize sexy Evan with no clothes on.

  Perhaps it was not such a good idea today, since she would end up blushing or lusting throughout her little spiel.

  Evan outlined the storyboard for the TV ad as Ms. Endo helped herself to the refreshments.

  Ms. Endo seemed to be enjoying the pastries as much as the presentation. She was already impressed after reading the Fletcher Advertising Company information booklet which Evan and Emma had worked hard in putting together over the past two years. The executive summary, bio, other clients served, their services, vision, and sample of successful ad campaigns graced the cover of the book, and though most of the information was available on the website, many clients preferred a hard copy.