by M. Sembera
Realizing I was rambling, I stopped myself, feeling my face turn red.
Shaking his head as he laughed at me, Jackson asked, “Is there dancing at this thing?”
Shrugging, I replied, “There might be at the end. I kinda just let Ellis take over.”
With a soft smile, he suggested, “If there is, save one for me. Okay?”
I nodded before informing, “I think we’re fixing to get started, I’ll catch up with you later.”
Exhaling, I turned away from him and headed toward the front of the hall.
Ellis stood at a podium facing the room giving a short introduction while I collected the first present I had for Hert. Just as she was finishing up, I reached her side and set the gift box on the podium.
“Thank you, Mrs. Montgomery,” I appreciated, as she left my side and made her way to her table. “And thank you all for coming out this evening.”
Suddenly, I was anxious and I just stood there staring at everyone seated at their tables. Thinking, ‘Why did I decide to do this?’ I glanced at Jackson. When he smiled and winked at me, I took a deep breath and continued.
“As you know, my husband is leaving for Spain tomorrow evening and as Brooke Verdone was kind enough to point out earlier,” I said motioning to her, before continuing to say, “You all know our divorce will be final also.”
Brooke’s face turned bright red as her husband Clive, as well as everyone else in the room turned to look at her.
Reclaiming the focus of our guests, I cleared my throat and continued, informing, “Now, with that out of the way, I feel it is only fair that I point out, I am currently the majority shareholder and in control of M.R. Industries. Our investors, who have been so gracious to join us, are aware of this and are expecting me to appoint Scott Herterand as head of The Office. Mr. Herterand has been acting on my behalf for quite some time as I have no desire to hold the position myself.”
Stopping for a moment, I focused on Hert knowing he caught my ‘expecting me to appoint,’ by the expression on his face.
Smiling at Hert, I stated, “Scott, if you could join me please.”
Hert stood and walked to the podium.
Turning to him, I placed my hand on the gift box and said, “I apologize for misleading you. I have no intention of appointing you to anything.”
Hert’s jaw flexed as fear reflected in his eyes.
My audience was speechless as I faced them, asking, “Mr. Ramsden, Ms. McAtee, could the two of you please join Mr. Herterand and I.”
Ramsden glared at me the entire way up. It took every ounce of strength I had, to remain composed and proper. Looking over, I saw Ms. McAtee carrying her book and a small pouch.
The moment she reached the podium, I introduced her, saying, “Ms. McAtee is a notary republic. She has been kind enough to assist me this evening.”
Hert’s expression turned to curiosity at the same moment Ramsden’s turned to anger.
Clearing my throat, once again, I looked up at Hert and stated, “Turn around and shake Mr. Ramsden’s hand. Without him, this would not have been possible.
Automatically, Hert turned to Ramsden and shook his hand.
I gave them a slow smile before focusing my attention on our guests, saying, “As I was saying, I have no intention of holding any kind of position at The Office nor do I intend to appoint Mr. Herterand to any position.”
Making the moment last, for many reasons, I picked the gift box up off of the podium and handed it to Hert.
“Open it,” I chirped, waiting to see his expression when he did.
Hert opened the top of the box and set it on the podium.
A mixture of nervousness and excitement flowed through me as he lifted the contract out of the box. He looked at me then Ms. McAtee, then back at the contract.
I could see Ramsden trying to catch a glimpse of the paperwork from over Hert’s shoulder as Hert whispered, “I don’t know what to say.”
Swallowing hard, I whispered back, “That I’m trustworthy would be good.”
Hert appeared emotional for a second then placed the share contract on the podium. I could hear mumbling from our guests as Ms. McAtee opened and placed her book in front of us and took out her stamper. We both signed the contract and the notary book. Side by side, Hert and I faced our audience.
I felt him place his hand against the small of my back as I announced, “Under the direct supervision of Mr. Ramsden, advisor and legal consultant to M.R. Industries, and having a notary present to verify signatures, a majority share contract has been finalized.” Placing my hand on Hert’s shoulder, I continued saying, “Now, with the utmost confidence in his abilities and as the only person able to sign over controlling shares, it gives me great pleasure to introduce, Scott Vincent Herterand President of M.R. Industries.”
Taking my hand off of his shoulder, I folded the share contract into itself before sliding it into the inside of his suit jacket.
Patting his chest lightly, I said, “Congratulations Hert,” then turned to the crowd that was on their feet applauding and informed, “Please feel free to come up and congratulate Mr. Herterand and enjoy the rest of the evening in celebration of this momentous occasion.”
Instantly, guests formed a line to the front.
Stepping back, I watched as Hert was congratulated. Everyone appeared pleased at my decision and even more pleased to share the moment with him. Feeling a bit crowded, I stepped back farther until I felt someone standing behind me.
“Still not so bright, Mrs. Herterand,” Ramsden whispered behind me.
Without turning around, I kept my focus on Hert as I replied, “Don’t be a sore loser.”
“How naïve, you think you’ve won,” he stated.
I replied, “Looks that way to me.”
Ramsden’s voice was low as he assured, “I am not the only one you have misled. Sal will be more than happy to hand you over once he is made aware. I may not have The Office as soon as I hoped however, our wager will end very soon.”
Feeling sick to my stomach, I knew he was right as I stated, “Sooner than you think.”
“I look forward to seeing you on your knees,” he whispered in my ear.
Hert glanced over at us then stopped and looked in our direction again. I watched him excuse himself and head towards us.
“Congratulations, Mr. Herterand,” Ramsden said.
Hert gave him a suspicious look before asking me, “Are you alright?”
Nodding, I answered, “It was getting a little crowded.”
“Mr. Ramsden, you appear as surprised as I was at the outcome,” Hert stated.
I knew Hert was trying to get a feel for Ramsden’s intentions. After all he was whispering in my ear when Hert looked over.
“Indeed it was something. I cannot wait to share the good news,” he replied, glancing down at me.
“With your wife?” I questioned.
Narrowing his eyes at me, Ramsden replied, “Please excuse me, I have an urgent matter that requires my immediate attention.”
Giving him a fake smile, I knew exactly where he was going.
Looking up for a moment once I knew Ramsden had left the hall, I turned and looked at Hert.
“Are you happy?” I asked.
Smiling at me, he replied, “Stunned is more like it.”
Returning his smile, I shared, “I have something else for you.”
“Renni, I need to say something to you,” he said, giving me a thoughtful look.
I knew I needed to kill some time before telling Hert where his next gift was but I couldn’t handle an apology from him at the moment.
“Why don’t you get back to your guests and catch back up with me okay,” I suggested needing some time to myself.
Hert didn’t say anything. He leaned down and hugged me then turned and walked back to the crowd.
Slipping to a back room, I stood very still hoping everything would turn out fine. The longer I waited, my hands started to shake. Closing my eyes, I t
ook slow controlled breaths. When I opened my eyes, I sighed with relief.
“They are on their way and Mr. Herterand’s driver has been relieved for the evening,” Ramsden’s driver replied.
Politely smiling, I said, “Thank you, I will send him out shortly.”
With a nod, he started to walk out before turning back to inform, “My cousin said to tell you, to have a good day.”
Holding back a genuine smile, I asked, “Oh yea?”
Laughing a little, he replied, “Yea, I told him it wasn’t daytime anymore but he said to make sure I said that exactly.”
Shaking my head, I said, “Okay thank you.”
When he was no longer in the room, I giggled to myself thinking, ‘I’m gonna miss you too’.
Wading through the crowd, I found Hert. Sliding my arm around his, I excused him from his conversation and led him to the back of the hall.
“Want a reason to get outta here?” I asked.
Smiling down at me, he questioned, “What did you have in mind?”
Looking down to smile first, I shook my head and replied, “I have something else for you.”
“Renni, you don’t need to give me anything. In fact, I owe you. I owe you so much. Renni, I’m so sorry,” he shared.
With a serious expression, I informed, “I know but this is actually for both of us.”
Opening the drawer, I pulled out the second gift box.
Hert appeared curious as I said, “A driver is waiting for you out front.” Then handing him the box, I instructed, “He is going to take you out to the old Office building. This is for you to read on the way. Your present is waiting there for you. And it would be nice if you stayed away from the house tonight.”
Nodding, Hert asked, “Roberts is going to propose isn’t he?”
“How did you know?” I questioned.
Taking a breath, he replied, “Because I was close with Telli, he asked for my blessing.”
My heart softened as I said, “And you gave it to him…”
Shrugging, Hert admitted, “What else could I do, he’s my brother.”
It was so sweet, I wanted to cry.
Resisting my emotions, I stated, “I’ll meet you at the courthouse tomorrow at ten thirty.”
Hert appeared as though he had something to say, then scowled, shook his head and made his way out of the hall.
Everything had gone according to plan, right down to The Brothers switching places with Ramsden’s driver and taking him to the old Office to face Hert. For the moment, I reveled in the knowledge that Hert would read all about him in the file I put together. My moment didn’t last long when anxiety over my next step crept in. Pushing all thoughts of what might happen tomorrow when Henley and I had our meeting with Salvador, I decided to join the party. Taking a deep breath, I looked at my party guests and smiled as I headed towards them.
Looking around, it took a little bit but I finally caught sight of Emerson. When he looked in my direction, I held my hands up in the air. Instantly nodding at me, he smiled and patted the side of his jacket.
I made my way back to the podium and announced, “If everyone would now return to their seats, we have one more announcement.”
Waiting for everyone to return to their tables, I glanced around for Jackson. Sitting at a table in front, I was pleased to see him seated alone.
“I want to thank everyone again for coming. Mr. Roberts has something he would like to share. Then everyone is welcome to stay and enjoy the party,” I informed.
Emerson made his way to the front and stood next to me as I said, “The floor is yours.”
Looking down at me, he smiled. Reaching over, I squeezed his hand before making my way to Jackson’s table.
Jackson smiled, pulling the extra chair right next to his. Shaking my head with a smile, I sat next to him.
Leaning over, he whispered, “Big night.”
“It’s fixing to be even bigger,” I whispered back, motioning to Emerson standing in front of everyone.
Jackson and I, along with everyone else in the room, faced forward waiting for him to speak.
“I would like to thank Mr. and Mrs. Herterand for allowing me to share this evening with them. Although Mr. Herterand has been called away for the remainder of the evening, Mrs. Herterand has been kind enough to extend me this courtesy,” Emerson shared before requesting, “Amila will you please join me.”
Amila slowly looked around before standing up. Her expression was a cross between hope and confusion.
The moment she reached him, Emerson took her hand, saying, “Amila, I love you.”
There were a few gasps and as he went down on one knee in front of her, I placed my hand against my chest and my eyes filled with tears. Still holding her hand, he reached into his suit jacket with his other hand and lifted up a ring.
With the most endearing expression I had ever seen, Emerson gazed up at her and proposed, “Will you marry me?”
Fighting back tears, I felt Jackson’s fingers slide between mine.
Amila urged him to his feet as she replied, “I love you too, Emerson. Yes! Yes I will!”
As Emerson leaned in to kiss Amila, Jackson tightened his hand around mine.
Turning my focus to Jacks, I shrugged and laughed at myself for getting so choked up. Jackson nodded at me and leaned towards me. He opened his mouth to say something then smiled slowly releasing my hand. Happy to have shared Emerson and Amila’s moment with Jackson, I stood up before it got the best of me.
I had only taken two steps before Amila flew into my arms, cheering, “Oh my gosh Ren!”
Hugging her tight, I assured, “I’m so happy for ya’ll.”
As we let go of each other she said, “I want you to be my maid of honor.”
Nodding, I thought sheesh, she’s already planning it.
Emerson appeared behind her, saying, “She said yes!” as he smiled from ear to ear.
Letting go of Amila, I hugged Em and said, “I know, congratulations!”
“Congratulations, to both of you,” Jackson declared just before we heard Ellis announce, “Emerson and Amila will lead our first dance,” as the band started to play.
Shooing them off, I couldn’t believe seeing them happy would truly fill my heart like it did.
I stood there smiling as I watched them dance. They were so perfect for each other, so in love. It startled me a little when Jackson took my hand. Smiling at me, he led me to the dance floor.
Enjoying the safest way for him to have his arms around me, I shared, “I like dancing with you.”
“Yea?” he questioned before I smiled, answering, “Yea.”
Jacks and I continued to dance until the song ended.
Walking back to his table, I asked, “How long are you staying?”
“I’m probably gonna take off,” he replied.
Nodding, I asked, “Would you mind giving me a ride to your parent’s house?”
Smiling wide, he answered, “Sure,” as we made our way out of the hall.
Walking through the parking lot, my happiness started to fade.
The evening was over. It had gone better than planned still, it was the least of my worries. Why did I think doing all this and then throwing it in Salvador’s face was the right thing to do? And what the hell possessed me to get HIM involved with it? What was HE going to do, stare at the floor and say sorry sir? The ‘what if’s’ were making my stomach turn and by the time I was seated in Jackson’s car, I thought I was going to be sick.
Mrs. Thomas greeted us at the door. We followed her into the den, where Mr. Thomas was sitting in his chair watching TV.
“How was your party?” she asked.
A light smile was the best I could do as I shared, “Emerson and Amila got engaged.”
Placing her hand on her chest, she cheered, “Oh my, how wonderful.”
Nodding, I agreed saying, “It was really sweet. He got down on one knee in front of everybody.”
Smiling, she said, “Awe
…” as Mr. Thomas stepped behind her placing his hands on her shoulders, informing, “Sophia’s been asleep for a while and I think we are going to call it a night.”
“I’m going to change then go got to bed too,” I shared.
I thanked Jackson for the ride then told the Thomas’ goodnight, heading to the bathroom.
After I put my pajamas on, I stepped out of the bathroom and snuck a peak at Sophia. She was sleeping soundly and even though I really wanted to pick her up, I decided not to disturb her. Practically forcing myself to the den, I knew there was no way my mind was going to allow me to sleep but I needed to sit down and try to relax. When I reached the den, Jackson was sitting on the couch.
Patting the spot next to him, Jackson offered, “Wanna sit?”
Quietly nodding, I sat down next to him.
Turning to me he questioned, “What happened?”
Looking away from him, I shook my head.
“You were fine until we left the hall,” he shared.
Pulling my knees to my chest, I rested my head on them, quietly saying, “I have a meeting with Salvador in the morning before I meet Hert in court.”
“Are you scared?” he whispered.
Nodding my head into my knees, I covered my face with my arms and started to cry.
Jackson’s arms slid around me as he scooted closer. Resting his head against mine, he held me.
“Tell me something I can do,” he whispered.
Lowering my legs, I shifted to the side and wrapped my arms around his neck, saying, “Just hold me.”
Tucking his head into the side of my neck he continued holding me until I stopped crying and pulled back to look at him.
Placing my hand on the side of his face, I urged, “You have to promise me Jacks, promise that if something happens, you will tell her everyday how much I love her, okay promise me.”
His expression turned to anguish as he took my face in his hands, fussing, “Don’t say things like that, nothing is going to happen.”
Shaking my head at him, I whispered, “Please Jacks just promise me.”
“I promise,” he swore before saying, “I love you Ren.”
My eyes filled with tears again as I wrapped my arms around him, assuring, “I love you Jacks.”
Chapter 23
Jackson and I stayed up talking most of the night. When I woke, his arms were around me and I was cuddled up to his chest. I didn’t want to move at first, then the thought of Mrs. Thomas walking in and finding us like that forced me to get up. Jackson sat up when I pulled away. As quietly as I could, I crept to the bathroom. I wanted to walk into Salvador’s confident but I just could shake the sick feeling that loomed over me.
