by Amy Brent
People clapped again, and I started calling names. I would say a few nice things and then shake their hands and hand them their certificates. I was proud of most of them. That is, except for Michael. But that had more to do with personal reasons and not work reasons. Other than Violet, he was a damn good intern.
I was getting closer and closer to calling out Violet’s name. It was making me more nervous than I had been in a while. I loved this girl with all of my heart, and no matter what, I just needed her to know that. Whether it was now, here in front of all of these people, or in private later, I needed to talk to her.
If we didn’t get things figured out soon, I thought I might lose my mind. I might go crazy. I needed this girl in my life, and I needed to fix things. First with her and then with her father.
“This next person is a guy I hope will make a good name for himself out in the business world. He did a fantastic job at getting my coffee.” A few more laughs. “No, really. He did a fantastic job at his job. And I appreciate all the help he gave me. Michael Foster thank you for all of your help.”
I decided to leave out that he was a complete asshole because it didn’t seem like that would sit well with the media.
He walked onto the stage, and I shook his hand and handed him his certificate.
“Thank you, sir,” he said.
“You’re welcome, and thank you for all of your hard work,” I said this into my mic. I really wanted to tell him what I really thought of him, but I knew that wouldn’t be good. He could make a scene, and I had way more important things to do today than worry about this scumbag.
I was sure he knew what I really truly thought of him. There was no way he didn’t know. The way I put more on him at the office and the way I treated him. He thought that he had me under his grip. He didn’t realize that I knew just what his little game was. I figured it all out way before he ever realized that I knew.
The last remaining certificate was for Violet. I looked at the piece of paper and then at her. I got closer to her. It was now or never.
“Violet Summers. Now, she was an amazing intern. Will you come over here, please? I have a special recognition for you.” It was partially the truth, though no one was expecting me to do what I was about to do.
Violet stepped forward. She looked nervous like she wasn’t exactly sure what she was getting herself into. But she smiled brightly, and it lit my heart up. I loved this girl more than anything on the planet and now was the time that I needed to tell her exactly how I felt. To tell the world exactly how I felt. I knew deep down that if I didn’t take this chance right now, I might never do it.
I took a deep breath, and then I took a couple of steps toward her. It wasn’t what I had done with the other interns. But she wasn’t just an intern. I turned and faced her. I took another deep breath, the confusion growing on her face. I smiled, she smiled, and then I took another step toward her.
Chapter 30
Violet
I was a nervous wreck, standing up here on this stage, waiting for Cole to hand me this stupid certificate. We hadn’t spoken in a week, and it had been tearing me apart. I hated feeling this way. But I knew I had to give him his space. I had to let him be and clear his mind. I couldn’t have crowded around him or seemed needy because there was a chance it could push him further away. And right then, I didn’t even know what he was thinking or feeling.
I just hoped that we would get to talk after this stupid ceremony. I almost didn’t come today. I figured it might have been best if I just stayed away, but he had sent me an invitation. He even hand wrote that he really wanted me to be there to receive my certificate. So, it made me assume that he wanted me here.
I almost hid out. Maybe he could have just sent the certificate in the mail. It wasn’t like I would be able to do anything with it. It was just going to be a constant reminder of what I almost had. But something deep down inside of me told me to come today. Something told me I needed to show up and face my fears. I needed to face him.
Now it was my turn to get the certificate. I watched him take a few steps toward me and then he stopped in front of Cheryl. I was a little confused when he handed her the piece of paper. It made no sense. Maybe he had decided that I wasn’t actually going to get a certificate. Maybe I read it all wrong and he really just wanted me here to humiliate me. I felt my heart rate pick up.
“Violet Summers,” he said and took another step toward me. But I watched as he got down on one knee. My heart was beating faster, and my breathing increased.
My hand went to my mouth. I couldn’t believe what was going on. Right here, in front of everyone. Right here, where people could tell the whole world what was happening. I was trying to fight back the tears. I didn’t want to start crying again because if I did, I was afraid I was never going to stop.
I didn’t take my eyes off of him, though. I stared at his handsome face. The one that was staring back at mine. He was searching my eyes, maybe to make sure this was okay. I smiled at him so he didn’t think I didn’t want this. Because I did. I wanted it more than he could ever fucking know.
“I love you,” he said. “I love you more than I’ve ever loved anyone. I’ve fallen madly and deeply in love with you over the time we have spent together, and I couldn’t imagine my life going any other way. I hope you will have forgiven me for everything that happened. I want you to know that I can’t picture my life without you now. I can’t get you out of my head. When you aren’t around, I can’t eat. I can’t sleep. I want nothing more than to hold you and be near you.”
I still didn’t know what to think. I was frozen still. The crowd was staring at us. There were people mumbling. I felt weird, almost like I was going to pass out. I couldn’t believe what was going on. Tears started sliding down my face. Big, fat, happy tears. They were coming out in streams. I couldn’t stop it. And I didn’t want to, either. These weren’t broken-hearted tears. These were happy tears that were full of love and happiness. Tears that told me that my life was about to change in the most amazing way.
“I hope that you will forgive me for all of my faults,” he said. “I’ve said some things I didn’t mean to. I’ve done some things I didn’t mean to. I hope you can forgive me, and we can get past this. I’ll always be here for you, and I’ll always give you anything you ever need or want.”
I watched as he reached into his pocket, and just as I expected, he pulled out a little box. He flipped the lid open and looked up at me, staring into my eyes.
“Violet Summers, will you do me the honor of making me the happiest man on this planet and marry me?” he asked.
I was crying so I couldn’t talk. I nodded my head instead. I couldn’t get my mouth to form the word ‘yes.’ I held my left hand out for him. He took it and slid the gorgeous solitaire diamond ring on my finger. My hand was shaking, and he had to hold it still. I looked down at it just as he began to stand, and he pulled me into him. I knew in that moment that I had nothing left to worry about. Things were going to look up for us. We were going to get married and things were going to continue to get better for us.
A loud applause broke out as he began to kiss me. Our mouths collided. Our lips worked together. I missed the feeling of his mouth on mine. I missed the feeling of his body pressed into me. I missed the feeling of him just looking at me. And now I’d never have to miss another one of those feelings again because I was going to be his wife.
We pulled apart, and I looked down at the crowd. I knew there were some people who were clearly still shocked, but I tried not pay attention to them. I didn’t want or need them to ruin this or any movement for me. I was happy and content.
“She said yes!” he yelled out at the crowd.
I laughed while the crowd started to go crazy. People were screaming and cheering, and it was a little overwhelming. But it was also endearing. I was engaged to Cole now. We were going to get married and live happily ever after. The two of us with our little one.
I noticed he didn’t make that an
nouncement, and I was happy for that. That would give me time to figure out how to tell the world. Plus, I didn’t want too many people to know, just in case something happened with the pregnancy.
That was when I looked over and saw Michael’s astonished face. I couldn’t help but laugh at him. Seeing him with that look on his face after he made those comments to me, it was everything to me.
I grabbed onto Cole a little tighter. I felt happy, content, and complete in this moment. I had Cole, who I was going to marry. We were going to be together forever and raise our child together. This was everything I’d ever wanted, so it was hard for me to wrap my head around it all.
“I love you so much,” Cole said as he stared into my eyes. “I’m never going to hurt you.”
“I love you so much, too. I’ll never hurt you, and I promise I’ll never lie to you again.”
We kissed one more time. The crowd lost it in another round of applause, and I was smiling against his lips because this was something I never thought would actually happen. At least, the going public portion of it.
We walked off the stage when the crowd’s applause died down and we ran to his car. We got inside and started kissing. It was hot and rushed. I knew we wouldn’t do anything here because there were so many people around, but that didn’t mean that I didn’t want it. That it wasn’t on my mind.
“I wanted a moment alone with you before the questions start,” he said to me.
I kissed him again. “I love you so much, Cole.”
“I love you, too. I’m so sorry for what happened last week. You were right. I should have waited, and I should have let you tell your parents. Is everything okay between you and them?”
I nodded my head. “Yeah. My dad and I spent last Saturday sailing. He actually said he’ll support us.”
He lifted an eyebrow and looked at me like I was crazy. Like he had no idea what I was saying. “It’s weird. But it’s true. I never thought he was going to forgive me. To forgive us, and yet he told me that he will support us if it’s what we really want.”
Cole kissed me. “That’s great news! But what about your mom?”
“My mom’s opinion doesn’t count. She’s always just been concerned with how she looks or how the family’s image together looks. It’s not okay. So, if she doesn’t support us, then I don’t care. I also don’t care if the media finds out that I’m pregnant. Because everyone is going to find out in like a month. My clothes are getting tight, and I’m not even sure where to start shopping for maternity clothes. Sorry, I’m rambling.” I added that when I noticed he was just staring at me.
“It’s okay. You can keep talking. I’m just enjoying it. I missed you. So much. My heart hurt all week. I couldn’t eat, and I couldn’t sleep. All over again. I don’t ever want to feel this way again.”
“Me neither,” I said.
He leaned in and kissed me again. His mouth felt so amazing against mine, and I was savoring the feeling. I wanted to remember this, in case anything ever happened again.
“I’ll always be here for you.” He put his hand on my stomach. “And our little one. I’ll never leave either of you. Or hurt either of you. I want you to know how serious I am.”
I held up my hand. “I think I figured that out with this.”
“I guess we better get back out there,” he said. But he was dragging it out. Almost like he didn’t want to be here anymore. But I didn’t either. I wanted to go back to his place. I wanted to make love to him now that we were engaged. I wanted to lay in bed with him and hide from the world. The two of us soaking up our private little moment together.
I nodded my head, and then we both opened our doors. He came around and grabbed my hand in his, and we walked back toward everybody. He held my hand tightly.
“Are you ready?” he asked me.
“As ready as I’ll ever be,” I said.
It didn’t take long before people saw us coming and made their way over to us.
Cheryl came up and gave me a hug. “Congratulations. I knew there was something really special going on between you both.”
“Thank you, Cheryl,” I said and hugged her back. She asked to see my ring so I held it out to her, and she admired it. She talked about the cut and the clarity and how beautiful it was.
She wasn’t the only one, though. We were swarmed with people, and even though there were so many people, I looked over at Cole and it felt like we were the only ones here. The only ones left. We were alone together in a crowd.
And when everyone finally left us alone and we had another moment to ourselves, he held me close.
“Just imagine it,” he said. “In one year, we’ll be here with our own little one for the family day. Just the three of us.” He smiled as he said this, and it melted my heart.
Things felt good, just like they should. We were going to be okay. And we were going to grow old together. I was excited to see what life was going to bring us, and I was happy to know that we were going to get through anything that was thrown at us together.
Epilogue
Six Months Later
Violet
The patter of a steady rain filled the nursery. Sleep tugged at my brain as I adjusted Olivia in my arms when I felt her finally drift back off to sleep. Her tiny little body was curled up happily in the crook of my arms. She smelt of fresh baby soap and fabric softener. My heart soared as I pressed a kiss to her little cheek before reluctantly rising from the rocking chair. It would be easy to fall back asleep with Olivia in my arms on this rainy Sunday afternoon, but I had a fiancé in the next room waiting for me to come back to bed.
Fiancé. Cole Crayton. Mrs. Crayton.
A shiver went up my spine at the titles. Years ago, I had only imagined what it would be like to say those type of things out loud. It still seemed like a surreal dream to say them with confidence.
I settled Olivia back into her bassinet with a smile. She remained steadfast and asleep with the sound of rain. I tip toed out of her bright pink nursery to leave the door cracked open. The distant boom of thunder in the distance filled the entire house as I walked softly down the hallway in the direction of the bedroom.
Settled on his side of the bed, Cole looked up from the newspaper he had been reading through to keep himself occupied while I fed Olivia. My body thrummed in anticipation when I took in his bare and sculpted chest with a patch of hair in the center. He was naked beneath the sheets too from our earlier foreplay before Olivia’s piercing screams had echoed throughout the house.
“Did Olivia fall back asleep?” Cole asked. He tossed the newspaper back onto the bedside table after folding it. “It seems like once we get one schedule down, it all gets changed again.”
“I know,” I said, loosening the silk belt around my waist. “She keeps us on our toes. She also keeps us up all night.”
Cole chuckled at that as I came around to his side of the bed. The silk fabric of my robe parted to give Cole an eyeful. His eyes immediately latched onto the valley of my swollen breasts. A hungry fire filled his eyes all over again.
“Shall we resume what we were doing?” I murmured.
A tent appeared in the sheets between Cole’s legs. He gladly pulled the sheets back to reveal the rest of him. I shrugged out of my robe to let it pool at my feet before climbing back into bed to join him. Our lips met in a hard kiss full of pent up sexual desires from earlier. It was moments like these where we had to make the best of it. We had to absorb every bit of time together in between Olivia’s short lived naps.
Cole insisted on helping too. Which thrilled me to no end. If I stayed up all night, he was up with me helping change Olivia in the dark. He was there to rock Olivia asleep at night while humming a lullaby. There was nothing sexier than watching a man utterly dote on his child.
Blood rushed through my veins while our legs tangled in the process of Cole rolling me back onto my back. Cole’s lips made quick work down the column of my neck to kiss around my swollen breasts tenderly, mindful that they were s
ensitive with breastfeeding. He cupped them softly before trailing a hand down to the center of my legs. I stifled a moan with my hand as those magical fingers started to rub the way he knew that I liked.
Sex had been a terrifying thought after Olivia was born. For eight weeks, I had settled on pleasing Cole in other ways until we were given the thumbs up to carry on in the bedroom. The first time had been just as heart pounding as the day I had lost my virginity to Cole in his office back at Crayton, Inc. It was going to hurt. I had been so sure of it until Cole made it the best damn sex to remind me what it had felt like eight weeks prior to Olivia’s birth.
I clenched my teeth when I felt my release drawing near under Cole’s steady fingers. This was what I loved about him. He knew how to make it feel amazing every single time. Nothing about our relationship changed either.
“Cole,” I whispered, clutching his broad shoulder with another hand. “Please. Just get inside of me.”
Cole’s fingers lifted immediately at that. He positioned himself happily between my legs, nestling against me intimately. He entered me in one deep thrust. I wrapped my legs tightly around his waist to pull him in even deeper. The heat between us roared to life. It pulled me back down into that fiery oblivion of pleasure that I couldn’t imagine my life without. Being touched by Cole was being tainted in a way. Nothing ever compared to the sounds of his ragged pants in my ear, or the way he gripped me as he went over the edge to his own peak. Everything about it was utterly addicting, and it would never get old either.
