by Amber Page
“Wait. What? No. You belong at SBD.”
“Not anymore. I quit.”
“You quit?” she asked, fury winning. “After I gave up everything for you? What the hell did you do that for?”
“I had to.”
“Why? Did you lose the account?” Surely he couldn’t have screwed up that badly that fast.
“No. I brought it with me.”
She sank back down in her chair. “Okay, I am completely lost.”
Mark stepped into the room and pulled down a white screen.
“Let me do this right,” he said. “I put together a presentation to explain everything to you. Will you listen?”
Unable to speak, Becky nodded.
“Okay,” he said, clicking a few buttons on his Mac. A picture of a sullen teenage boy filled the screen.
“Once upon a time there was a boy with a nasty attitude. He lived in a big house, and attended the most exclusive schools, but had the world’s biggest stick up his ass. He had long ago decided his mother didn’t love him, her illegitimate son, and nothing she did could change his mind.”
He clicked forward to an image of a grinning Mark in a graduation cap and gown.
“He managed to graduate from college in spite of himself, and soon embarked on a career in the soulless world of advertising. He was quite good. Racked up lots of awards. And he managed to get through his twenties without ever having a real relationship.”
He clicked forward to a shot of the famous Vegas sign.
“Then he went on a business trip and met a woman who would change his life forever. They spent only one night together, but by the time she left he was already falling in love. Not that he was capable of admitting it.”
He flipped forward again to show the SBD sign.
“Then he got hired to work with and compete against the same phenomenal woman. Although he told himself not to get involved, he quickly did. They worked together, played together and won the account together. Somewhere along the way he fell head over heels, but still couldn’t admit it to himself.”
He clicked forward to a shot of a pregnant tummy.
“When she told him she was pregnant he reverted back to that sullen little boy and ran for the hills.”
He clicked forward to David’s headshot.
“Then the evil agency owner cooked up a plan to get rid of the girl. Both the girl and the boy fell for it, and before he knew it she was gone.”
He clicked forward to a gray sky.
“Without her, his world fell apart. But it wasn’t until he discovered the evil agency owner’s dastardly plan that he managed to get rid of the stick still up his ass.”
Another click and one of their Eden ad designs filled the screen.
“He submitted his resignation on a cocktail napkin and headed to the Eden company to tell them what he knew. Being decent people, they fired SBD and signed on the dotted line with the boy’s as yet unnamed agency—on the condition that he find his better half.”
He clicked forward to the yellow house.
“So here he is. Starting over. In Detroit. Betting that the woman he doesn’t deserve will give him another chance with her heart and let him be her partner and her baby’s daddy.”
“Are you serious?” she whispered.
“Do I ever bet when I think I might lose?”
“I don’t know,” she said, her mind whirling. “This is all so sudden...”
“I have one more thing to show you,” he said. “Will you come?”
She nodded and he led her up the ornate wooden staircase. He opened a door and stepped through to the sunny yellow room beyond.
“This is your office,” he said. “And this,” he went on, opening a door with a placard reading CEO, “is our baby’s office.”
It was a nursery, done in shades of green and yellow, complete with crib, rocking chair and changing table.
“My office is just over there,” he said, pointing to a door on the far side of the room. He turned to her and smiled. “What do you think?”
She opened and closed her mouth, spinning in a slow circle in the middle of the room. “It’s amazing,” she breathed.
Mark crossed the room in two steps and got down on one knee, producing a diamond ring from his suit pocket.
“Becky, I’m ready to go all-in. I want us to be a family. Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife, partner and best friend?”
Becky thought her heart might explode with joy.
“Yes,” she said. “Oh, yes.”
Mark solemnly placed the ring on her left hand, then grinned up at her.
“I bet I know what you want me to do now.”
“What?” she asked, smiling through the tears streaming down her face.
“This,” he said, rising to take her in his arms and claim her lips.
Becky looped her arms around his neck and kissed him back with everything she had.
“You win again, Magic Man,” she murmured. “But do you know what I want more than anything right now?”
“No. What?”
“For you to take me to bed.”
“I don’t have any beds here yet. Will a desk do?”
“Splendidly.” She grinned.
He swooped her up into his arms and carried her over the threshold into his office.
“God, I missed you, Gorgeous Girl.”
“Prove it,” she said.
And so he did.
EPILOGUE
Becky was just clicking through to her final PowerPoint slide when a baby’s cry echoed through the monitor placed discreetly under the conference room table.
She grinned and nudged the power switch to the Off position with her toe.
“And that’s how we’ll make the Eden campaign the advertising darling of the new year, fueling New Year’s Resolutions across the country.”
As applause broke out around the crowded conference table Izzie poked her head through the white-paneled door.
“He needs to be fed,” Izzie said in a stage whisper.
Becky motioned for her to come in and gathered the baby into her arms.
“If you have any questions, Mark can field them,” she said, moving to the comfy rocker tucked behind a folding screen in the corner.
She listened, baby nestled at her breast, as Mark swung into action. In no time he had sweet talked the Eden people into spending even more money with their tiny agency in the next year.
Trio’s future was secured.
When they were finally gone, Mark plopped down on the rocker’s ottoman and stroked the baby’s cheek.
“Well, I’m glad that’s over,” he said.
“Were you worried they wouldn’t sign?” she asked.
“No, not really. I just want to move on to the day’s big event.”
“Big event? I know I’ve been preoccupied,” she said, indicating the baby nestled on her chest, “but I thought that meeting was our last piece of client business until after the holidays.”
“It was. This has nothing to do with business.”
“Then what is it?”
Mark grinned. “It’s a surprise. Do you trust me?”
“You know I do,” Becky said.
“Good. Then I need you to head up the back staircase into your office and do whatever Izzie tells you to do. Okay?”
“Okaaayyy... I guess,” Becky said. “Now?”
“Yep. Now,” he said, pulling her to her feet.
“What about Alex?”
“I’ll take care of Alex. Hand him over,” Mark said, holding his arms out for the baby.
Becky kissed his soft head, then reluctantly gave him to Mark. Even after five months of life as a mom it still amazed her how in love s
he was with her baby.
“He just ate, so he’s going to need a diaper—”
“I know,” said Mark.
“And he needs to do some tummy time...”
“Got it. Just go.”
“Okay. If you’re sure...?”
Mark sighed. “Becky. You’re just going to be upstairs. I’ve got this.”
She realized she was being a bit ridiculous. “All right, I’m going,” she grumbled, and headed for the kitchen door.
* * *
When she opened her office door, she was shocked to see four different people rushing about, setting up mirrors and plugging in hair appliances.
“What on earth is going on here?” she asked.
Izzie’s pink-haired head popped up from behind her desk, plug in hand.
“Oh, there you are! We’re on a mission to doll you up. Now, hurry up and get in here. There’s not much time!”
“Time before what? I’m so confused,” Becky moaned.
Izzie grabbed her by the hand and pulled her behind a screen that had been set up in the corner.
“Don’t worry about it, boss lady.” Izzie grinned. “You’re going to love it. Now, just relax and go with the flow.”
Realizing she had no real choice in the matter, Becky nodded. “All right, I’ll try.”
“Good,” Izzie said, unzipping a dress bag. “You can start by stripping down to your skivvies. We need to make sure this fits you.”
Becky gasped when she saw the confection Izzie was holding. It was a full-length evening gown made of red velvet. Gold and red beaded embroidery sparkled at the bodice and traced a delicate path down to the hip of the A-line skirt, then flowed along the hem. Cap sleeves finished it off.
“It’s beautiful,” she breathed.
“It’ll look even better on you,” Izzie said. “Now. come on—off with your clothes.”
* * *
Two hours later Becky was staring at her reflection in a full-length mirror, not recognizing the gorgeous woman staring back at her, when there was a knock on the door.
“Come in,” she called, not bothering to turn around.
“Wow. If that’s what having a baby does for your body, sign me up,” a familiar voice said.
Becky whirled, unable to believe her ears. “Jessie!” she shrieked when she saw her beloved redheaded friend grinning at her from the doorway. “Jessie, what are you doing here?”
“Oh, you know,” she said. “I was just in the neighborhood, so I thought I’d stop by...”
“You are such a liar.” Becky laughed, throwing her arms around her friend. “But I don’t care. I’m just so glad to see you!”
Jessie squeezed her back. “Me, too, lady. Me, too. But, hey, we better be careful. I don’t want to muss that gorgeous gown you’re wearing.”
Becky disentangled herself and did a little twirl.
“I know. Isn’t it amazing? But I have no idea why I’m wearing it.”
“I do. And so will you in a few minutes,” Jessie said. “But first I need to freshen up. Izzie? What have you got for me?”
Izzie dragged her behind the screen and Becky went back to gawking at herself in the mirror. Her blond hair was swept up with an elegant mass of sequined hairpins, artfully crafted curls framing her face. The makeup artist had made her emerald eyes look huge, and she was sure her lips were nowhere near that plump.
The dress emphasized her newfound curves, and for the first time since Alex was born she felt beautiful.
Tears welled in her eyes. She had no idea what Mark was planning, but she owed him big for helping her feel like a woman again.
Just then Jessie’s faced popped up behind her shoulder. “Hey, hey, hey—no crying allowed! You’re wearing way too much mascara for that.”
Becky smiled, wiping at the corner of her eye as she turned. Jessie had changed into an elegant green cocktail dress, with the same gold embroidery flashing around the knee-length hem.
“Wow. You clean up good. Wait a minute...” she said, realization dawning. “That looks like a bridesmaid’s dress. But we haven’t even begun planning the wedding. It’s supposed to be in June!”
Just then the lilting sound of a harp playing her favorite hymn floated up to her ears.
“Isn’t it?”
Jessie just winked and peeked her head out through the door.
“Mark? We’re ready for you!”
Seconds later Mark stood in the doorway, wearing a tuxedo. “Hey, babe.” He grinned. “You ready to get married?”
Becky sat down heavily in her chair. “But I thought— I mean, we’d always talked about June!” Not that she’d done anything to put plans in motion.
Mark crossed the room and kneeled down in front of her. “I know, Becky, I know. But it was a year ago today, right here in this house, when we became a family. I thought it only fitting that we make it legal in the same place. Besides,” he said, kissing her fingers, “I don’t want to wait another six months. I want the whole world to know you’re mine now. Becky Logan, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife today?”
Becky dabbed at her eyes again, holding back the tears by force of will alone. “Of course I will,” she said, joy fizzing in her veins.
“Good,” he said. “Then let’s do this thing.”
From the hallway, Izzie called, “Hit it, guys!” and a string quartet launched into the “Wedding March.”
Becky put her hand in the crook of Mark’s arm. “Let’s do it.”
* * *
Mark stood in front of Becky’s childhood priest, listening to the sermon with half an ear as he gazed at the beautiful woman who had agreed to be his wife. Even the glow of the twinkling white Christmas lights that sparkled around them paled in comparison to the joy emanating from her.
To think he had almost missed out on all of this. Now that their baby had arrived he couldn’t imagine life without him. Not to mention his mother.
Becky caught him staring and smiled, love shining from her eyes. “I love you,” she mouthed silently.
“I love you, too,” he mouthed back.
“If I can get these lovebirds to stop mooning over each other for a minute, we’ll get to the real reason you’re all here,” the priest said, breaking into their silent communion. “But first let me ask all who are gathered here an important question. Is there anyone here who objects to this marriage? If so, speak now or forever hold your peace.”
Silence fell, making the sudden outraged shriek from their baby’s miniature lungs echo all the louder.
“We’ll assume that’s his way of objecting to his place on the sidelines and not to his parents’ matrimony,” the priest joked as the room erupted with laughter.
“Well, let’s fix that.” Becky giggled, and motioned for her mother to bring the baby forward. “After all, he’s part of this family, too.”
Once he was settled on her hip, the angry cries turned into contented coos.
“All right. Now that we’re all settled,” the priest said, “do you, Becky, take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband, to care for him and keep him, in sickness and in health, in good times and in bad, all the days of your life?”
“I do,” she said softly, and Mark’s heart swelled.
“And do you, Mark, take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife, to care for her and keep her, in sickness and in health, in good times and in bad, all the days of your life?”
“You bet I do,” he said, putting his whole heart into every word.
“Then it is my honor to proclaim you husband and wife. Mark, you may kiss the bride.”
Mark gathered her to him, careful not to dislodge the baby from her hip. “Now you’re mine,” he whispered, and pressed his lips to hers, silently communicating his joy.
Alex chortled happily as they broke apart, and, laughing, Mark bent to kiss his cheek.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I am overjoyed to present to you Mr. and Mrs. Powers!”
The small crowd rose to its feet and applauded.
Looking around at the sea of happy faces, Mark felt at peace. Love might be a gamble, but he was pretty sure he’d hit the jackpot.
* * * * *
Keep reading for an excerpt from SHE’S SO OVER HIM by Joss Wood
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ONE
‘Nice tattoo, Mad.’
The voice came from out of the blue, clear and distinguishable despite the high volume of noise in the bar. Such a luscious voice—deep, smooth, compelling. Like hot chocolate after a freezing walk in the winter rain, she thought as her heart rollercoastered inside her rib cage.
Maddie Shaw flicked a glance to her left and there he was, leaning against the bar counter, a bright blonde barnacle superglued to his side. Hot damn, her memory wasn’t playing tricks on her. It was Cale Grant and—oh, heaven help her—he’d moved up from very good-looking to stupid-making hot. Long and lanky had turned into long and strong. Instead of the ponytail she remembered, his naturally streaky blond hair was cropped so that the ends brushed the open collar of his shirt, and the goatee he’d sported on his stubborn chin was gone.
His eyes flicked over her and she watched, mortified, as they stopped at her chest. The tight sleeveless top with the image of a camp queen splayed across it was cut low enough to reveal the edges of her tangerine bra, way more than necessary of her cleavage, and most of the teeny-tiny red butterfly that she’d acquired in a fit of pique shortly after her last conversation with this same man.
