Jellica turned to him and felt her heart melt at the sincerity in his gaze. “They like you too, Greg.”
“I’m sure of that. They’ve both been texting me every day with reports on how you’ve been holding up. I didn’t tell them about their father. I told them you and I had a fight.”
Jellica nodded and shrugged. “I’m going to have to tell them soon. If Martin files that custody case, they’ll need to know.”
“He’s never going to win, no matter what. Quartz lost their love and respect years ago. It would take a miracle for him to win them back—a miracle I plan to never let happen. If you let me be a part of your lives, I’ll gladly be the male role model their mother thinks they need.”
Jellica snorted. “I’m still mad at you for leaving me that way.”
“Okay. Be mad,” Greg said. “Just let me make it up to you.”
“How do you propose to do that?” Jellica quipped.
“Propose is a good word. We could get married. I’d be there to kick your ex-husband’s ass next time he decides lurking outside the house is a good idea.”
“Married?” Jellica repeated. She paced some more. “I don’t know.”
Greg laughed. “I figured you’d say that and I don’t blame you for being a commitment-phobe. However, I think I have some positive things going for me. Maybe next year. Maybe in a few months.”
“Well, I do like you—most of the time. And you were really great in bed even though you didn’t let me sleep,” Jellica said, grinning at him.
Greg smiled. “Sleep is overrated. I also cook and have great taste in ice cream.”
“This is true,” Jellica admitted with a small smile pulling at her lips.
“And I have finally developed great taste in women even though I’ve got a long way to go in my game. I’m thinking about giving up my sweater vests and buying some leather ones with studs—more a biker, tough guy look.”
Jellica giggled and hated herself for being charmed by his humor. “What am I going to do with you?”
“Come over here and kiss me. I really, really, really need to know we’re going to be okay. I have a lot more to tell you, but kissing you is all I can think about at the moment.”
Jellica walked around the desk. When Greg started to stand up, she pushed him back down in his chair. She put her knees on either side of his hips and knelt in his lap. Greg’s mouth on hers was deliciously possessive and full of lust. She was shaking in his arms and dizzy for him by the time he let her go.
“I have missed you so much,” Greg said.
“I’ve missed you too,” Jellica whispered.
They sat like that for over ten minutes. Finally, Greg sighed and pushed her away. “Okay. I feel better now. We still need to go see Brandon. He’s got something very important to tell you.”
Jellica held his face with both hands and kissed him a final time. “I guess my friends were right about you. Now that we’ve made up, I’m going to have to hear about it for the rest of my life.”
Greg snorted. “Do I want to know what they said?”
Jellica backed off his lap and stood. She held out a hand. “All three insisted you were a good guy. My feelings were hurt by your leaving and Trudy even took your side. It was the first time Trudy was ever mean to me about anything.”
“Chef Baker?”
“Yes. Now get that satisfied gleam out your eye, Greg Skyler. You’re taken.”
“I am?”
“I am?” Jellica mocked. “Your innocent act doesn’t fly with me. I’ve been under you. I know what you’re really like. You might be a good guy in most ways, but I know the one place where you like to be bad. Wearing a sweater vest and playing stupid is never going to fool me again. You have even less game than when we met so you might as well be yourself.”
Greg laughed at the truth while his face heated with embarrassment. He’d never been happier with a woman in his entire life.
Jellica sat at the table watching as Brandon pointed to the elegant piles he’d created.
“As Greg has probably already told you, we’ve checked the court records and found no conclusion was ever legally filed confirming your parents’ deaths to be suicides. Police reports specifically state that dangerously wet road conditions combined with a driving hard rain could have been equally responsible. Your case has remained unresolved as far as we can determine.”
Jellica nodded. “Greg did tell me that and I’m still too stunned to think clearly. Are you trying to tell me I have something left to do?”
Greg tapped on the table. “Yes. Mom or Lyle needs to file a Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law in your estate case on your behalf. There’s police evidence that the accident was just that—a true accident. With no suicide letter, no history of mental illness, and no other indicators of your parents having planned their own deaths, it should be no problem to have their deaths be declared not to have been suicides. You deserve that peace, Jellica, and so do your parents.”
Jellica sighed sadly and smiled at Brandon. “My heart never wanted to believe my parents would just leave me in the lurch to handle all their business problems. It’s good to hear that wasn’t what happened. Thank you.”
Brandon cleared his throat. “Once the judge signs off on that final form… Jellica, that will change many things.”
“Will it stop my ex-husband from trying to take my sons away?” Jellica asked.
“Is he doing that?” Brandon frowned and looked at Greg. “What kind of person is that man? I feel righteous about this now.”
“As do I,” Greg said firmly. “It’s not always this great, but sometimes it is. I’m glad it’s worked out for us.”
Brandon nodded. “I think I would like to do this for a living. Would you consider employing me?”
Greg chuckled. “How about we do something part-time so you can pursue the rest of your plans? See if this is what you really want before you commit your career to it.” He lifted his chin in Jellica’s direction. “Explain it to her. I’ve been saving the big reveal for you.”
Brandon smiled and bowed his head to Greg. “It will be my pleasure.” He looked at Jellica. “If the death of your parents is ruled by the courts to have been an accident, then all the insurance companies will have to pay out on the claims they originally denied based on inconclusive documentation and the suspicion of suicide.”
“Are you saying I’ll get some insurance money?”
Brandon smiled and nodded. “Yes… a significant amount.”
Jellica clapped her hands. “Great, now I can buy the boys the cars they want.”
“And fix the boys’ bathroom,” Greg added. “Four people can’t be using one bathroom. The schedule for usage would be too hard to keep up with, especially with two teenagers in the house.”
Grinning, Jellica lifted an eyebrow. “Are you intending to be the fourth person in my house?”
“Yes, and as I explained on our first date, my man skills don’t extend to plumbing. You’ll have to be content with the others I have.” He laughed at all the unspoken questions in her gaze. “I’m really good at math. You like that, right?”
Brandon laughed a little at their modest plans wrapped in flirting. He was well versed in such things now. “Yes. Fixing things at your current house will possible. Perhaps buying a completely new house with a bathroom for every person might also work to resolve your dilemma.”
“Really?” Jellica said with happy laughter. “Are we talking a payout in six digits then?” She was kidding of course, but a woman could always dream. Her smile disappeared when Brandon turned his thumb up.
“More than six digits? Seven digits…” Jellica offered, stunned at the idea. That would be a lot of money. What would she do with that kind of wealth? Maybe buy her own yoga studio?
“Just tell her, Brandon. The shock’s going to happen no matter how gently you break the news. It’s unavoidable,” Greg said.
“Very well,” Brandon said. He stared at Jellica and smiled slowly. “By
my calculations of all the primary policies and the riders attached to them, you should net a total payout of approximately five point seven million dollars. I’ve estimated you will forfeit at least a hundred thousand for late filing penalties. We will negotiate as fiercely as we can to get you the maximum payout you are due.”
“Over five million?” Jessica asked, sure her hearing was faulty. “Are you sure it’s that much?”
When Brandon offered a shrug in answer, Greg laughed. “Yes. He’s sure—shocked, but sure. I’ve checked the numbers myself and I agree with Brandon’s estimate. Your parents were very well insured.”
Jellica swung to look at the man beside her. “This is why you left after we…”
Greg nodded. “I didn’t want to get your hopes up until I had checked the numbers myself. Brandon’s a genius, but that’s not some number you throw at a client lightly, no matter how wonderful she is.”
“My friends all defended you. They are never, ever, ever going to let me off the hook now. I hope you’re happy with yourself,” Jellica exclaimed, swiping a hand in the air while Greg laughed.
“I am actually,” Greg said proudly. “And I’m thrilled with Brandon for finding all this out. As far as I’m concerned, what’s scattered around in your dining room can go back up to the attic unless you’re feeling greedy. There could be some additional recovery there, but we’d have to work really hard to recover business expenses.”
“No. I’ll get the boys to help pack all that crap away again. Eric seems quite versed in your piling strategy. He can take the lead. Noah will do anything he says anyway. They’ve always been like that.”
“Angelica… I really like your mothering style.”
“Thank you,” Jellica said. Laughter spilled out afterward. “Consider yourself forgiven—completely and utterly.” She reached over and poked a finger at his chest. “But never do it again.”
“I won’t. I promise. From now on, I’ll be so clingy you’ll be praying I leave you alone,” Greg said.
“I can handle that.” She stood and leaned down to kiss Greg on the lips. “Thank you for being a truly good guy.”
“You are very welcome,” Greg said.
Jellica walked to Brandon and reached out to hug him. She laughed when he pulled her in tight. “You’re my hero, Brandon Wu.”
“Greg is a hero too,” Brandon pointed out. “And you’re right, he’s definitely one of the good guys.”
Jellica turned to Greg and smiled. “Yes, he is. That’s why I’ve decided to marry him.”
“Marry me?” Greg parroted back, surprised at the news. “That wasn’t a proper proposal earlier. I haven’t even bought you a ring yet.”
“Too bad. We’re having a whirlwind romance. Why not a whirlwind engagement? My answer is yes.” Jellica shrugged. “Besides, I’m going to need someone smart to help me handle my money. You don’t expect me to pay accountant fees for the rest of my life, do you?”
Greg laughed. “It’s not a bad idea, now that you’re going to be wealthy, but my reputation would go down the toilet if people found out I was billing my wife. And God help me if Chef Baker ever decides I’m a bad guy.”
Jellica giggled. “Momma Trudy’s loud, but mostly harmless. It’s really Auntie Georgia you should be worried about. She had you investigated. Of course, Auntie Ann knew about the investigation and said nothing so she’s not exactly innocent.”
Greg grinned. “Maybe I should rethink marrying you.”
Jellica giggled. “Maybe you should. My friends are more like extended family. When it comes to caring about each other, we don’t mess around.”
Greg chuckled as he thought about what he was taking on. He couldn’t wait. He shrugged. “I’ll risk it. You’re the only woman in my life who thinks I’m bad. Or are you going to tell your friends the rest of my secrets?”
“I haven’t decided yet. Are you going to tell your friend Mason all of mine?” Jellica asked.
Greg’s smile was wide. Love swelled in his chest. “Are you kidding? I’m going to brag first chance I get when my sister is there to hear every detail. Let’s see how those two like it. Damn straight I’m telling.”
Her giggle had both men grinning broadly.
Chapter Seventeen
“Mr. Quartz, your ex-wife’s attorneys are here to see you. They have forms to serve, which I offered to receive, but they would like to speak to you first. It seems they’re anxious to settle your case out of court if at all possible.”
Martin huffed and rolled his eyes. “Did Eleanor Skyler come herself or send a posse of her finest?”
“Counselor Skyler is here. She called the other attorneys Angelica Quartz’s legal team. I didn’t ask for particulars, sir. I should warn you that the other partners were curious as to why Counselor Skyler brought so many attorneys here to see you. Mr. Avery was talking about popping in the conference to say hello. Would you like me to relay a message to him while you take care of this?”
“No need,” Martin said. “I’ll get this over with as quickly as I can and go see Prescott after.”
Taking his time, Martin went to his office and dropped off his court briefcase before heading down the hall.
Eleanor didn’t miss the smile Martin forced to his lips as he opened the door to the conference room. He appeared momentarily stunned to see four attorneys seated at the table waiting but shell-shocked over his boss, Prescott Avery, casually sitting beside her and chatting. Eleanor had always respected Prescott. The man was a good lawyer even if he had taken a weasel like Martin Quartz as his partner.
Eleanor rose slowly from her seat, grateful for the seriousness of her gray suit and white blouse and grateful for the black pearls her late husband had given her the year he’d died. Wearing them was like having a piece of him be present today so he too could witness her return to what she’d always been meant to do. She hoped he approved.
She removed her reading glasses slowly and deliberately, tossing them gently on the table in front of her. “Hello, Martin. Thank you for seeing us. I decided to extend you the courtesy of having a conversation with us before we served you with all our paperwork.”
“If you’d called ahead, you would have known I was in court and saved yourself the wait. What can I do for you, Eleanor?” Martin asked, not taking a seat.
Eleanor lifted her chin and stared intently at Angelica’s ex-husband. “Okay, I’ll get right to the point. We’ve come to ask you to give up the custody case for your firstborn children that you’re threatening to file. Whatever you hope to gain by intimidating our client isn’t going to work. No court will agree to your proposed arrangements and I’m certain your new family will be appalled by your actions. You and I both know that no good will come of you trying to hurt Angelica more than you already have.”
Martin chuckled. “Don’t you think four attorneys is a bit of overkill to fight a joint custody case? Eleanor, you know I’ll win this one. I’m their father. I have a right to see my children whenever I want.”
Eleanor didn’t blink. “What I know is that you’ll make a good case in your favor, which is precisely why we’ve come in person to make our request that you not proceed. You’re a competent attorney most of the time, Martin, but you haven’t always been competent. This I can prove, starting with the fact that the house you gave Angelica barely suffices for the minimum amount of alimony payments she should have received from you. I’m sure you knew that at the time you provided the house. However, the house’s value is not enough to cover the amount you have refused to pay her in child support for the last six years. Frankly, we have a damn good case for back child support which, given your salary, would be very lucrative for Angelica if she wins.”
“You’re not scaring me off, Eleanor. I’m their father. Serve your papers and let’s get this over with.”
“Fine. I have no problem with doing that. Would you like to hear about the other case first?”
“What other case?” Martin asked, chuckling at what he considered
a ploy.
Eleanor lifted a hand to Lyle who waved at Martin. “We’ve taken over representation of all Angelica’s legal filings. Several days ago, Lyle submitted a summary of proof from multiple police investigations showing the death of Angelica’s parents to be an accident instead of a suicide. The judge reviewed our findings today and signed off on it. It’s since been officially entered into the court records of the estate case.”
Martin shrugged and glared. “It’s been years, Eleanor. What exactly do you think that proves at this point?”
Eleanor shrugged too. “I would say it proves you didn’t handle Angelica’s case in an appropriate or timely manner. The timing of your divorce from her muddies the waters further, especially since you filed for a marriage dissolution without dropping her as a client first. While I wouldn’t call it malicious exactly, at the very least it was an extreme conflict of interest, wouldn’t you say?”
She didn’t remove her stare from Martin, but she felt Prescott’s real attention suddenly shifting to his now defensive partner.
Martin frowned. “Nothing you’ve mentioned proves incompetence. Good for you that you’ve proved Angelica’s parents didn’t kill themselves.”
“One piece of evidence alone rarely proves anything,” Eleanor agreed. “However, if you combine your lack of proper filing with the five point seven million dollars my new client did not get from her parents’ insurance policies in a timely manner… well, now that looks terribly vindictive of you as well as legally careless. And since I was personally there when you served your law firm’s official severance to her, I know conclusively that you have remained Angelica’s attorney of record for the last six years despite your divorce. I would say these things do not paint the kind of picture you want people to think of about any high-priced lawyer from this firm, am I correct? I’m sure Prescott would agree, especially if we decided to push forward with a malpractice case.”
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