"You'll be grateful for the calories later," I promise, accepting the coffee she offers. "We have a full day ahead."
"Do we?" Her eyebrow arches as she settles into one of the chairs. "I thought your schedule was clear until ten."
"After that," I clarify, joining her at the table. "Apparently, I'm judging gingerbread houses, hanging stars for the children's pageant, and attending the tree lighting ceremony tonight."
"Busy man," she teases, selecting a croissant from the basket. "Sure you wouldn't rather be reviewing quarterly projections?"
"Strangely, no." I reach for the eggs, suddenly ravenous. "Though I do have that board call at eleven-thirty."
"Duty calls," she sighs dramatically. "Back to reality."
"Not entirely," I correct, reaching across the table to take her hand. "Reality has significantly improved lately."
Her smile is worth every community event I'll endure today.
After breakfast, we dress for the day, Sloane in clothes she'd packed in a small overnight bag I hadn't noticed her bringing.
“Ready?” She questions, once we’re finished.
"Yes, we wouldn’t want to be late," I note as we prepare to leave. "Can't judge gingerbread houses if we are."
"God forbid," she agrees, eyes twinkling. "What would the townspeople say? Blackwood CEO so busy romancing a local girl he couldn't be bothered to turn up?"
"Is that what I'm doing?" I ask, drawing her into my arms. "Romancing you?"
"Among other things," she murmurs, rising on tiptoes to brush her lips against mine. "Very successfully, I might add."
The HQ buildingis bustling when we arrive, the team in full swing preparing for the afternoon's events. Jenna spots us immediately, hurrying over with a tablet in hand.
"There you are!" she exclaims. "The gingerbread judges need to be at the community center by noon, and Brynn has marketing mock-ups ready for review before then."
"Good morning to you too, Jenna," I say dryly. "I'll review the mock-ups in my office in ten minutes."
She nods briskly, then her gaze shifts to Sloane, something knowing in her expression. " That sweater’s making another appearance? Very eco-conscious of you."
Sloane's cheeks pink slightly, but she doesn't miss a beat. "I'm all about sustainability. Plus, this sweater brings out my eyes."
"Mmm-hmm." Jenna's smile is just shy of smug. "Well, Marisol is looking for you. Something about the charity auction seating arrangements."
"I'll find her," Sloane promises, turning to me. "See you at noon for the gingerbread judging?"
"I'll be there," I assure her. "Save me a seat with the least creative contestants."
Her laughter follows her as she heads off to find Marisol, leaving me with a smiling Jenna.
"Not a word," I warn, though there's no real authority in my voice.
"Wouldn't dream of it, sir." Her professional tone is belied by the twinkle in her eyes. "Though I will say, it's nice to see you happy."
The simple observation catches me off guard. Am I happy? The foreign emotion is difficult to identify after years of pursuit and accomplishment rather than joy. But yes, I realize, I am happy, in a way I can't remember feeling since childhood.
"Thank you, Jenna," I say quietly. "It's nice to feel happy."
She looks momentarily startled by my candor, then her expression softens. "You're welcome, sir. Now, about those mock-ups?"
Just like that, we're back to business, the moment of personal connection tucked away beneath professional courtesy. I head to my office, bracing myself for the transition from Atticus-and-Sloane back to CEO Morgan.
To my surprise, it's easier than expected. The morning passes in a blur of marketing reviews, board calls, and community event coordination. Yet beneath it all runs a current of anticipation, for seeing Sloane at the gingerbread judging, for the evening's tree lighting ceremony, for whatever moments we can steal together between obligations.
