Congratulations, sir. I've taken the liberty of having flowers delivered to Ms. Parker's office and updating your relationship status in the company directory.
I smile at his efficiency, typing back:Thank you, Marcus. And it's fiancée now, not girlfriend.
His response is immediate:Already updated, sir. The board is requesting a brief call at your earliest convenience. I'vescheduled it for 2pm, allowing time for you to enjoy your morning.
I glance up at Sloane, now showing her ring to Tessa and several other women while fielding questions about wedding dates and venue possibilities. The sight of her, radiant with happiness, the emerald on her finger catching the light with every animated gesture, fills me with a contentment I've never known before.
Make it 3, I reply to Marcus.Some things are more important than board calls.
His response suggests he approves of my shifting priorities.Indeed they are, sir.
Sloane catches my eye across the crowded coffee shop, her smile softening when our gazes meet. She excuses herself from her admirers, weaving between tables until she reaches my side.
"Overwhelmed yet?" she asks, slipping her arm through mine.
"Surprisingly, no." I cover her hand with mine, where it rests in the crook of my arm. "Though I think we've given the town gossip mill enough fuel to last until spring."
"At least," she agrees with a laugh. "Ready to face HQ? Jenna's already texted me four times."
"As ready as I'll ever be," I admit.
We say our goodbyes, accepting more congratulations as we make our way out of Perfect Brews and toward the Blackwood Winter HQ building. The walk is pleasant despite the cold, our hands linked as we discuss how to share our news with the team.
"We could send a formal email," I suggest, only half-joking. "Very corporate."
"Or we could just walk in together and let them notice the ring," Sloane counters. "Very Hope Peak."
"Split the difference?" I propose. "Gather everyone for an announcement, but keep it casual."
"Perfect," she agrees, squeezing my hand. "The best of both worlds."
As we approach the HQ building, its glass and timber structure gleaming in the winter sun, I'm struck by how well it embodies what we're trying to build together.
Inside, the lobby is bustling with post-gala activity, staff members removing decorations, discussing follow-up initiatives, analyzing the success of various community connections made last night. Jenna spots us first, hurrying over with barely contained excitement.
"There you are!" she exclaims, eyes immediately dropping to Sloane's left hand. The squeal she emits is nearly identical to Carly's. "You did it! You actually proposed!"
"Was there ever doubt?" I ask, slightly affronted.
"We had a pool going," she admits shamelessly. "Half the team thought you'd wait until Christmas. Brynn was convinced you'd do it at the gala. Marcus refused to bet on principle, which was basically confirmation."
"Et tu, Marcus?" I mutter, spotting my assistant approaching with his usual composure, though I detect a hint of a smile at the corners of his mouth.
"Congratulations, Mr. Morgan, Ms. Parker," he says formally, though genuine warmth underlies his professional tone. "Your ten o'clock meeting has been rescheduled to accommodate the board call at three, and I've taken the liberty of having champagne delivered for a team celebration at noon."
"Of course you have," I reply, unable to suppress my own smile. "Thank you, Marcus."
"My pleasure, sir." His expression softens slightly. "If I may say so, it's about time."
With that unprecedented personal comment, he returns to his desk, leaving me momentarily speechless.
"He's right, you know," Sloane murmurs, leaning into my side. "It is about time."
I press a kiss to her temple, unconcerned with the professional boundaries I once guarded so rigidly. "Better late than never."
The morning passes in a blur of congratulations, champagne toasts, and more hugs than I've received in the past decade combined. The team's genuine happiness for us is touching, their acceptance of our relationship seemingly universal. Even the board, in our afternoon call, offers congratulations before moving on to business matters, though I note several sidelong glances when I outline my plans for splitting time between New York and Hope Peak.
"Unprecedented," one board member comments. "Though given the Winter Division's success under your leadership, we're willing to consider flexible arrangements."
