It’s been great. The systems are tight. We get the right guys in here, and it’s going to be fire.
I smile down at the phone. Like yesterday, his excitement is addicting. In more ways than one, I got incredibly fortunate that Mrs. Carter introduced me to Jordan that night. He’s the perfect guy for this job.
A little voice says he’s the perfect guy for me too.
I don’t argue.
When I reach Ellie’s office, the girls are there. They hug me like we didn’t just see each other the night before. I snuggle them right back. I missed them in the weeks since Ellie and Will moved. The same way I miss all of Janelle’s kids. Charlie works in the front office for the Pumas, but Ellie’s right that we should figure out a way to get them and my parents to Denver and basically relocate our whole family. Someone does have to take over the Pumas’ ownership when my dad retires, though. It’s been in the Bennet family for generations.
“Are you guys helping Mom at work?” I ask, glancing up at my sister.
“This is our office too, Libby!” Kat declares, pointing to the small table off to one side.
“This is a family business,” Ellie says, gazing at her girls lovingly, and probably remembering the many times we came to the office with Dad. It’s no accident we’re both drawn to this. She steps into the hall. “Will!” she calls. She turns to the girls. “You guys want to go to the park with Daddy for lunch?” she says excitedly.
“Can Libby come with us?” Kat asks.
Emmeline squeals and claps her hands, shouting, “Yes!”
“I have a meeting.” I give them a grimace. “With your mom,” I add under my breath. I widen my eyes, like it’s serious business to have to meet with Ellie. Ellie laughs silently as Will comes into the room.
“Let’s go, my little ladies.” He drops to one knee and holds out his arms. The girls abandon me for him, hopping up into his arms. He lifts them both and stands back up with ease.
That’s when a vision assaults me: Jordan holding kids in his arms, like Will does now.Ourkids. Longing zings through me.
I’ve always planned on having a family. I’ve dated and even had serious relationships. They were all staid guys, more like Will than Charlie. Guys who didn’t flirt and charm incessantly. I’ve always assumed I would find some nerdy accountant or engineer who made my heart flutter and who I would be able to trust just because he wasn’t like Grayson.
That sounds so stupid when I think about it.
Trusting some guy because he doesn’t flirt with me?
I never pictured that future so clearly until Jordan.
“Libs?” Ellie’s voice breaks me from the trance. Will and the girls are gone, and I’m staring at the empty cream shag rug where they were. I turn to see my sister eyeing me worriedly. “What’s going on?” she asks.
I draw in a breath and settle my nerves. I’m still anxious to tell Ellie what I did, worried that she’s going to freak out, orworse, call up Mr. Stevens and yell at him. I don my professional persona, even if I am “meeting” with my big sister.
“Before I say anything, you have to promise me that you will not make any calls or berate anyone or do anything that could affect my ownership of the White Wolves inanyway.”
Ellie’s eyebrows furrow. “What’s going on?” she repeats.
“Promise me.” I fold my arms and stare her down.
She works her jaw. “I don’t know if that’s something I can honestly promise. You’re my sister, Libs.”
I shrug, as though unconcerned. “Then I’ll call Janelle for advice.”
She huffs. “Okay, okay. Fine. I promise.”
“Solemnly, El.”
“Solemnly,” she repeats. She holds out her hand to shake mine, and though I break into a smile, I take it.
“Okay, spill it,” Ellie demands.
“I think I accidentally fell in love with my husband.” I say it with resignment.
My sister isn’t taken aback by the statement, and I’m not surprised. I knew when I told her about Jordan that she didn’t buy it. She just didn’t know what was going on.
