Page 127 of Sterling Fight

Vale swore that Judd was overreacting and just being an idiot as boys can be, especially when I said I didn’t want us to end.

“Why would you end?” She’d asked. “You’re engaged.”

How did Vale not know the truth?

“People don’t call off weddings for losing silly rings.”

I disagreed. My mother had shut down marriages for lesser offenses. But I was not my mother.

And I needed to get back to West Virginia.

As the hired car drops me off in front of the hotel, I stall, surprised by a man holding a bouquet of sunflowers and pacing in front of the building.

“Judd?”

He stops moving and steps closer to me, pausing short of hugging me. “I’m sorry I’m late.” He holds up the flowers, then lowers them like he’s disappointed he doesn’t have something grander to emphasize his apology. “I missed the flight. Got caught in the delay of a later one. Spent the night in an airport in Ohio.”

“Ohio?”

“That plane was grounded for technical problems.” He sighs. “All the airport shops were closed. I didn’t have a charger for my phone, which died. Only this morning was I able to catch a flight and find a charger to borrow.”

He stares at me with those hopeful eyes. “So, I’m late.” He exhales out a breath. “But I made it.”

He didn’t stand me up.

I close the final distance between us, wrapping my arms around his neck and holding tight to him. “Oh, baby. I’m so sorry again. Did you find the ring?”

As I pull back, Judd lowers his head and shakes it. “We didn’t. But it’s okay.” His gaze latches on me. “You’re the most precious thing in my life, Genie. You. And I’m sorry I lost my head for a minute.” He brushes my hair over my ear and cups the side of my neck.

“I love you,” he reminds me. “More than anything. You’re what I’m fighting for.”

“You’ve already won me. And I’m so glad you’re here. I love you.” He made it to me. He came for me. Then I chuckle. “It sounds like you’ve had quite a night.”

“I was doing everything I could to get to you this time.”

I press up on my toes and kiss him. With a bouquet in his hands and people walking by, we kiss on the New York street until Judd is lifting me by my thighs.

“Take me to your room?”

“Absolutely.”

When he sets me back down, he takes my hand, and I lead him to the elevators. Once inside the lift, he says, “How did the meeting go?”

“It went really well. They have the latest graphic technology and so many ideas for the line.”

Judd nods, lowering his eyes as we stand close in the enclosed space. “I’m so excited for you. When does the transfer happen?”

When do I hand over my company?

“Actually . . .” I pause until Judd is looking at me. “I’ve had a change of heart.”

“Really?” Judd watches me.

“A certain someone ran my financials and a certain someone else then gave me some ideas on how to make this work on my own. Or rather with some help.”

Judd’s mouth slowly curls. “Oh, yeah? Anyone I know?”

I swat at his chest and lean toward him. “I think I might be more of a hometown girl than a major conglomerate cog. With a little help from Sylver Seed & Soil’s merchandising manager, you’re looking at the new Quirky Girl Paper Company, and the designer of a future line exclusive to Sylver Seed & Soil.”