Page 65 of Be My Valentine

“We can.” replied Mark “I just need to show you one last thing.” Much to Kate’s disappointment, he reached up to retrieve a case from his own suitcase “The wedding rings. If you don’t like them, we’ll exchange them.”

Kate opened the box, curious: the men’s wedding ring was a simple platinum band; hers was a full diamond one.

“Don’t you dare say it’s too much again. I fought like a lion against your mother, she wanted you to have one like mine.”

“You need to tell me how you got her to help you with all this.”

“She told me where you were Monday night and I was going to come straight to Meg’s house, however, Emma stopped me.” he looked at her to guess the reaction to that name “She suggested I do things the best way I could and get your mother involved because she is the most important person in your life. It was the right advice, I needed to calm down. I was beside myself, Kate, I wasn’t going to resign myself to the idea of losing you.”

He hugged her, back under the sheets with her.

“Happy Valentine’s Day.” Kate said, happily.

“I’ve wanted so much for you to be my Valentine.” Mark kissed her on the shoulder.

After a moment of silence, Kate didn’t hold back.

“Your Valentine is starving.”

Mark laughed and lifted the handset of the hotel phone.

“Your wish is my command.”

They arrived at City Hall dressed simply, both in jeans and sweaters. Kate immediately saw her mother, in the company of Mark’s family, and threw her arms around her neck; she noticed Emma, who dared not approach; she kept her eyes downcast, and her hands intertwined. Kate didn’t hesitate for a second to make the first move.

“Hi.” She greeted her and saw Emma sigh with relief. A moment later they were wrapped around each other.

Although it was an office procedure and rather anonymous, Mark and Kate were excited. The clerk cast them a surprised look.

“Guys,” Mark said once outside City Hall, “I’m sure you have a million questions, but we’re going to disappear until Monday.” He dragged Kate away without allowing her to open her mouth.

Much to both of their chagrin, Monday came too soon.

“Come over later,” Mark told her as she left the house, “I’m having lunch with some colleagues, I’d like to start by introducing my wife.” He kissed her at the door.

“I have at least twenty boxes to open.” She pointed to the overrun living room.

“You’ll still have to eat, I’ll be waiting.” Mark went into the office and Kate looked around. Her new life, her new home, her husband. She still had a lot to get used to.

A few hours later, in front of the glass door to the study, Kate thanked her lucky stars that Annie Carson wasn’t at her desk. She did not want to meet her as soon as she crossed the threshold. As she looked around, she realized that the desk did not seem to be occupied by anyone - no scattered papers, no photos, pens in perfect order.

Over the weekend she and Mark had talked and made love non-stop, but neither of them had touched the subject of the office. It was a reality they would come to terms with on a daily basis, so it wasn’t a priority.

She walked in and saw the closed curtains of her husband’s study; the meeting probably hadn’t ended yet. She looked for Meg and her friend stood up excitedly. They hugged and laughed as Kate kept saying thank you.

Annie Carson sternly walked out of Mark’s office.

“Ms. Donovan,” the disdain in her tone cut through the air, “we’re glad you’re here to greet your friend, but I’d like to remind you that we received your letter of resignation, so I’m going to invite you to leave, as I don’t think you have a valid reason to be here.”

Mark appeared in the doorway.

“Oh, heck, she has a more than valid one, Mrs. Carson. Come, Kate, I’d like to introduce you to someone.”

Annie Carson looked at him dumbfounded and followed “Miss Donovan” closely into the study.

A groan escaped Kate when she recognized the lawyers: Gleeson & Hanks, there again.

Mark laughed at her reaction and kissed her on the temple, causing surprise to all present.