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“So, we’ve been told, but I know the minute we have a child of our own Stefano’s going to want photos around…so for his wedding present I asked Elena to help me find a photo of him and his father. While I was going through them to find the perfect one, I also found some of him and his grandmother along with a few of the Jordans who have also passed. I lost my paternal grandfather when I was little, my maternal grandmother died a few years ago. Family is special to us, so I thought they should still be able to be there in spirit if unable in person.”
“I see…what did you have in mind?” Gina asked and Hailey opened the box to show her the picture frames with the new prints inside them. “These are gorgeous; they’ll match the wedding décor perfectly.”
“I wanted something that wouldn’t clash and then allow us to use them in the house. I was thinking we could redo the centerpieces and incorporate the photos rather than just the flowers. I know it’s a huge undertaking this close to the wedding…”
“A huge undertaking would be the day of the wedding. We still have two weeks, plenty of time,” Gina said as she looked through the different frames and photos. “Is there any particular order you want them used in?”
“I don’t mind on most of them but these,” Hailey said taking out the first six, “these I was hoping we could incorporate around the family tables. My grandfather where my grandma will be seated, my grandmother where my grandfather will be. The one of Stefano’s grandmother should be near his grandfather’s seat. His father close to us and his mom, and then his grandparents near his cousins from his father’s side.”
“I’ll consult the seating chart once it’s finalized. This will be gorgeous. I can’t wait for it and I’m not even the one getting married.”
“I think the nerves are closing in now,” Hailey admitted giving her a smile. “We have everything planned and now it’s the wait. The landscapers finished this weekend, and the house looks incredible.”
“I will keep these for last to put out,” Gina assured her as they repacked the box. “I guarantee nothing will happen to them before the wedding.”
“Thank you. I should get back to work; Stefano will worry if I’m late back from lunch thinking a problem’s come up suddenly.”
“He wants things to be perfect for you which trust me, is the sweetest thing possible. I’ve had grooms that didn’t care in the least. I’m never surprised when those marriages fall apart but you and Stefano…you’re certainly not one of those couples. If you need any help planning the christening, let me know. I’m sure it won’t be too far off.”
“One can only hope for it to be at least a year from now, that’d make the baby about two months old…” Hailey mused not letting the smile slide from her lips once she was outside finding Karl waiting to drive her back to the office. “Are you following me?”
“Of course, not Miss Hailey, Mr. Stefano merely noted that you were carrying something rather large from the office today and asked me to make sure you didn’t need any help. By the time I’d gotten the car around to the front you had left and with a guess I figured you wouldn’t be going far with a box.”
“It’s only a few blocks Karl, I’m fine walking,” she stated when he opened the door for her.
“Mr. Stefano is being overcautious in regard to his brother at present Miss Hailey. If you do not ride then I will be forced to creep alongside as you walk, delaying traffic until I’m assured you are back safely.”
“Alright, you can tell Mr. Stefano that I am perfectly capable of walking on my own though,” she said climbing into the car.
“I will allow you to do so, you he will find it humorous from, anyone else he would not.”
“True, I forget he’s not as…gentle when it comes to the rest of the world.”
“Only you Miss Hailey,” Karl agreed leaving her to reflect on that as she returned to the office.
“Mr. Jordan wanted to see you the moment you’re back,” Elizabeth teased her, “but do I detect from that dreamy look on your face that you’ve already seen him?”
“Hmm? Oh no, I haven’t seen him today actually.”
“I’d say that’s about to change,” Elizabeth mused watching Stefano head through the room towards them.
“Hello stranger,” Hailey said when he reached them well aware of the number of people watching them. She’d taken a late lunch to avoid the bigger crush of people and was a few minutes late, but she highly doubted he was angry about that.
“I’ll stranger you, my darling,” Stefano said with a chuckle as he slid his hand around her, drawing her close so he could taste her lips. He was losing his control. They had two weeks, not even two full weeks to go and the idea of making her his, completely his was compounding his need, increasing it to near blinding pain.
“Boss is that how you’re going to kiss her at the wedding?” someone questioned above the flittering hush of voices going around the room.
“Not even close,” he replied before leading her to her office to make sure everything was all right. She’d been a bit on edge lately and Demetrius was being too considerate for his liking. “Are you alright?”
“Fine, why wouldn’t I be?” she questioned giving him a smile turning the blinds on her door so the others couldn’t see them as clearly. He moved over to her desk, sitting back against it as he pulled her towards him, letting his hand rest suggestively against her hip and back.
“What has Demetrius said or done? You’ve been edgy all day.”
“I haven’t seen Demetrius since Friday morning Stefano.”
“So, he wasn’t what had you leaving with a box of things from your office? You can’t run away if that’s what you’re thinking Hailey. I know time’s closing in on us but running won’t change anything.”
“Running? I’m not running, and it wasn’t personal items from here,” she said giving him a grin. “It was that special project for the wedding. No, I’m not telling you what it is. You can just wait until then to discover it with the rest of our family and guests.”
