AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I have absolutely no doubts about that. He’s not said a word of complaint, and he never even asks about my timeline. He was dead serious about not wanting to pressure me. But he’s been waiting. He wants me back.
And I want to be back with him too.
“Oh look, he’s here,” I say after checking my phone after a text alert. “He’s coming up.”
I go to open the front door of the apartment, telling Fred to stay rather than running out in the hall to greet any newcomers.
Arthur is taking the stairs two at a time. He’s windblown and smiling and wearing a green oxford with brown trousers. He stops in the hall when he sees me in the doorway. “Hey, baby.”
“Hi.” Then I can’t wait anymore. I throw myself into his arms.
He laughs and hugs me so tightly for a moment I’m afraid my ribs may crack.
I don’t care. I need it. Need him. He murmurs that he loves me against my ear.
And I love him too. No doubts or confusions. No regrets. I fell in love with him twice, and now the scattered pieces of our love have at last been collected into this moment.
Which will finally begin our forever.
epilogue
Four months later
––––––––
ONE OF ARTHUR’S COUSINSis a handsome, serious man in his midthirties named William. Like Arthur, he’s intelligent, guarded, and reserved—not opening up easily and trusting only a very small circle—but unlike Arthur, he genuinely loves the business world and has worked hard to help Arthur restructure the Worthing companies he’s been managing for several years.
I’ve met him briefly a couple of times over the past few months as he and Arthur finalize the changes, but it’s been hard for me to really get a clear sense of the man. He’s got the Worthing brown eyes and deep sense of responsibility, but I honestly can’t tell if he has Arthur’s kind heart.
Arthur says he’s a good guy, and I have no reason not to trust him, but William’s composure is as impenetrable as stone.
Even at the celebratory dinner after the final contracts are signed, he’s polite and professional but not friendly. Arthur has softened and relaxed a lot over the past year as he’s let go of a lot of his emotional baggage, and he comes across as a laid-back extrovert compared to William.
Fortunately, William’s fiancée is lovely and polished but far more approachable. She’s a stylish blonde named Amber, and she appears genuinely happy to meet us. She’s the heir to the hundred-year-old Delacourte jewelry dynasty, which evidently consists more of reputation and skill than actual assets.
The marriage will be advantageous to the Worthings, as it will bring the Delacourte name and brand into our fold. But from what I’ve picked up from Arthur, it will also be advantageous to Amber since her family no longer has any money.
