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Zach is talking quietly to Jonas, and Jonas looks like a statue. His hands dangling, his head bowed. He's shaking his head, but his body is drooping.
"What is happening?" I ask, looking between Zach and Jonas. It's Ransom that answers.
"I think it's best if we slow this down. Jonas can be very single-minded when he wants something, and I don't think he's handling this right."
"You don't think he's handling this right? This being...proposing to me?"
Ransom nods stiffly and presses his lips together. Cara and Declan are having a heated whisper discussion. Colton and Nick are scowling, and the other brothers are sitting silently with worried eyes. The realization dawns slowly. And when I finally understand, I can't keep my mouth shut.
"Wait a minute. Are you worried about me? You think he's...what? Taking advantage of me or forcing me into this?"
The grim looks around the table confirm it. Ransom doesn't say anything, but I see it. The 'yes' is written all over his face.
I turn to Zach, now silent, his face sad. "Do you believe this too?"
He presses his lips together, eyes guarded. His words come low, and slow. "It's fast, Janey. That's all."
"Oh my god," I say, staring around the room, looking at each and every set of eyes in there. I can't hold it back. The laughs pour out. Not small ladylike titters, but full on belly laughs. “Oh, my god. You guys are so stupid."
Yep, I just called my bosses stupid, but truly, can they not see? I let the giggles roll while the eyes of the men in the room get wider and wider. They have no idea what to do with me. The women, though? Small smiles play at the edges of their lips. They see it. They know. When I finally have control of myself, I move to Jonas's side and take his hand, staring at Zach until he goes back to the table.
"You think I said yes because I needed help?" Nods around the room. Jonas's hand is limp in mine, and I give him a small squeeze. "Have you looked at this man? Really looked?"
The women are covering their mouths now. I'm stepping outside my work box, outside the 'Janey' they know me to be, and letting them see a little more of who I am. "He's sexy. Like, fan yourself when he enters the room hot. He's rich. He's incredibly thoughtful and kind. He's a caretaker, always worrying about the people he loves. And he says he loves me, will take care of me, and treat me so well I never want to leave." Raised eyebrows and uncomfortable eye contact around the room. They're starting to get it.
"If you should be worried about anyone, it should be Jonas. There is no downside for me. I get a husband and maybe a family if they get their heads out of their butts." I give the table in general, a very pointed look. I squeeze Jonas's hand again. "And if I want a divorce down the road, how did you put it?" I shake his hand a little, and he raises his head, locking his eyes on me. What I see there steals my breath.
"You'll be a very rich woman," he says, a little smile curling the corner of his mouth.
"Right. Rich,” I squeak. “Which coming from where I'm at today is a serious upgrade. So you see, if anyone's getting taken advantage of here, it's Jonas. You should be asking me my intentions."
Satisfied with the stunned silence and the embarrassed expressions, I let out a deep breath, then suck it back in when Maya asks. "So what exactly are your intentions, Janey?"
That's my fault. I basically told them to ask. The answer is too big and too complicated. So I keep it short, sweet and honest. "I don't know."
12
JANEY
When this group puts their mind to something, it happens fast. I meet Colton's wife Evie, and their little girl Mia. Colton's only been Mia's daddy for a couple of months, and she already has the big man completely wrapped around her finger. Colton has always been a softie for his family. But he also holds a special spot in my heart. He was the one who offered me my job.
He changed my life.
Evie finds me a white dress...her dress. I try to say no, but she isn't having it. "We were all so worried about you. I don't know you, Janey, but I watched Jonas fall apart last night, thinking you were in danger. A lot of his happiness seems to be tied up in you. So I'll do everything I can to help. So wear the dress. Please."
She tacks on the please, but I hear the order underneath the nicety. I nod, and take the dress. It fits, though it's a bit long on me. Thankfully I have my nude flats from my gym locker, and they work. Not my dream wedding dress but pretty. Though truthfully, I never dreamed about my wedding. It seemed too far out of the realm of possibility for me.
Yet here I am, standing with Colton in an empty hallway outside a courtroom so he can walk me down a makeshift aisle.
He was very insistent that someone had to. He and Ransom Rock, Paper, Scissored for the right to walk me. I'm glad Colton won. The concern that Ransom is still unable to hide would put a bit of a damper on things.
"Are you sure about this, Janey?" Colton asks softly, ducking his head down to peer at me, eyes soft and worried. "Ransom's right. This is all happening fast. I'm not saying don't get married, but what would it hurt to wait a while?"
What would it hurt? Maybe nothing. Maybe Jonas would come to his senses in a few days. Maybe I would. Maybe Mark would figure out a way to get me committed.
"Am I doing the wrong thing?" I ask him quietly. "Maybe it would be better for everyone if this didn't happen. It's selfish, I think. Jonas is offering me a way out of a problem, but this could hurt him."
"You're right,” Colton rumbles from deep in his chest. “It could hurt him. Is that your intention Janey?"
