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But the more time I spend with him, the more I wonder, is this who he actually wants to be?
Or just who he thought he was?
Chapter Thirty-Six
Jackson
Iknew my boss, the firm's managing partner, Alexander Newport the Third, was rich, but I didn't know he was this rich. His house is far into Malibu Canyon, nestled on top of a hill with a view of the valley, the ocean, and most of Los Angeles and Ventura County.
No. It's not a house. It's a mansion. An estate. Formerly property of his grandfather, the original Alexander Newport, and the original owner of the firm.
I park in the massive driveway, open the door for Daphne, attempt to rein in my nerves. Sure, he has the wrong impression of our wedding. Sure, he thinks Daphne is my long-term girlfriend, not my sister's best friend. Sure, he thinks we eloped romantically instead of drinking enough to sayI dare you to marry me, but we are married.
And I do care about her.
As lawyers, we respect those sorts of technicalities.
Some counselors would appreciate me more for using the facts to my advantage. They'd say that makes me a great litigator.
Others would consider such acts unscrupulous.
But which sort of guy is Alexander?
He always seems upstanding. Plain. Boring, actually. The sort of guy who follows the rules, does the best for the company, goes home.
That makes him a great managing partner.
But it also makes him less likely to see my quickie wedding as a blessing.
Daphne wraps her arm around my waist and nestles into my chest. "Are you okay?"
I pull her closer. I nod into the crook of her neck. She's wearing wedge sandals. She's taller than I am in them.
There's something about the angle—
It's right.
"I will be." I'm not sure how. Or how I know. But I do. As long as I'm with her, I'll be okay.
Another two weeks.
Almost.
She squeezes me and then releases me. "Ready?" She looks up at me with wide eyes. She's nervous too.
I nod. "You look great."
"I know." She smiles and brushes a long hair behind her ear. "You too."
We look like opposites—she's in a pink cotton sundress and matching shoes; I'm in my usual linen neutrals—but we fit better because of it. We complement each other in a strange way.
The same.
And complete opposites.
She takes my hand and leads me up the stone pathway.
Alexander answers the door. After quick introductions, he gives us a tour of the house. It's as neutral and understated as he is. White walls. Bamboo furniture. Bookshelves filled with fresh paperbacks.
