Page 66 of Bound Hearts

Professional. That’s who I am. Be the higher standard, I remind myself.

“I understand, and maybe I’m blindsiding you, but this can’t be so surprising. My wardrobe hasn’t exactly been the most flattering lately.”

“I do believe that I shouldn’t answer that if I followed management training correctly,” she counters tartly.

Touché.

Life feels better when I’m able to touch my stomach in public. So, I do it. And I’m confident I feel flutters inside.

“Look, I’m working until the day this baby arrives. That gives you time to find someone to handle my workload while I’m gone.”

“And when will you be back?” She lifts her nose, curious and looking near queasy as if I’m rocking a boat. It’s valid. She’s short-staffed, and you can’t exactly pick up lawyers off the street.

Sighing, I’m not 100% sure. “I haven’t thought about it, other than the obvious twelve weeks. Foster travels a—” I stop myself. It isn’t her business that Foster and I have to juggle childcare, his travel schedule, and my return to work.

“Very well then.” She takes a moment to restart, and at last, the tiniest shade of a smile that might even be genuine appears. “I guess we’ll re-evaluate workload for when you’re away, and I will ask someone to co-align with your work. Hopefully, Adam feels better soon.”

“Of course, I understand.”

Another deep breath, and she stands, clearly wanting to end the meeting, and I have no complaints about that. “Well, thanks for letting me know. We’ll make it work.”

“We kind of have to. Policy and all.” Ah shit, why did I just throw that jab at her? She was trying to give an oddly shaped olive branch.

“Finer details are understood, Sutton. I’m sure Foster will remind me anyhow,” she nearly grits out. She gives me the once-over and leaves.

I didn’t realize how the claws could appear on Celeste. Until now. At least, that’s over.

“Honestly, off the record, what the fuck is with our executive team?” Olivia paces Foster’s office after hearing the news of our relationship and growing family. I sit patiently in the chair opposite Foster’s desk, listening to HR spin words. “First Julian, then Hayes, and now I have you, too. What magical water are these men drinking?” She’s talking more to herself than to us.

“You could ask Easton,” Foster mumbles under his breath as he sits behind his desk, cool as a cucumber. He is amused by Olivia’s response to the news.

She stops in her tracks and darts her gaze at him. “What did you say?”

“Nothing. Just, this is a pleasant day,” he lies.

I give him a warning glare, telling him not to poke the bear. Olivia throws her hands up in the air. “I mean, congratulations. This is fun news.” She truly means it. The thing about her is that she hates most senior management but loves employees. Celeste’s immediate call to her was a blessing because Olivia contacted us so quickly, reminding us that Haven Crossroads is a family-friendly company. “Not going to lie, you two being married also eases the whole sexual-harassment talk that I don’t need to have. Right?” She double-checks with me because she is going a mile a minute.

I look at her strangely. “Right.”

She claps her hands together, then pretends to wring her hands, putting on a bright smile in the process. “Well, you’ve disclosed the relationship. From my side there is no further action, unless Celeste is intent to really dig into compliance.”

Swallowing at the mere thought of an investigation unsettles me, but then I see Olivia’s reassuring facial expression.

“Let me know if you need anything before you leave. We’ll save a spot in daycare for little Roth, and congratulations.” She quickly wraps up the discussion as if this is now a normal occurrence for her. “Tootles, I have to go check the payroll team.” She gives us a little wave, then exits in a cheery mood, yet on a clear path to conquer the world.

I hike a thumb over my shoulder. “Does she ever turn off, or is she always like that?”

“Always,” Foster says bluntly.

It causes me to giggle. “Well, at least I have her. Celeste is…” My smile goes lopsided.

“I can talk to her.”

My hand flies up. “Don’t! It will only make it worse. I can fight my own battles. You and I are still colleagues when work is involved. I can’t have anyone believe I’m getting preferential treatment. It takes one person to complain, and it’s my career in the balance. Besides, I’m sure she will cool down.”

“True. She always does.”

“For now, I can only continue as though nothing has changed workwise. Anyway. Today was long, so I’m going to head home on time. I guess you have meetings or something.”