Page 75 of Hearts of Wealth

Catherine

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I OPENED MY EYES, SAW the sunlight coming through the heavy curtains, and quickly closed them again. I didn’t want to get up. Timothy’s warm body was snuggled against mine. His slow, steady breathing told me he was still asleep. It was one of those lazy, indulgent Saturday mornings that seemed to stretch on forever, and I savored every moment of it. I was perfectly happy to have a lazy day.

Paisley was spending the day at her friend’s house after a sleepover, giving us some much-needed time alone together. My father was out with Marcy for the day. She was picking him up early this morning to take him out. I trusted her to keep an eye on him. That meant Timothy and I had the whole house to ourselves. No one needed breakfast, medicine, or help finding a shoe. We could just lounge around and be together.

Timothy’s voice broke the peaceful silence. “You’re awake,” he groaned. “We’re supposed to be sleeping in.”

“I think we have slept in.” I smiled. “And I’m awake, but I’m not moving.”

“Good,” he mumbled and pulled me closer.

I moved my hand and just happen to catch a glimpse of the ring. That was still taking some getting used to. I was having a hard time wrapping my head around the idea I was engaged to be married. It didn’t seem real. Maybe I could have believed it if it was a guy like Scott, but not Timothy. He felt so out of my league.

“I don’t want to go the city Monday,” he said.

“I know.” I smiled and brushed my hand over his face. “But it’s the last time you’ll have to be there for a while, right?”

“Yes,” he answered. “I have a few meetings to attend to help oversee the transition of the new CEO. I’ve got to do a press conference, and then I’m done.”

“And you’re sure you want to step away?” I asked.

“A million percent yes.”

I laughed. “Okay. I just want to make sure you’re not going to wake up in a month and find yourself bored out of your mind.”

“I won’t. You should come with me. We’ll make it shopping trip. A couple of days in the city could be fun.”

I looked around the room that had my unpacked boxes. “I really shouldn’t,” I said. “I want to unpack and get settled. Plus my dad and Paisley has school.”

“Boo,” he muttered. “Responsibilities.”

I laughed and leaned up to kiss him. “It’s so hard to be an adult.”

“I’m sorry about Paisley needling you about the wedding,” he said.

“No need to apologize,” I answered. “She’s excited. Besides, it’s kind of growing on me, this wedding planning thing. It’s like planning a big, fancy party.”

He chuckled. “I’m just glad you’re happy with it.”

“Happy doesn’t cover it,” I said firmly. “I’m ecstatic. I still can’t believe you asked me.”

A shadow crossed his face as he turned toward me, propping himself up on one elbow. “Why is that hard to believe? You’re incredible, Catherine. Paisley adores you. I adore you.”

“It just doesn’t feel real. Like did you really get on one knee and ask me to marry you?”

“I sure did,” he chuckled. “I’ve never bent the knee for anyone.”

“Not even Regina?”

“No,” he answered firmly. “Our engagement just kind of happened. I’m not even sure how it happened. It was all very rushed. Obviously, looking back, I can see it was just about getting me down the aisle so she could get her hands on my money.”

“I’m sorry,” I said. “You know I don’t want your money. I’ll sign a prenup.”

“I don’t want a prenup. We don’t need it. I love you, and I’m going to be married to you until my last breath. You’re stuck with me.”

“I’m happy to be stuck with you.”