Page 155 of A Perfect Fit

“My pleasure,” Michelle replies. “So … Designed by Isabelle started as an online business, and today, you have several boutiques across the country, you’ve made appearances at various fashion shows, and you’ve also won several awards.”

Pride fills my chest at Isabelle and everything she’s achieved over these past eight years.

“It’s definitely surreal, looking back at how far we’ve come,” Isabelle says. “I’m grateful for the support of my whole team, as well as my family and friends.”

“And actress Gracelyn Pierce was seen wearing one of your dresses for the premiere of her new movie, The Game of Love,” Michelle continues.

“Yes. We worked with Grace to design a custom dress for her movie premiere,” Isabelle says. “It was an amazing experience, and Grace was lovely to work with. My husband and I got to attend her movie premiere last week, which was so much fun.”

My husband. Possessiveness rushes through me every time she refers to me as that. I’ll never get tired of hearing her say it.

“That’s fantastic!” Michelle beams. “Speaking of your husband, he’s sitting in the audience today, and he’s wearing a T-shirt that reads Come and Support My Wife’s Business.”

The camera shifts toward where I’m seated, and I flash a small smile.

There’s a dreamy expression on Isabelle’s face as she speaks. “He always loves showing up to support me in a custom-designed shirt. Eight years ago, when I hosted my first-ever fashion show, he wore a shirt that said TEAM ISABELLE, and he made my friends and family wear one as well.”

I remember that day like it was only yesterday. Isabelle achieved one of her biggest goals, and since then, she’s continued to reach milestone after milestone. Her hard work, passion, and dedication are only some of the many things I love about her, and she inspires me to be a better man, husband, and father every single day.

“And now he gets to upgrade to a special My Wife T-shirt,” Michelle jokes.

“That’s right.” Isabelle grins. “Now he gets the Wife T-shirt and the wife package.”

Michelle laughs. “I love that. And who would you say is your biggest inspiration?”

“There are so many people,” Isabelle answers. “But if I had to pick only one person, I’d say my husband. My first pregnancy was a challenge, and I felt like I’d lost my creative spark. But after our first child was born, Jackson really encouraged me to pick up sewing and designing again, and I’m so glad he did. He’s incredible, too. He works as an architect, and seeing him chase after his dreams inspires me to want to be the best I can.”

Her words make me feel all warm and fuzzy.

After leaving Carter Marketing Solutions, I eventually found a job as a consultant for an architecture firm and then went to study architecture at Columbia University. I’m now working at one of the top architecture firms in New York City, and I get to work in a job I’m truly passionate about. One day, I think I’d like to open my own architecture firm, too.

If my career change has taught me one thing, it’s that it’s never too late to chase after your dreams or start something you love.

“I love that!” Michelle gushes. “Okay, now let’s talk about your latest collection …”

I watch the rest of Isabelle’s interview, my full attention on her. I’ll always support her, no matter what.

Applause bursts from the audience when the interview’s over, and the moment the cameras stop rolling, Isabelle’s eyes lock with mine. Feeling like a teenager sneaking out of class, I stand and weave my way through the audience and over to Isabelle’s dressing room. Her door is already open.

“What did you think of the interview?” she asks.

“I loved it so much, baby,” I say, shutting the door after me. “You did so well.”

“I always end up rambling every time I do an interview,” she admits.

I walk over to her and caress my thumb along her bottom lip. A rosy blush taints her cheeks. Although we’ve been married for six years now and together for eight, she still sometimes acts like a shy schoolgirl when she’s around me.

“Not at all,” I say. “I love how genuine you are and how you’re not afraid to share both the ups and downs. And I love how passionate you are about your work.”

“Yeah?” she breathes, her gaze shifting to my lips. “What else?”

“And I love hearing you call me your husband, Mrs. Carter,” I murmur before locking lips with her, focusing on the taste of her soft lips against mine and the feeling of her silky satin dress against my hands.

When we break apart, she lets out a content sigh.

“I’m excited for Dominic’s fifth birthday tomorrow,” she says, referring to Aaron and Jen’s son.

“Me too.” I chuckle. “He’s really a younger version of Aaron.”