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His cheeks flushed, but he maintained his composure. “Times are different now,” he said. “We have to be more careful.”
“You’re right,” I said, calmly. “Times are different. And for me, the time for making excuses for men’s poor behavior is gone.”
“What are you saying? Are you going to HR? I’ll have my lawyer deny any wrongdoing.”
“Save your money because you’re not worth mine.” I looked him straight in the eye. “I quit.”
I walked out of the boardroom; my steps measured. I would not run from him. I was the one leaving this toxic place behind. They were happy when I was working my ass off, but not willing to pay me for it. I knew this was just an excuse to keep my salary down, with no chance of a promotion. I was done being walked on. I was done not knowing my worth. I was great at my job and I would take the position at Chatters.
Yes. This was the day of new beginnings, after all.
29
Luke
One year later…
A bead of sweat broke onto my forehead, and my throat tightened. I undid the first button of my shirt, tempted to loosen my black tie, but left it in place. I still wasn’t used to wearing these things.
“Nervous, brother?” Ryan asked beside me. He wore a gray suit and his black hair was perfectly styled while mine wouldn’t cooperate today. Perhaps I should stop running my hand through it.
I shook my head and he chuckled. “Could have fooled me.”
Damn it! He’s right. I’m freaking out.
I knew in my heart she would show today, but old and stubborn thoughts in my head somehow popped up a few minutes ago. Do you really think you’re good enough for her? Why would she show up for you?
I balled my fists and inhaled deeply, and counted to ten. I started doing that about a year ago whenever self-doubt gripped me. For the most part, it worked, but today was different. Today was the biggest day of my life.
This past year with Grace had changed me. I’d always presented confidently to the world, but inside, I’d been riddled with imposter syndrome. I hadn’t understood that until recently. I only knew that I would run from commitment and responsibility because of it. Colton feared I’d run today, but there was no way that I would. Grace was the best thing that had ever happened to me.
She would show.
The murmurs from the guests rose when Grace’s mother walked in and sat in the front row. She smiled at me—a brilliant, confident smile that settled my nerves. She wouldn’t have smiled if her daughter had run.
The music started, and Ryan slapped my shoulder. “Show time.”
I straightened my jacket and redid my shirt button. I’d just checked the cufflinks Colton had gifted to me this morning when a movement at the back of the room caught my attention.
There was a garland of red roses framed around the double doors and a white carpet set for the aisle. When the doors opened and she appeared behind them, I lost my breath.
Her black hair was styled into soft curls around her face. She wore no veil but a sleek white dress that fell along her body and shimmered under the light. She looked like a goddess from a painting or a dream.
“Breathe,” Ryan whispered beside me, and I sucked in a sharp breath.
Omar stood beside her and walked her down the aisle. Her dress wrapped around her thighs with every step she took toward me.
As she approached, my eyes landed on her lips. She had painted them red, and they formed a smooth line. But when I looked at her eyes, I knew she was smiling. Mona Lisa’s smile, that elusive, ambiguous smirk that if you looked too hard, you’d miss it.
She was my Mona Lisa. My elusive love. I thought love didn’t exist, that I couldn’t see it, but I now realized I was looking in the wrong places.
She showed up and made this the happiest day of my life, and I couldn’t wait to make her smile every day for the rest of hers.
When she reached me, her cheeks twitched and I grinned. I extended my arm to her and she released her hold on Omar to interlace her fingers with mine. That’s when she smiled broadly and my heart burst open.
“I love you,” I whispered. “I promise to take care of you every day of our lives.”
The minister in front of us leaned forward. “We’re not at the vows yet, lad.” Then he cleared his throat and began. “Dearly beloved…”
