Happily Ever Now (Boundless Love Book 2) (3 page)

He laughed. ‘I know you do, that’s why I love you.’

‘I love you too. Do you know…while I was working, I had an idea about our wedding date.’

‘You did?’

‘Yep, how about in six weeks time? Do you think it will be enough time?’

‘Sweetheart, we could get married tomorrow if you like.’

She laughed.

‘You let me know what you want and I’ll make it happen.’

‘Nope, correction, we’ll make it happen.’

‘Yes of course, how could I forget?’ He leaned back into his chair and smiled.

‘So what’s on for today?’ She turned the arrangement of flowers around while she cradled the phone between her ear and shoulder.

‘Meeting after meeting after meeting.’

‘About what?’

‘Well, there are a few businesses that we’re looking to buy in the pipeline.’

‘Sounds exciting.’

‘Yes, I’ve asked my senior managers to put together a portfolio of all the potential businesses. I’ll make the final decision whether or not we’re going to buy.’

‘That sounds great! Not that I’d have a single clue what goes into all of that.’

‘A lot, but I’m more interested about your day. What’s in store for you?’

‘Well, at the moment I’m making an autumn hand-tied bouquet. It’s for an eightieth birthday.’

‘Sounds grand! What flowers are those?’

‘Do you really want to know?’

‘Of course I do. Just listening to what makes you happy, makes me happy.’

She couldn’t help, but smile. He was indeed a great guy.

‘Orange roses, orange germini, orange spray carnations and some red oak leaves.’

‘It does sound like an autumn arrangement with the orange colour.’

‘Yes, I love autumn. I love the colour of the leaves as they turn. It’s an amazing feeling.’

‘You make it sound so amazing. Where have I been these past few years?’

‘Flying all over the world.’

‘Yes, and seeing nothing except hotel rooms and busy offices.’

‘Well, at least now you know.’

‘I do, this is why I’m cutting down on the travelling. I will go here and there, but I’m not going to be as crazy as I’ve been.’

‘Don’t slow down for me, because I won’t slow down for you.’

‘I know that honey. I’m doing it for me. I get to spend more time with you.’

She laughed lightly.

Casey popped her head round the door to let him know the meeting was about to go ahead. He nodded and she disappeared.

‘Okay then, I’m going to have to face the world.’

‘You do that, and I’ll see you later tonight.’

‘Yes, before you go. You’re still okay for lunch tomorrow with Logan.’

‘Yes, even though I’m not certain we have anything in common.’

‘I know, but it would mean a lot to me.’

‘And that’s why I’m doing it. Mum will cover for about two hours for me. It’s a bit busy this week.’

‘Okay, great. I better get off and get to my meeting.’

‘Love you,’ she said.

‘Love you more.’ He hung up, picked up his laptop and went to join his group of staff in the boardroom.

****

The door was unlocked when Sahara got home. There was an aroma of chicken and red peppers that circulated the house. She placed her keys and bag on the table in the passage, pulled off her jacket and took steps in the direction of the delicious smell. 

‘Eugene?’ she asked before she got to the kitchen.

‘No, sorry, it’s Lawrence, and please don’t kill me. I work for Mister Gallagher.’

She gazed at the man dressed in jeans and t-shirt. His blond hair tied to the back of his head.

‘Who are you and why are you here?’ she asked.

‘As you can see, Miss Young, I’m here to prepare your dinner. I do it for Mister Gallagher at his house, but he wanted me here today.’

‘I see.’ She watched him as he prepared the food.

‘See, I’ve got courgette & quinoa stuffed peppers for starters, and grilled chicken fillets and authentic salad with olives, feta, cheese, tomato and mint.’

She raised her eyebrows.

‘Could I get you a drink?’ he asked.

‘No, I’ll get one in the fridge, I’m quite capable.’

‘Yes, Miss Young.’

‘It’s Sahara.’ She walked towards the fridge and was overwhelmed by how stacked up it was. ‘Christ!’

‘Is everything okay?’

‘Yes, everything is fine.’ She pulled out a carton of orange juice. ‘So where are you from, Lawrence?’

‘London, but I go wherever Mister Gallagher needs me.’

‘I see.’

‘I love my job, I get to travel, and prepare food. Something I love.’

‘Were you responsible for the food at the party?’

He nodded.

‘Wow, thanks, it was great.’ She took a glass from the cupboard and poured out some orange juice.

She was about to open her mouth when she heard the door.

‘Hi honey, I’m home,’ he called.

He placed his belongings on the same table and headed for the kitchen. He leaned forward and gave her a kiss.

‘Smells great, Lawrence.’

‘Thank you sir.’

‘Can I talk to you for a second?’ She walked past him and headed for the living-room.

Eugene followed behind her, and the moment he stepped in she shut the door behind them.

‘I’m sorry, I should’ve told you about Lawrence, I just got so caught up today.’

‘Not good enough. You’re changing my life and I don’t like it one bit.’

‘I’m not changing your life, I’m just making it easier.’

‘I don’t want easy, I love a challenge. I like coming home and not knowing what to cook. But instead, I find some stranger in my kitchen.’

‘He’s not a stranger, he’s a great guy.’

‘He’s a stranger to me. Why are you doing this? I don’t want you taking over my life.’

‘I’m not. This is me, this is who I am.’

‘What about who I am? Have you ever thought about that?’

‘I thought this would make you happy.’

‘What would make me happy is just allowing me to be me. I don’t want to be rescued.’

‘What is it with you? Why do you always think that way?’

The words Alice had spoken that morning had disappeared and fear had reared its ugly head.

‘I feel as if I’m loosing parts of myself. I don’t want that.’

‘How is that possible?’ He moved towards her and held out his hand. ‘What I do is just the way I am.’

‘But you’re changing things.’

‘Change is good. Isn’t it?’

‘But I didn’t agree to this. I want my life back.’

He took her hands into his and gave them a squeeze. ‘I love you,’ he said.

She gazed up at him and pushed back her lips.

‘This is for me, okay. I want him to cook for us so that we can have time together.’

‘Then why can’t we cook together?’

‘Because I can only make beans on toast, but if you want me to cook with you, I will.’

She was silent.

‘You’re a very proud and stubborn woman, and that’s why I love you. Sometimes you’ve got to let other people do for you.’

‘But this is too much.’

‘Get use to it honey.’

She didn’t know whether she was angry at him or angry at herself. Things felt as if they were getting out of control.

‘While we’re on the subject of me trying to change things, I might as well give you this.’ He pulled a key from his pocket.

‘What’s this for?’

‘It’s the key to our house. I want you to move in with me.’

This time she flopped onto the couch and let out an annoying sigh.

‘Oh come on honey, it’s not that bad.’

‘You don’t get it do you?’

‘Get what, what is there to get?’

‘You are basically taking over my life.’

‘I’m not. You don’t have to move in if you don’t want to. I just think it would be nice for us to live there.’

‘Instead of here? Don’t you like it here?’

‘I love it. It’s snug and cosy, but we’re starting our lives together.’

‘I don’t want to move.’

‘Okay,’ he said.

She looked at him a little confused.

‘If you don’t want to, then that’s okay. We’ll stay here as long as you like.’

‘Are you trying to use reverse psychology on me?’

‘You really need to loosen up honey.’ He laughed lightly. ‘I promise you. If you don’t want to move, we won’t.’ He took her hand. ‘I’m not trying to control you, I love you, I want what’s best for you, and if what’s best for you is staying here, then we stay here.’

‘Really?’ she felt her defences back down.

‘Yes really.’

She was silent a moment. Thoughts whirled inside her head like a washing machine.

‘You are the most stubborn woman I’ve ever met.’ He giggled.

Sahara tried to keep a straight face, but it was proving impossible. ‘I am not!’

‘Oh yes you are!’ he laughed. ‘I love it. You challenge me everyday, and it’s never boring.’

She laughed, she couldn’t stay mad at him.

‘Okay,’ she said.

‘Okay what?’

‘I’ll do it, I’ll move in with you, but on my terms.’

‘And what terms are those?’ He was curious.

‘That I ease myself into the transition gently. So instead of just moving in, we can spend a few days there a week at a time until I’m comfortable.’

‘That sounds fair.’ He leaned across and kissed her. ‘And while we’re on the terms and conditions of this relationship. I have a request too.’

‘You do?’

‘Yep.’

‘What’s that?’

‘You teach me to cook, and we’ll only have Lawrence during week days, when we’re out at work. You have to admit, its great coming home to a meal already cooked.’

‘Yes, it is. Okay, it’s a deal.’

‘Shake on it.’ He held out his hand.

She took his hand and he pulled her closer and instead gave her a long wet kiss.’

‘I love you, stubborn woman,’ he whispered against her.

‘I love you too!’

****

They sat down to a candle lit dinner, and Sahara had to admit that it was the best tasting food she’d had in a long while.

‘My mother would’ve loved this,’ she said.

‘Then invite her over one evening. Just give Lawrence a ring to cater for three instead of two.’

‘Gosh, this is nuts. A life being served hand and foot, its nuts!’

‘I don’t think of it that way. I spent years working extremely hard to get to where I am. It hasn’t been handed to me. I wasn’t born into a rich family, so I believe that I should enjoy the benefits of my labour.’

‘That’s fair and fine, but I didn’t earn any of it, so I just feel a little out of place.’

‘Then feel out of place, but do enjoy it.’

She laughed. Eugene was the one giving her life lessons, instead of the other way round.

‘What’s so funny?’

‘You, you’re just nuts!’

‘I’ll drink to that.’ He lifted his wine glass and took a sip.

Sahara took a sip of her Appletiser and watched him. It was a relaxed evening and soon they drifted on to wedding talk. The date was easily set up. Eugene agreed to almost everything she said.

‘Are you just agreeing with me to get off easily?’

‘Yes,’ he laughed. ‘You’re a scary woman.’ He teased.

She laughed.

‘I could do the flowers. I know what I want.’

‘That sounds great.’

‘Is there anything you want me to do especially for you?’

‘Show up,’ he said.

‘Sorry?’

‘Just show up and that’s all I need.’

‘Oh I will be there. I will marry you, that I’m certain of.’

‘I’m very pleased to hear that.’

After the main course they were presented with chocolate mousse toped with ice-cream. It was a lovely ending to the meal.

‘I’m going to put on some weight living like this.’

‘That would be good, wouldn’t it?’

‘Absolutely. I’m so glad the cancer’s gone. I am dreading my follow up appointments. In the back of my mind I have this fear they’ll find it again.’

‘Sweetheart, live in the moment, just like Justin said. All you have is right now.’

‘I know. I know. Everything will be okay.’

‘It will.’ He stood up and walked towards her and helped her out of the chair.

He brought her close to him and they kissed passionately.