Page 115 of Best Kept Vows

“This program was more than just an internship,” Lia began softly. “For me, it was about reclaiming space. After twenty-two years of raising children and managing a home, I didn’t need to learn to work—but how to learn to work in aworkplace.”

She found me in the back and smiled.

My heart expanded with pride.

She’d been my friend, my lover, my wife, the mother of my children—and now she was a kick-ass career woman. She was intelligent, fierce, honest…fucking fantastic!

“Stop distracting her,” Luna hissed. I was surprised to find her standing next to me. Before I could sputter out an apology, she winked at me mischievously. “By the way, she loves that you’re here.”

I relaxed and folded my arms, leaned back in my seat, and enjoyed watching my wife. She looked professional and polished in a slate-blue wrap dress, but it was her energy that shone the brightest.

Gone was the hesitation, the shrinking, the doubt.

She walked the audience through her presentation with purpose. She talked about her projects and how each one had helped her grow. She talked about a future program that would enable women like her—who were older and didn’thave corporate experience—build not only their resumes but also their self-confidence.

“She’s remarkable, isn’t she?” The words slipped out before I could think them through.

“Romantic fool,” Luna muttered, but she was smiling.

I knew the presentation well. After all, we’d worked on it together over Chinese takeout, staying up until two this morning perfecting it.

She nailed it!

Then applause broke like a wave.

Genuine.

Loud.

Sustained.

Nina stood next to Lia as the lights became brighter and the screen turned off.

“Well, it looks like the first victim of our ‘back to work’ program has been brainwashed just the way we like.”

There was a smattering of laughter.

“Now, Lia, I know you have several options. I hope you will consider the one we are offering you here at Savannah Lace.”

I sat up, my heart hammering.

Lia had been nervous about losing her job after her internship. She wanted to work at Savannah Lace, but she also understood that if they didn’t have a job for her, she’d have to go looking for one elsewhere. Not that she’d have to go too far. Lev had already told her he’d love for her to work for his company as a project manager, which was what Lia wanted to do. She enjoyed bringing teams together andenjoyed the pressure of delivering a project on time and scope.

“So, Lia, I know this is putting you on the spot. But we’re looking for a project manager to support Luna in building the most modern hospital in Savannah.”

Lia’s face flushed with quiet pride. She nodded, murmured a soft thank you, and then—just for a second—her eyes found me.

“Say yes, Lia,” Luna called out.

I gave her a slow nod, a half-grin tugging at the corner of my mouth.

I see you, baby.

“Well, Nina, Luna, I appreciate it. But Aurora, who has been mentoring me, told me that I need to read the contract and make sure you pay me what I’m worth before I say yes.”

“Aurora, how could you!” Luna admonished in mock annoyance.

Laughter ran through the conference room.