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It’s clear that I’m falling head over heels for Cash Stafford, but my lingering reservations hold me back from diving headfirst into long-term commitment, even though the hopeless romantic in me is screaming at me to let go of my fears and follow my heart.
Cash takes my hand in his. “You don’t have to give me an answer now. This was supposed to be a marriage of convenience, plain and simple. All I’m asking is for you to think about what I said and decide if you can envision a life without me. If the answer is yes, I’ll let you go when the time comes. It will break me, but I’ll do if it makes you happy.” He brings my hand to his lips, pressing a kiss on the back before getting up to go over to the stove. “We better eat before it gets cold,” he says, dishing up casserole for both of us.
“Thank you,” I say when he sets my plate in front of me.
For everything.
“You’re welcome.” He smiles.
I take a bite of casserole, my mind racing, knowing this will be one of the most important decisions I’ve ever made. While I don’t have an answer for Cash right now, one thing is certain—life without him seems unimaginable.
27
CASH
AS I ANXIOUSLY WAIT FOREverly to get home, I pace the length of the foyer, stopping at one end before turning around and striding to the other.
I tasked August with letting me know when she left the office, and he texted me fifteen minutes ago, so she should be here any minute.
Something has changed since her conversation with her mom at the beginning of the week. She’s been more withdrawn, keeping her thoughts to herself.
Her parents are toxic, and if it were up to me, I’d cut them both out of her life completely. While I think she’ll appreciate my efforts to remove Richard from the equation, she’ll never stop taking care of her mom. Everly views her mom like she would a child who makes irresponsible decisions and needs supervision.Regardless, I’ll stand by her side and support her, no matter what she decides.
A persistent thought nags me, wondering if my statement about not wanting this marriage to end is part of what has led her to withdraw. I don’t regret what I said. The acquisition will be completed soon, and I had to let her know my intentions—for better or worse.
For now, all I can do is give her time to consider what she wants and demonstrate her importance in my life.
As soon as the door to the stairwell opens and Everly steps out, I stride over and pull her into a hug.
“Is everything okay?” she asks, her gaze darting to the two suitcases resting against the wall.
“I have another surprise for you,” I tell her as I hold her close. “August told me you have Monday off, so I planned a last-minute trip for us over the long weekend.”
“Oh.” She glances between me and the stairs like she’s unsure what to do. “I figured I would work from home and catch up on a few projects.”
“You can work on the plane. Besides, Marcus texted me earlier today to say all the furniture he ordered has arrived at his warehouse. He and his team can get everything set up while we’re out of town. It’ll be much easier if we’re not at the house.”
Everly steps closer, tugging my collar, and leans in for a kiss. “Does this surprise come with another closet full of shoes?” she murmurs against my mouth.
I wind my hand around her waist, nipping at her lips. “I’m afraid not, but it does come with a gift at the end,” I say, hoping a little bribery will entice her to agree.
She taps her finger on her chin. “What is it?”
“You’ll have to come with me to find out,” I say with a sly smirk.
She frowns when I take a step back and pick up our suitcases. “You want to leave now?”
“Yeah, I’ve already packed for us, and the plane is waiting.”
She raises a brow. “How do I know my suitcase isn’t packed full of lingerie?”
“It would be fitting if I were planning to lock you inside a hotel room and have my way with you all weekend. Unfortunately, that’s not the kind of trip we’re taking this time.”
I recruited my mom and Presley to help me pack her suitcase. They walked me through what to bring in our group chat. Living with Everly has given me a good idea of her skincare and makeup routine, as well as her style preferences, but I didn’t want to chance forgetting anything.
I call the elevator and put the two suitcases inside once the doors slide open, sending them down before heading toward the stairs.
“You coming, Ev?”