Page 39

I continue with some work after Skye leaves my home office. She’s no doubt showering, and though I’m tempted to join her, I have a few phone calls to make. Once I’m done, I notice a new Instagram post on her account.

Who loves to kiss? Susie Girl lip tint in Fab Fuchsia gives you the pink pucker you love! #sponsored #powerofpink #susiegirl #susieglow #simplyskye #lipsaremadeforkissing

The selfie is her puckering like a fish—a fun pose for a fun post. Already the likes are heating up.

I love that she doesn’t have to look perfect in each shot. She’s not Addison Ames. She’s simply Skye, and that in itself is a form of perfection—at least in my eyes.

I learned long ago that perfection doesn’t exist. I strive for it nonetheless because I figure the closer I get the better off my family is, my business is, and I am.

Skye is far from perfect. She’s headstrong, stubborn, and impulsive.

She’s also intelligent, beautiful, and creative.

And though she’s not perfect…

I’ve come to realize that she’s perfect for me.

Ending my relationship with her was one of the most difficult things I’ve ever done. I don’t regret it, of course. It was necessary at the time. But I’m thrilled that we’ve worked it out.

Skye knocks softly and then enters. “Hey.”

“I’m almost finished,” I say.

“Great. I’m going to go see Tessa. She should be home by now. Her mom’s going to stay at her place for a while, but I want to see her before we leave.”

I nod. “Be back in two hours. That’ll give us enough time to get to the airport.”

“I will.” She grabs her phone. “Just going to catch an Uber.”

“No need. A car’s waiting downstairs for you.”

“Is Christopher back?”

“No. I ordered a car today in case we needed one, and it turns out we do. I’d go with you, but I need to finish up this document.”

“It’s okay. I understand. I don’t want to overwhelm her.”

“You think I’d overwhelm her?”

“Braden, you overwhelm everyone.”

The left side of my mouth twitches slightly. I’m trying not to smile.

Skye laughs. “You try so hard to be stoic all the time. Why? Let yourself go, Braden!”

“You sound like Tessa,” I say.

“Yes, I do. And she has a point. Let it out! Let yourself laugh! For God’s sake, I’m right, and you know it. You do overwhelm everyone. It’s who you are. Love yourself for who you are. Let it out!”

This time I allow a smile to form. “Oh, Skye,” I say. “You don’t want me to let it out.”

“Of course I do. Be happy!”

“I am happy. You know that. I’m happier than I’ve ever been with you.”

“That’s not what I mean, though I’m really glad about that. What I mean is that life sucks sometimes. We’ve had a few rough times. But we’re back together. Tessa’s going to be okay. Life is good, Braden. Enjoy it.”

“You really want me to let myself go?”

“Yes. I really do.”

“Are you sure? Because I’m not sure you know what you’re asking for.”

Skye has no idea how dark I can actually go. I keep myself in check—as much for myself as for her. Because the darkness I crave isn’t good for either of us. When I’ve allowed myself to go there, there’s always a small part of me that never returns.

“Maybe I don’t know what I’m asking for,” she tells me. “Most of what you’ve shown me has been new to me. But I love you, Braden, and I’m willing to go wherever you want.”

I gaze at her. “We’ll see about that when we get to New York.”

“I’ll be back,” she says.

“Give Tessa and her folks my best.”

“I will. Thanks for being there with me last night.”

“Skye, where else on earth would I be other than with the woman I love?”

She smiles at me and turns to leave my office.

Once she’s out of the penthouse, I call Donald Banks, my jeweler here in Boston.

“Mr. Black,” he says into the phone. “How may I help you today?”

“I’d like a private showing in fifteen minutes, if you can manage it.”

“Of course. For you, anything. May I ask what you’d like to see?”

“Engagement rings.” I clear my throat. “Diamond engagement rings.”