Page 123 of Bargain With the Boss

“You heard me.” She looked at me and I nodded for her to keep going. I would back her, whatever she did. But now it was her time to shine. Watching the uncertainty slowly fall off her shoulders was something to behold.

She took a fortifying breath, her voice strengthening. “You all helped me with the proposal. Listened to me go over it, gave your advice, and believe in it just as much as I do. There’re no other people I’d rather have on my team.” She swallowed hard. I nodded for her to go on. “I know it’s a lot to ask?—”

“Yes.” Lynn ran over to Syd and grabbed her free hand. “You’re the only one who has ever listened to my ideas and fought for me when your mother made my ideas sound like junk.”

“She just wanted the ideas to be hers.” Syd squeezed back.

Her mother was a real piece of work. The greatest part of a business was collaboration. The fact that she didn’t see that was sad, but I knew Sydney was well aware that her greatest asset was her people.

Pete kept rubbing his neck. “I need to talk it over with my wife.”

“I understand.” Syd turned to him. “My mother understands how important you are. Of any of you, my mother wouldn’t make your life hell if you stayed.”

“I’m leaning toward going with you, but if I made my decision without Caroline, I’d be a dead man.”

She laughed and leaned into me. “I definitely understand that.”

I stroked a hand down her hair. “I echo that statement.”

“I know it’s quick and you can definitely take time to think it through—oof.” Leah pounced on Syd. “Please tell me I don’t have to wear these ridiculous suits.”

I laughed. “Considering my uniform switches from Marvel shirts to dress shirts, you don’t need to worry about that on my end.”

“Thank God. I’m so in. I was just about to sign a new lease on my shitty apartment.” Leah laced her fingers under her chin. “I’ve always wanted to go to the East Coast.”

“Just make sure all of you buy some winter boots. Things are a little different in New York.”

Jared grinned. “I’m down for some good powder.”

“You’ll find it in Crescent Cove.” I laughed. “I’ll be in town a few more days if you have any questions.”

They all nodded.

“There will also be a severance package from here. You’ve all worked too hard to be let go without one. I’ll make sure of it.”

The way Syd’s eyes glittered made me shift behind her. I loved when she got all badass boss.

“Now, all of you get out of here for the day. We’ve locked down the holiday line and I refuse to let my mother get anything else out of you. I’d like to have you all over to my place for dinner.”

Surprise showed on all of their faces, but they all agreed.

I rubbed Syd’s back as her team gathered their things. When the room was empty she turned to me. “I can’t believe we did that. Thatyoudid that for all of my people.”

“They’re yours. Of course I did.”

Her golden eyes sparkled. “They are.” Her fingers fisted at her sides. “I hate that they got caught in the crossfire.”

I took each of her hands and shook them out until she relaxed. “Maybe it was just what was meant for all of them. We can definitely use Leah’s organizing skills as your assistant at FHK. Jared and Lynn are perfect for staging houses and businesses for leasing. But it’s just a stopgap for your business.” I cupped her face. “Your dreams are just as important. I want you to have that garden center.”

“I want to do it on my own.” She lifted her chin.

“You wouldn’t be the woman I love if you didn’t.”

Her eyes closed. “Say that again.”

“I love you, Syd.”

They opened again, the burnished gold swimming in tears. I caught one of her tears on my thumb. “I’m so sorry I reacted like such an asshole in Lake George. It wasn’t fair to you.”