Page 141 of Between Hello and Goodbye

Epilogue

Two years later…

I stared out over the Seattle skyline that was gray and heavy with rain. Behind me at the conference table, I heard low murmurs and the shuffling of paper. I smiled to myself. The Coffee Company people could pretend like they had something to talk about, but at the end of the day, they knew my campaign was the one they wanted.

“Ms. Benson.”

I turned and slipped my hands into the pockets of my Chanel suit. It was easier to surreptitiously touch the subtle curve of my belly that way.

“Gentlemen. You have thoughts?”

Mr. Galveston, the VP of Marketing, nodded. “We feel that your vision for our product is the most closely aligned with our vision.” He extended his hand. “Congratulations. I don’t recall that we’ve ever had a more invigorating or innovative approach to selling coffee than yours.”

I smiled broadly and had to refrain from glancing at my watch. “Kind of you to say. I’m just happy that you’re happy. Now, if you’ll excuse me, gentlemen, I will leave you in the capable hands of Jess Browning, our head of account management.” I gestured at my former assistant with a smile. “She’ll take care of wrapping up any details.”

I exited the conference room as fast as I could without appearing to be hurrying. My flight wasn’t until the following morning, but in my mind, I was already back in Kauai. Back home.

My hand slipped to my belly for the millionth time.

Not to mention, I need to share the latest developments with my husband, that sexy bastard.

Terrance fell in stride next to me. “Another home run, from what I hear.”

“Already?” I smiled. “Word travels fast in this joint.”

“It’s good to see your face, Faith. In person, I mean, as opposed to Zoom.”

“Don’t get used to it, Terry. You’re not going to be seeing me around these parts for a while.”

“Well, I’m glad you made it back for this meeting and a taste of the city. Tell me, do you miss us at all?”

“A little,” I said, although I was finding my desire for skyscrapers and sidewalks to be a lot less potent than it used to be. “Mostly I miss my best friend, Silas, and his husband, Max. And you of course, Terry.”

“Naturally,” he said with a grin. “I guess the next time I see you there’ll be a new Benson-Mackey in the family.”

“At least one,” I said and checked my watch. My pearl and diamond ring glinted in the light, and I paused to admire it. Again. Even years later, it still snagged my gaze, but what could I do? As I liked to tease Asher, when you have the World’s Most Beautiful Ball and Chain on your finger, you can’t help but admire it.

Terry gave me a brief hug and a kiss on the cheek. “Congratulations, again. And don’t be a stranger now.” He started down the hall. “I’ll send you the specs for the new potentials.”

“I’m on the job.”

“Thank God for that,” he called.

Over the last two years, I hadn’t spent many more than a handful of days in Seattle. With Terry smoothing things over, we convinced Cynthia that I was perfectly capable of doing my job remotely. I set about proving that while Asher set about impregnating me as soon as humanly possible. The man was too potent for his own good and our daughter, Alani Grace, was born almost nine months to the day after our beach wedding.

I quickened my step, eager to get back to my little Peanut, and Kal who is growing like a weed, and my husband—my firefighter—who was on the verge of being made captain. I was proud of him beyond words, but that pride was edged with nerves. His job was dangerous, and that wasn’t ever going to change.

I had to trust.

That night, I had dinner with Max and Silas, and because if I didn’t share the news soon, I was going to burst, I told them about my “little development” in the baby department.

They were both overjoyed, with Silas shaking his head as Max teared up, the big softy.

“Does Asher know?” Silas asked.

“That he knocked me up again? Of course. But not about…”

“The bonus material?” Max put in with a grin.