Page 128 of By Invitation Only

“I see,” Dad responded. “Well, there are two options. You either stop dating, and then when they investigate you, you have nothing to hide. Or one of you withdraws from the current cases you have against each other and inform the judge with a letter of your relationship. Whoever withdraws can just have another attorney at their firm take the case, but promise to never discuss the case again, especially with each other. You’d also need to tell your employers.”

Booker turned to me then back to my dad. “It’s as easy as that?”

Dad nodded. “It is. The question is which one of you are going to withdraw from the case?”

My eyes connected with Booker’s. “I should be the one like we talked about,” he stated. “If it wasn’t for me making partner, I don’t think this would be happening.”

“But you need the clients for billable hours, or they’ll ask you to leave and give you a severance package. Then I’ll be the bread winner,” I teased, trying to lighten the mood. When you became a partner at a firm, they couldn’t fire you per se. They could, however, ask that you leave, and you’d be given a severance package.

“I’ll make it work,” Booker stated.

“My suggestion,” Dad cut in. “Just tell them that you started dating over the Christmas break. They won’t have proof otherwise except for that man at your work, Booker. And even then, if you withdraw and do all the formalities, you should be in the clear because they won’t have a reason to investigate you.”

Booker nodded. “Thank you. I will.”

Mother decided it was then that she should make her appearance. “Peyton,” she greeted warmly. “Are you going to introduce me?”

I turned to face her. “Hey, Mom. This is Booker. Booker this is my mother, Martina.”

Booker stood and stuck out his hand. “It’s nice to meet you.”

“Likewise,” Mother said.

“And, if I might add,” Booker said, and my eyes shot to him. “There’s no need to set Peyton up with anyone ever again. I’m not going anywhere.”

I smiled as my heart squeezed in my chest.

“Dually noted. Now, Peyton, be a dear and get me a cup of coffee too.” She walked over to the table. “With half and half.”

“And the name?” I joked, pretending I worked at a coffee shop and was a barista. Somehow I’d turned into one the moment I walked into the kitchen.

“We have celebrating to do,” Booker said as we pulled away from my parents’ house.

“What do you want to do, big shot partner?”

He smiled and squeezed the hand he was holding. “I want to take my girlfriend to dinner.”

My eyes widened. “Really?”

“Really. We have a solution, and there’s no need to hide anymore. I’ll withdraw in the morning.”

“Okay.” I smiled. “Where do you want to go?”

“I’m happy going wherever as long as you’re with me.”

After the afternoon’s events, it was clear that Booker and I were stronger together than alone. Clint might be hurt that he didn’t make partner, but my man deserved it.

Wedeserved to be happy.