Forever Mine by Goode, Ella (uplifting books for women .TXT) 📗

just feel like you need extra R&R because you work for Cristoff.”

“When you said you were taking over soon—”

“Monday morning,” I call over my shoulder. Time to put the rest of my plan in gear.

Back at my desk, I start issuing directives. “Ernest, call the leasing office and tell them to take the fourth floor off the market. Lucy’s firm is moving in.”

“Really? When did that happen?”

“Just now. And get me Meredith Terinni on the phone, will you?”

“Lucy’s boss?”

Ernest is so efficient that by the time I reach my desk, Terinni has been patched through. “I have a proposition for you, Meredith.”

“I’m all ears,” she coos.

“Great. I—” Ernest buzzes me. “Hold on for a sec.”

“I’m sorry to interrupt, but Lucy is on the phone,” Ernest says.

“Thanks, man.” I switch over to Meredith. “It’s a deal that can only be offered in person. Let’s meet at 5 pm at The Daily Drip.”

“You’re asking me to meet you at a coffee shop to discuss a deal that could change the course of my business?” Meredith repeats in disbelief.

“We can meet at Prime instead, but I didn’t take you to be a big red meat eater.”

“How about Nicollette’s at seven?” There’s a slight purr in her throat which sets my teeth on edge, but I don’t have time to argue. I have Lucy on the other line. “Sure. Nicollette’s. Seven. See ya. Lucy, babe, sorry to keep you holding. What’s up?” I lean back and throw my feet up on my desk.

“There are two men here that say they’ve been hired to move everything in my studio.”

“Yes.”

“Why?”

“I mean, isn’t it obvious? You’re moving.”

“When did I agree to this?”

“Last night. You agreed to get married and move in together.”

“After we were married, which I’m doing only so you can take over the firm.”

Not this. I let out a huge sigh and allow my head to drop back against the seat. “Lucy, what’s the point of waiting? I already applied for the marriage license. I’m sending a doctor over to the townhouse to draw your blood, and he’ll be there in two hours. That’s how long I figured it would take for the staff to pack you up. The license will be approved on Monday, and we can be married by Judge Havlicek by the afternoon.”

“No wedding? I’m an event planner. I do weddings sometimes, and we aren’t having a wedding?” Now she sounds pissed.

“I mean, if you can plan a wedding by Monday afternoon, I’m all for it. You have a credit card of mine that you never use. Feel free to charge everything on it.”

My other phone buzzes. “Hold on.” I switch over to Ernest’s line. “What now?”

“It’s Judge Havlicek’s clerk on the phone. They can’t do Monday afternoon because he just got an emergency involuntary commitment hearing. Thursday morning is free though.”

“Why do I feel like everything is working against me? Okay. Take Thursday.” I return to Lucy. “Guess what? You can have until Thursday. Judge Havlicek can’t do Monday.”

“I’m not marrying you on Thursday either. And I’m not moving. I’m not ready for that.”

I grit my teeth. This is not going how I planned. “And when will you be ready?”

“I don’t know. Six months. Maybe a year. As long as the firm transfer goes through, we might not actually need to get married.”

“Babe, I’ve waited for two years. I’m not waiting any longer. Get your adorable fanny over to the townhouse so you don’t miss the doctor and pack up your underwear. I don’t want those movers touching that shit. I’ll be home at five-thirty.” Then I remember I’m meeting Meredith. “Scratch that. I’ll be home at eight.

I hang up before she can protest. I wasn’t kidding, though. I’m done waiting. She’s either marrying me willingly or I’m forcing her into holy matrimony, but either way, by the end of the week, she’s going to be Mrs. Wyatt Donovan.

Chapter Ten Lucy

I stand in the middle of Wyatt’s place wondering what the heck I’m doing. I only agreed to this last night, and here I am moving into his place. No wonder he’s one of the best attorneys in the city.

“This is the rest of it.” One of the movers sets the last box down.

“That’s everything?”

“Yep.” He tucks his clipboard under his arm, holding out a card. “In case you need anything in the future.”

“Thanks.” I set it down on the table next to the door before seeing the movers out and locking it behind him. I stare at the boxes. This may have been quick, but at least it will save me rent money. That’s a plus. It’s also closer to my job, but then again if I’m not worried about money so much maybe I could quit and find something else. I might be slowly climbing the ladder there, but my boss is a nightmare.

I start to open some of the boxes, wondering where I’m going to put my things. It’s not as if I have a ton, but I don’t want to start claiming space without talking to Wyatt first. I look around Wyatt's beautiful downtown home that is always so nice and neat. There never seems to be anything out of place. That’s when a brilliant idea hits me. I start to stick my things randomly on shelves, hoping it's going to drive him crazy. I didn’t appreciate him bulldozing me into moving in here so fast. I may have secretly wanted to, but he doesn’t need to know that.

When I get to my fuzzy pink blanket, I toss it over the side of the sofa. I fall back onto it, staring up at the ceiling. At least Wyatt isn't going to be marrying someone else. That’s something. I yawn, rolling over to pull a throw pillow under my head. I didn't get much sleep last night after Wyatt left. I knew once I agreed there was no going back. I just thought there would be more time.

I’m guessing with how fast Wyatt is wanting to