Page 97 of Broken Boss

“Yes. Trust me, they don’t expect me to be there.”

“I don’t see how that works. You are the CEO, after all.”

“True. But I’m no longer partner.”

Today is the day Marty is being made partner, along with Daniel, another senior associate. I’m confident the two of them will run Sharpe Law perfectly well while I take some time off. Not too long from now, I’ll be a full-time stay-at-home dad, a title that makes me grin every time I think of it.

Autumn harrumphs, but I can see she’s secretly pleased I’ll be spending the day with her and the family instead. Plus, I still have one more trick up my sleeve…

“I’m not too worried. I talked to Grant last night—he’s sending in some extra help.”

Autumn lifts a brow in curiosity, leaning back against a solid oak desk that she bought secondhand from a local shop. “Oh?”

“His niece, Becca, is moving to the city next week. She’s one of the top lawyers out west—we actually went to the same school. Trust me, if anyone can keep Marty in line, it’s her.”

Autumn grins at the thought, resting a hand on her belly. Once more, I settle into the feeling of everything being right. It’s like both of my brothers described, this crazy love—like fate. Like fortune.

This is the perfect time.

I turn and pick my way around some boxes and a filing cabinet, pulling out a carefully packed narrow box that Autumn, luckily, overlooked.

“What’s that?” She tips her head, suspicious at the grin on my face.

“Oh, you know. Just something to celebrate your first day in the office.”

I slide a bottle of Perrier-Jouet Champagne out and watch the smile light up her face. She laughs, head tipped back, her hair falling down to her shoulder blades.

“Chris, what am I supposed to do with that? I can’t drink!”

“Mmm, I know. I’m being a little selfish. This isn’t really for you.”

Moving in close, I tug lightly at the low-cut V of her neckline, licking my lips and pretending to thumb the top off.

“I was planning on dousing you in champagne and…”

She cuts me off with another laugh, pulling me close to keep her balance as we both stumble awkwardly in the pile of office supplies and furniture.

With my arm around her lower back, I tug her into a secure position against my chest and widen my stance. The move jostles us just enough for a ring box to fall out of my trouser pockets.

We both freeze.

“Shit. It was meant to be smoother than that?—”

Before the flush of embarrassment settles on my cheeks, Autumn wraps her arms around me and lays a lush kiss on my lips.

“Yes!”

The word is lost in the kiss, and I laugh and pull back, for some reason surprised. Surprised that this incredible woman could love me as much as I love her, surprised she’s chosen to be with me, to carry my child.

“Yes? Are you sure?”

“Yes, I’m sure! Yes, yes, yes!”

We lose ourselves in another kiss, swaying giddily, the champagne forgotten on the desk. Autumn hums happily against my lips.

When the fizzy high finally starts to wind down, I smile down at her, feeling the flutter of the baby between us.

“Well then, Autumn Cooper, if you’re so sure…we probably shouldn’t keep our family waiting.”

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