Page 103 of The CEO Enemy

I glance over and smile at the garment bag hanging from the closet, where my wedding dress is waiting for later.

The knock comes louder, and I sit up, rubbing sleep from my eyes. I’m so used to Pippin and Pippa waking me up, and at first, I wonder why they didn’t, then I remember they’re back at the apartment. Yes, my Pippin finally found his match, and Pippa’s a charming little beauty, who’s got him wrapped around her little claw. In fact, she’s turning our surly guy into a real Casanova. Looks like even the toughest nuts crack eventually!

Speaking of toughest nuts: Sean had crews working around the clock to finish the expansion in time for our wedding. Apparently, when you’re as rich as he is, money isn’t an object. He was determined for our wedding night to be the first night in our new home—and it looks like that’s exactly where we’ll be starting our married life.

Knock! Knock! Knock! Knock!

When I finally open the door, Pauline bursts in.

She’s dressed in comfortable clothes and flip-flops, showing off the pedicure we got together yesterday, along with the bridesmaids. “What in the name—? Were you still in bed?” Her expression mirrors that of someone who’s stumbled upon a bear in its den, mid-hibernation. “You gotta start getting ready now. We have spa appointments, then we have to hit the salon. Up, up, let’s go!”

My stomach rolls, and a wave of nausea hits me. The next thing I know, I’m running into the bathroom, dry heaving into the toilet. Pauline is at my side in an instant, rubbing my back.

“It’s okay, you’re okay. It’ll pass.”

“I hate this. I don’t know if its nerves or morning sickness.”

“Probably both.”

I found out I was pregnant earlier this week. At first, with the tiredness and sickness, I thought it was just pre-wedding jitters. Picture my shock when I visited my doctor, and she dropped the bombshell: “These are no pre-wedding jitters. This is no flu. And sorry, darling, it’s definitely not your home-made pancakes triggering an allergic reaction. Wanna take another wild guess?” Well, turns out, drumroll please, I’ve got a teeny, tiny roommate on the way. Surprise, surprise! Talk about flipping the script!

I decided to hold off telling Sean until tonight.

That’s if I can get through the ceremony without running to the bathroom.

“All right, Maid of Honor to the rescue,” Pauline declares after I rinse my mouth out in the sink. She comes back into the bathroom with a package of Saltines and a can of ginger ale. “Have both of these, take a hot shower, and you’ll be right as rain.”

“...and disgustingly cheerful?” I inquire, accepting the items.

“Yes, yes, and that,” she confirms.

“I’d be lost without you,” I admit, swallowing.

“Believe me, I’m acutely aware. Now, off to the shower with you!”

I cannot believe how much my life has changed in the last ten months. It’s almost been a year since Sean and I met, yet everything is different. Sean is running the board of directors, Connor is now the CEO, and I’ve promoted Pauline to General Manager. It was a sensible and logical choice. Pauline has the necessary qualifications, experience, and a good understanding of the hotel’s operations and can manage the property during my maternity leave. Best of all, nobody knows the staff’s needs better than her. Happy crew, joyful hotel—that’s the ticket to success. The plan involves hiring a new housekeeping manager to facilitate a smooth transition and maintain the hotel’s efficiency. Upon my return, she can continue to provide valuable support in effectively managing the property. I trust her implicitly and know she’s going to do great.

After showering and putting on some comfy clothes, I feel a lot better. “All right, what’s first on the to-do list of the day?” I ask as we take the back route out to her car.

“The girls are going to meet us at the spa for mimosas and massages. Obviously, just fruit juice for you, but the girls will be too buzzed to notice you’re not drinking,” Pauline explains smoothly, clearly thinking she’s concocted the best plan ever. “Then it’s brunch before going to the salon. You’ve got your hair and makeup at 2:30 p.m. Then back here to slip you into that stunning dress.”

“I’m glad it’ll still fit. Imagine if we pushed the wedding off to the summer like I originally wanted to? I’d definitely have a bump.”

“It’s a good thing your man is so impatient to marry you.”

I can’t help smiling. Sean proves time and time again what an amazing partner he is. I know he loves me and has my back through thick and thin. I know he will always be there for me, just like I will always be there for him.

My phone buzzes as Pauline pulls out of the parking lot, and I smile when I see Sean’s name. We’ve been texting nonstop since we last saw each other, not used to being apart for this long.

Sean:

I can’t wait to get you alone tonight, Mrs. Blackwood.

Me, teasingly:

Who said I’m taking your last name?

It has a nice ring to it. Jess Blackwood.

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