Page 16 of Tangled with the Professor

But instead of having to pop him one, his stiff posture relaxes and he reaches for Isabelle’s hand to pat it. “You’re right, honey. It was just the shock of seeing him again that brought back all that old anger and resentment. But none of it was really aimed at him. He was just an easier target than that slippery snake of a company I used to work for.” He turns to me and clears his throat, thrusting out his hand. “I’m sorry I made you feel uncomfortable. It’s not your fault you’re so damn good at your job.”

I laugh and heartily shake his hand. Isabelle looks thrilled and that’s all I wanted. Maybe now we can enjoy these fresh pastries in front of us.

But no, now Julia gets a furrowed brow and turns worried eyes to me and Isabelle. “I’m still worried that you’re one of Izzy’s professors. It might hurt her career. Aren’t you concerned about that?”

It’s aimed at her daughter, but it strikes me in the heart. “I don’t care about that as much as I care about Mark,” my beautiful, loyal girl says. “And we’re careful about it so it won’t ever be an issue.”

This clearly isn’t good enough for her mom, so I speak up. “There’s no fraternization clause at the university. Our relationship doesn’t go against any rules or guidelines, and we’ve been keeping things professional on campus. This is very new, and we haven’t come out in the open yet, but it’s very real. We feel solid with where we’re at with each other.

Isabelle nods vigorously but Julie has more concerns. She wants to know if I would have still pursued Isabelle if there was a fraternization clause. “Would you have still made a move knowing you could be putting her future at risk?”

I fall silent, because I know exactly what she’s thinking, since I’ve thought it a hundred times myself. Despite there not being anything that would jeopardize my career, there was still the chance that people would think the wrong thing about Isabelle. That she was sleeping her way to certain positions, using me to gain favor and get ahead.

My own career wasn’t my concern, and yes, I would give it up in a heartbeat now that Isabelle is mine and mine alone. But if it put her in a bad light and she ended up resenting me for it I’d never forgive myself. If it caused her to lose out on the dream she’s been working so hard for, I wouldn’t be able to live withmyself. It would make my whole world fall apart since Isabelle is now that world.

I’m quiet too long and before I can express these thoughts, Isabelle speaks up.

“I would have pursued him instead,” she says, her voice sure and true. She takes my hand and holds on tight, her eyes shining. “He’s the only man who’s ever made me feel this way. Like I can do anything I set my mind to, that I’m worthy of everything I want.”

Julie wipes away a tear and nods, while Bruce looks slightly uncomfortable and proud of his daughter at the same time.

“Oh, honey, that’s all we want for you,” Julie says, then smiles at me gratefully, and for the first time, with no malice in her eyes.

As Isabelle and her parents hug awkwardly across the table, I can’t tear my eyes away from her gleaming hair, her bright smile that’s so full of relief, the way her eyes catch mine and twinkle with happiness.

Not nearly as much happiness as she gives me, every second we’re together. This is the woman I’m going to marry and it’s a different kind of torture getting through the rest of the meeting.

As soon as we’re back in my house to gather up Isabelle’s things since we’ve agreed to spend the last few days before Christmas at her parent’s house, I slip into my study where I have a small wall safe.

Once it’s open, I push aside the important documents and other valuables to reach the wooden box in the back. Inside is a collection of my grandmother’s jewelry. Not much, but good pieces that she loved. I nudge aside the heavy, outdated brooches and earrings to find the sparkling diamond ring that sat proudly on her finger until she gave it to me.

“Give this to the woman who makes your heart soar, just like your grandpa made mine.”

Isabelle is hurriedly packing up her clothes when I clear my throat behind her, making her turn to me with a smile that really does lift my heart. She’s shocked when I drop to one knee and hold out the ring.

“I love you so damn much. What we have is real, but I want to make it official. I want to be with you for the rest of my life and I hope you feel the same. Marry me, Isabelle?

She claps a hand over her mouth and bursts into surprised tears, then hurries forward and pulls me up to throw her arms around my neck.

“Yes, yes, of course!”

I twirl her around and we end up in a soul searing kiss that has her melting against me. I pull away to see the pile of clothes hanging out of her suitcase and remember what we’re supposed to be doing.

“Let’s go tell your parents how happy we are,” I say, amazed at how eager I am to be part of her family now that we’ve settled things. “Maybe this will make up for the fact I haven’t gotten them a present.”

Isabelle smiles wickedly and pulls my head down for another kiss. “There’s plenty of time,” she says, her lips meeting mine.

She’s right. All the time in the world, and many more holidays to celebrate.

Together.

Epilogue

Isabelle

Twelve years later

“Come on, Benny.” I hold out my hand to my kindergartener as I hoist his toddler sister, Lola, in my arms. “We don’t want to miss big sissy’s presentation.”

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