Page 127 of Finding Our Reality

I lean forward, whispering to her. “Tell me something. Something no one else knows.”

I can see the wheels spinning in her head and a flash of brilliance sparkles in her eyes when she settles on something. “LMC Forensic Consulting doesn’t stand for Love My Career. LMC stands for Luella Margaret Crutchfield.”

Kill. Me. Again.

Damn… That is one sweet sounding name.

I can’t hold it in any longer. I’m so tired of not saying it. “I love you.”

She gasps. Her hand flies to her chest. Knowing My Lulu, she’s probably checking herself for a heartbeat.

My fingers dig into her hips, and I possessively tug her against me. “I love you, Lulu. I always have. I never stopped, not for one single minute. I will love you until the day I take my last breath. You’re mine. Never before. Never after.”

Her eyes hood with desire, and her face flushes pink with passion. “I lo—”

I cover her mouth with my hand. “I don’t think so,” I scold her. “Remember, we can’t say it at the same time. Your rule.”

She playfully bites my finger. “Well then, how about I just show you.”

Sweeter words have never been spoken.

Chapter 41

ELLA

I don’t mind having all-day meetings on a Friday.

But these meetings just plain suck.

My phone buzzes with an incoming text message from Ry. Smiling, I answer his question asking if my meetings are done. I answer with very colorful language.

“Ella, did you hear me?”

Sighing, I lay my phone back on the conference room table. “I’m sorry. I had to respond to that. Would you mind repeating?”

“Your parents had pledged $50,000 to North and Camden for building the new wing on the library. Will you be honoring that donation?”

“No.”

The attorney’s eyes nearly bug out of his head. “No?”

“Correct, Mr. Coppock, I have no plans to honor that pledge.” I write a reminder note in my notebook. “Instead, I will be giving that money to the Wounded Warrior Project.”

The room is filled with five men and one woman, each dressed in suits that cost more than most people’s monthly income. They glance at each other, not hiding their displeasure. “The charity for veterans?”

“That’s the one, Mr. Coppock.”

“Ella, that’s a noble gesture, and I would definitely encourage you to donate funds to the organization as you see fit, but the school is really counting on that money. The construction work has already started.”

I square my shoulders and fold my hands in front of me on the table. “From what I understand, Mr. Coppock, your own children attend that school. In fact, last I heard, you were on the school board. If the new library wing is that instrumental to the education of the young minds at North and Camden Academy, then I suggestyoumake the donation. I am well aware of the money that will be in your pocket after today, and I know you will be more than capable of making, and even exceeding, my parents’ pledge.”

The scowl on his face is almost comical. I stare at him until he finally wearies of my gaze and turns his head.

I gather my notebook and all my papers. “I assume our business is concluded?” When no one immediately answers, I stand up and pull my work bag and purse over my shoulder. The men in the room suddenly remember their fake manners and politely stand, acknowledging my exit.

One of the other attorneys taps his ink pen on a leather portfolio. “We’ll draft the documents for the sale of Robert’s share of the business and building and send them to you for your review next week.”

I nod and walk out the door. “Have a good weekend.”

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