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“Hell yeah,” Jonathon agreed. “Now let’s go get your wife.”

Quentin’s full-on devilish smile spread across his lips. It had taken him several days and a mini fortune to come up with something that would grab Phoebe's attention.

“Let’s go,” he said. “If my plan doesn’t work, nothing will.”

Across Town

Phoebe was late getting to her office. That morning she would be checking out of the Ritz, and she felt like taking extra time to get ready for work.

She flipped her hair and tightened her jacket as she walked through the double doors, heading straight for the elevator. The week had gone by at a crawl, and every day, she arrived at the office with another set of roses awaiting her. Several times, Phoebe had been on the verge of answering one of Quentin’s calls if for nothing else but to hear his absolute truth. But the sting of his betrayal kept her away, making her fall back in every case.

“Good morning,” a voice rang out.

Phoebe turned casually around, and disbelief spread across her face followed by a frown.

“Unless you need an attorney, I would suggest you leave the premises,” Phoebe snapped.

Cindy stepped closer to her, and Phoebe arched a brow. “Don’t get it twisted,” Phoebe said, “this is personal, and you’re in my space. I suggest you back up before I feel threatened all of a sudden and stand my ground.”

Cindy raised a brow and took a step back, but Phoebe kept her eyes cut on her.

“I didn’t come here for any trouble.”

“Yeah, could’ve fooled me.”

“I know I’m the last person you want to see, but I came here to tell you Quentin had no idea I’d be lying in his bed. When I came over, it was because my car had broken down at the job.” Cindy sighed at the annoyed look on Phoebe’s face. “Quentin left to help me out. I saw all the fuss he made for you—the fruit, food, wine, flowers, and… and I came up with the idea to…” Cindy cleared her throat. “Anyway, I’m not the one he wants. It’s you.”

Phoebe stared at Cindy for another second before she turned her back and entered the elevator. When Phoebe was safely inside, and the doors closed, she exhaled and dropped her head. She’d missed Quentin like hell, and being without him for a week had been torturous. Give him a chance and talk to him. Phoebe exhaled a breath. The two had planned to have a conversation with her family. But now things had changed so drastically, and the last thing she wanted to hear was I told you so.

The doors to the elevator opened, and Phoebe stepped out and strolled through the office, going straight for her closed door. Jordan had watched her every day but never made a move to speak on his thoughts. Phoebe knew Jordan could tell something was up. She was grateful that he didn’t ask and let her be.

Phoebe entered her office and sat her briefcase down on the desk and powered her computer up to prepare for the day ahead. She tried and failed to shift her mind from Quentin to her work, and by lunch time, she’d given up and decided to call. Standing from her chair, Phoebe perched her butt onto her desk and pulled the receiver to her ear. As she dialed, Jordan knocked then entered with urgency. Phoebe looked at him quizzically.

“What’s up?” Phoebe asked.

“Rose and Garnet is on the news.”

Phoebe’s eyes widened, and she replaced the receiver. “What?” her voice rose, and she slipped off the desk to follow Jordan back into the main office area. Mike stood with the remote in his hand, elevating the volume. The local news station and camera crews were set up outside of the law firm. Their cameras recorded, and they spoke exponentially as what appeared to be a floating stage followed by a marching band sailed down the street.

As if the festivities had been planned, security personnel and police officers blocked off the streets, sending nearby drivers on a detour. The five members of the band were announced by the reporters as The Original Spice Girls, and Phoebe gasped and covered her mouth. Frantically, her eyes searched for him, and it didn’t take long for his array of charm to fill up the screen. As if Quentin knew exactly where she stood, he gazed into the camera and a wicked chill slipped down Phoebe’s spine when his eyes met hers.

The crowd simmered down just enough without completely shutting down the party.

Lead reporter from Fox 5 news Teresa Hardaway leaned toward Quentin and spoke. “Tell us why you’ve come here today and what the significance of this parade is to you.”

Teresa held the microphone out at him and Quentin spoke straight into the camera. “I’m in love, Teresa,” he said, “and I fear I may have lost someone I could never live my life without because of a misunderstanding.”

The reporter peered at him, and Quentin’s bright handsome smile grew across his face. “I know what you’re thinking. But the truth is she’s the one.”

Phoebe’s heart lurched, and both hands flew to her mouth as tears stained her eyes.

“She’s always been the one,” he added. “Phoebe, you need to understand, I love you, sweetheart, and I would never disrespect you in any way.” Quentin paused. “You’ve got to believe me. You know me more than anyone. What does your heart tell you, baby?”

Phoebe’s heart rocked against her chest, and she cried harder as her feet moved across the room. Everyone in the law office stood as they watched her sprint out the door to the elevators. She hit the button furiously then abandoned the metal doors for the stairs and took the two flights down in record time. When she burst through and entered the lobby, her eyes widened at the real-life parade that sat just outside the doors. In enrapt awe, Phoebe cleared the exit and stepped outside into Chicago’s breezy January winds that coasted her within inches of Quentin’s towering frame.

Quentin’s eyes lit up upon seeing her, and immediately he reached out and pulled her into his arms as the cameras rolled.

“What’s with the marching band, and… the Spice Girls?” She smiled excitedly. “Now this is just being extra,” she teased.

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