Page 150 of Happily Never After

“I want to do this right,” Heather said, casting another glance at the couple. “It’s so important.”

Claire nodded. “It’s not just about the proposal, you know. Obviously that’s where we make the splashiest impact. But the reason why we make our applicants talk to each other about the hard stuff is to set them up for a healthy and successful marriage. The proposal and the wedding are just a day. Marriage is for life. Or at least, it’s supposed to be.”

Heather nodded and looked pensively into the distance. “What’s Luke’s love language?”

Claire took a sip from her water glass. “Quality time. I really sucked at meeting his needs over the last few months, which is one of the reasons why I’ve adjusted our company hours and some of our policies. Work was everything to me for a long time. But things have changed.” She smiled.

Heather nodded. “I think that’s amazing, and not only because you’re my boss. Life is about balance and you have to decide where you want to spend your energy.”

“Exactly. Oh, they’re bringing out the entrées. Let’s watch in the least-creepy way possible.”

Claire watched their reflection in the glass-fronted fireplace. Tyrell offered his plate to Claudia before taking a bite. She sawed herself off a piece of steak and squeezed his hand. He lifted it to his lips.

“Oh my god, they’re so cute. Is it possible to have cute aggression for a couple?” Heather’s eyes were misty.

“It is now. Speaking of marriage,” Claire said, adjusting her fork. “Legally I couldn’t ask you before, but is there a special someone in your life?”

Heather wrinkled her nose. “Nope. I’m single as they come.”

“By choice?” Heather was sweet, gentle, and an amazing listener. There was no way she didn’t have a fleet of suitors waiting to woo her.

“I haven’t had a serious boyfriend since college. I thought things would change when I moved to California, but apparently my true love doesn’t hang out at The Last Bookstore or the grilled cheese truck on La Cienega.”

Claire nodded. “For what it’s worth, you are a beautiful and amazing woman and you deserve the best. As such, I will be informally vetting all future love interests to make sure they deserve you. Background check, the works. It’s just one of the services we offer here.”

A very new and overdue service, especially since the last person Mindy had dated before Sawyer had turned out to be a member of ESA.

“Oh, of course,” Heather said with a smile. “Oh shit, she’s coming over here.”

“What?” Claire said sharply. Clients didn’t usually come over to chat during their stalking sessions.

Claudia cast a glance over her shoulder before crouching down next to their table. “Two kids, Claire! He wants two!”

“That’s exactly what you hoped for! That’s amazing. How do you feel?”

“So relieved. That was the last big one. Last week, we talked about joint bank accounts since we’re moving in together anyway, and I already told him I don’t do the ironing. It’s perfect. I love him so much and I just want to marry him and have his babies.” Claudia sighed and looked longingly at the bathroom door.

Claire smiled. “I’m so happy for you. Now go back to your table before he comes out and finds you planning his proposal with the people who have been creepily staring at you all night.”

“Right, right. I’m just so excited. You’ll let me know tonight if you’ll work with us?”

Claire nodded, and Claudia rocketed back off toward her table, nearly knocking over an empty chair on the way. She had the ambling confidence and slightly clumsy joy of a golden retriever. Warmth grew in Claire’s heart. As far as she was concerned, they would sign a contract tonight. All signs pointed to a beautiful marriage for Claudia and Tyrell. But she wasn’t the only one involved in the decision-making process. Happily Ever Afters was bigger than ever, and maybe it was time to loosen the reins a little bit.

“So, Heather.”

Heather’s blue eyes shone back at her. She looked like she was anticipating another quiz question.

Claire rolled her shoulders back and straightened her spine. As difficult as it was going to be, she needed to learn to start giving up control. “I’m going to give this one to you. You get the final seal of approval. Do we work with Claudia and Tyrell, or not?”

Heather blinked. “You want me to decide? Are you sure?”

Claire nodded. Her heart beat faster than normal, and blood whooshed in her ears. “I trust you. What do you think?”

Heather sat back and looked pensive for a moment. She slid a checklist out of a binder in her purse and studied each item. The binder closed with a snap, and she made steady eye contact across the table.

“Let’s do it.”

“Good choice.” Claire smiled. Sure, she had lobbed her a softball. But Heather had good instincts. She would rep the business admirably in LA. And besides, Claire had totally put an absolute veto power in her contract. But still. Baby steps.

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