Page 22 of Hooked on Lane

Lane

My mother’s words echoed in my mind—once the right girl came along, nothing else mattered. And now, as I laid there wondering how I could prove to her she was worth giving up the partnership for. I had the whole trip to make her realize it was worth the leap.

“Are you ready? It’s Christmas Eve. The diner is going to be packed.”

I smile and take her hand. “Let’s go.”

I held the doors open for her as we walked inside the diner. We snagged one of the last booths and ordered the hamburger basket. I tried not to let on that something was amiss between Jennifer and I, but my mother's gaze lingered.

“Just say it!” She set down her steaming cup of coffee. Biting the inside of my lip, I looked away. “I… I don’t know how to tell this girl how I feel. There are so many things I want to say but?—”

She took both of my hands in hers. “Jennifer is smitten with you. It's written across her face. I can see that you feel the same way about her, too. I know it's complicated because of your professional relationship, but finding someone who shares your passion, now that's priceless.” She paused for a moment and then added, “Don't let her go without fighting for her.”

The waitress set our plates down in front of us, and I ate my food, barely tasting it as I ran through the things I had to say. I was done making excuses on why we couldn't be together, but I didn’t know how she would take it.

"I gotta go, Mama." I leaped up from the table and rushed out the door and could see Jennifer coming down the sidewalk. My legs felt like lead weights as I stumbled toward her, and then my arms finally fell around her. Her body tensed at first, but then she let out a little sigh before I whispered, “Please give me five minutes.” I looked into her eyes. Her face softened, and I brushed a few strands of hair behind her ear and then took her inside Caffeinated Bliss.

“You have said that we can't pursue this because of work, but… I will give up my job for you. That's how deep I know you are the woman for me. If giving up the firm is what it takes to be with you… then that's what I'll do.”

Tears streamed down her cheeks and her lip quivered as she gazed at me. “You can’t give up your career for me, Lane.”

I reached out and cupped my hands around hers. “You aren’t asking me to… If the only thing standing in our way is my job, then I'll take it out of the equation.” My voice was husky with determination, and I slashed my hand through the air for emphasis. “Easy, done.”

“But this is insane. Why don't we wait until we get back to New York City before deciding? You could be more rational by then, and I'd hate for us to make a rash decision.”

Her stubbornness was palpable, but I knew she wouldn't budge. “Okay. Let's compromise. When we get back to the city, I'll tell HR about us, and if they push the issue, I'll resign.”

After ten years of loyal service, it would be an injustice to demand that she give up the job she worked so hard for. My law degree gave me the opportunity to practice anywhere. If I wanted her by my side, I needed to make a change. I’d finda different firm willing to take me on. She was worth it. I grabbed her shoulders and looked into her eyes, willing her to understand my words. “Understand how much I care about you, Jennifer Jenkins. Nothing in this world matters more to me than your happiness.” With a single twitch of my finger, I pulled her closer and our lips met. “Now, let's go get my mother from the diner.”

My mom was waiting for us right where I left her. And when she saw us together, a smile broke out. “Let’s head back.”

Finally, we returned to the lodge. The lobby had baked cookies. “Help yourself! I made plenty,” Carina yelled from the lobby desk.

This Christmas Eve was a special one. I embraced my heart and went for it with Jennifer and there was no turning back. I intended to show her just how amazing she truly was and how a woman like her should be treated. All my worries went out the window because even if HR had a problem with us being together, they would lose a partner.

Jennifer Jenkins was the woman for me.

Chapter Twenty-Four

Jennifer

It’s Christmas. I called Laura to wish her a merry Christmas and share Lane’s confession that he would resign if HR pushed the issue. She just kept saying I told you so. “Whatever I have to go.” I pulled on my festive holiday sweater and hurried downstairs.

Lane stood out like a beacon. “Good morning. Carina is going to let us use the kitchen to make a meal. Wanna help?”

“I'd love to.”

I followed him to the kitchen, where he gathered ingredients. He chopped onions, then cracked fresh eggs into a bowl with a flick of his wrist. As I watched, he fried bacon in one pan, simmered gravy in another, and mixed up a big batch of cinnamon rolls in between.

“Let’s take this out there. Mom should be down and Carina is going to join us.”

We gathered around table. I placed my gift on the table and Lane gingerly untied the gold ribbon. He peeled back the wrapping paper, revealing an old wooden picture frame holding a photograph of his father. His eyes stayed fixed on the image as he ran his thumb over the edges of the worn frame. His breathing slowed, and a tear escaped his eye.

“Your mom said that she had some old photos of the two of you together, but some were so faded that I got them restored.”

Slowly, he looked up, tears still streaming down his face. “Thank you.”

Gently setting down the photo on the table, Lane walked across the room and came back, holding a small box wrapped in blue paper and tied with a white bow. “This is for you.”

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