Page 28 of Uncovering Love: The Wedding

“And you know he loves you.”

“Without question.”

“Is he worth the risk? The chance that maybe someday you will hit a speed bump you can’t handle. Or will you hide in fear over a what if?”

“I can handle anything with Tate on my team.” That I’m sure of as much as my next breath.

“There you go. Don’t let this stuff with Drew and Melissa fuck with your head. Tate and you are meant to be. And we don’t know shit about this other woman yet. This affair could all be in Mel’s head.”

“You’re right. Thanks, friend. Now, I’m gonna scoot before Kate gets home so you two can get some sexy time in tonight.” I stand and sling my bag across my shoulder, and walk to the door.

“I see how it is! Abandon your fellow soldier!”

“I thought you were trained to be brave.” I dangle my keys and throw one last grin over my shoulder before I step outside.

“No man left behind!” he shouts at my back before I can shut the door.

It’s a perfect sunny day. Warm with a few clouds hanging in the sky and several hours before the sun sets. The short walk to my car leaves me feeling a little restless. I don’t want to go home to an empty house. Not when it’ll be hours until Tate gets home. Pulling out my cell, I consider calling Melissa to update her with our stroke of good luck, but I know that’s not a smart idea.

Amelia Moreau. That’s who I need to see. The thought of waiting until Thursday to meet with her frustrates the hell out of me, and I’m not even sure I can get Jon on board. I ponder the idea of recruiting Kate, but that could also backfire. No, I don’t need anyone’s approval. I need to uncover who Amelia is, for Melissa. I owe it to my sister and I’m not waiting around until the end of the week.

I need to expose the truth.

Swiping across the screen, I unlock my cell and log in to our shared work email. The automated form that includes Amelia’s request for services lists both her email and cell phone contacts. My fingers hover over that number because I’m certain if I do this Jon’s gonna be angry. Spotting Kate’s car pulling into the parking lot, I pop mine into reverse and wave to my friend as I drive on by.

Fuck protocol.

The line rings four times before a woman answers.

“Hello.”

“Hello, may I please speak with Miss Moreau?”

“This is she.” Her voice is thick with a European accent I can’t quite place.

“Amelia this is Evelyn Harper from Harper and Beltran. I received your inquiry early today.”

“Oh, yes. Hold on.” There’s a momentary pause before she comes back on the line, her voice clear but lit with her accent. “Sorry, I’m here. I read on your website that you book weeks in advance, so I wasn’t sure if you could work me into your schedule.”

“That’s why I called, actually. We like to do an intake meeting before any contracts are signed. Make sure we’re a good fit for each other. I had a last minute opening this evening. Does that work for you?”

“Oh. Wow. Um. Yeah. What time and where? I’m working, but I can take a break between six and seven.”

If I weren’t driving, I’d dance for joy.Take that, Mr. Follow the Rules.

I’ll come to you, is what I almost say, but catch myself before the slipup. Instead, I recall a coffee bar located near her place. I don’t want to give her any reason to postpone this opportunity. Jon will be pissed when he finds out, but it’ll be easier to ask for forgiveness than permission. “How about Grand Central Coffee at six-fifteen? It’ll only take a half an hour.”

“Thank you. Yes, that’s perfect. I’ll see you soon.”

Yes, you will. “You’re welcome. ’Bye.” Turning my car toward downtown, I allow a smile to fill my face as I fight the rush hour traffic. I’m about to find out who Amelia is. Put all of this trouble behind my family so I can marry my soulmate. Everything is going to be just fine.

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