Page 109 of The Proposal
I chuckle.
“Oh, what about the time you wanted me to friend request her on Social because she changed her account to private? And you wanted to know if she was with some guy … I can’t remember his name.” She laughs. “You called me from Australia to ask how to give her a ring. Come on, brother. Everyone else might not see it, but I do.”
I blow out a breath and use Bianca’s smile to steady myself.
A slideshow of every interaction I’ve had with Blakely rolls through my mind—every holiday, party, and barbecue at Brock’s. The texts we’ve exchanged through the years. The way I wanted to throttle Edward DiNozzo.
I'd go alone if I knew Blakely would be at an event. I’d wrangle my way into sitting beside her at dinner or hanging out with her—or close to her—so I could hear her voice. I’ve canceled dates because an opportunity to spend time with her arose even though it was in a group. Because I just wanted to be with her.
“It happened to be with a girl you’ve held out for, hoping you’d get a chance with for years.”
Is that true? Is Bianca right? Have I waited for a chance to be with Blakely for the past ten years?
“Renn …”
The room shrinks, my body heating as I think about my wife.
Everything in my world is now framed around her.
When I think about having the afternoon free, I want to make a beeline home to her. The idea that she’s home—that my home is her home—feels like the greatest victory in the world. I’ve spent all morning planning our next trip to Australia because she loved it so much and checking the tabloids to see if there’s anything I need to have Frances shut down.
But … there wasn’t. Not like I expected there to be. Sure, there are a few things here and there, most of them from the checkout-line magazines with a picture of us next to an image of a historical figure living in South America.
This life with Blakely could work. I want it to work. It feels like a knife slicing through my stomach when I think about it ending.
But what would she want? Would she want …me?
“What do I want? I want to be focused on myself. I want to grow, to be excited about appliances and understand how life insurance works. I want to find a nice man, get married, and have a family. Basically, the opposite of what we have going on and the longer we draw that out, the longer I’m just treading water—and I need to move forward. I need it, Renn. I promised myself that I would do it.”
I pass a swallow down my throat.
This doesn’t have to be her treading water. This can beusmoving forward. I want to stay married to Blakely. I’m the man she needs … or I can become him.
“Yeah, Bianca. I love her.”
“I know.” She smiles. “So what does this mean for the Royals contract?”
“It means I tell them to fuck off and lawyer up, I guess.”
“And we are telling our wife we love her, right?”
“Our wife?” I chuckle. “Yes, but I want to make it special. Maybe I’ll wait until after dinner at Mom’s tomorrow night. Get a few things in place. I don’t know if she’ll feel the same way. I need to wine and dine her to be sure.”
Bianca snorts, gathering her things on her desk. “You’re adorable when you’re goofy.”
“I knew Renn was here when I heard you say goofy.” Gannon walks in and stands by Bianca’s desk. “How was Australia?”
“Good.”
“Good.” He turns to our sister. “Change of plans. You meet with McCallister. I’m heading to the conference room with Dad. He’s signing the Arrows deal.”
“He is?” I ask.
Gannon looks at me. “Bobby Downing came on board and pulled some strings. He helped Dad get it expedited.”
I sigh. Even though I think Dad’s a dick, I’m still glad he closed his deal.
“Anyway, don’t forget to come in strong with the numbers from the last quarter,” Gannon says to Bianca. “Text me when you’re out.”
