Page 134 of Waiting for Acceptance
“Vince, I ca—” Tears flow down my face as I shake my head and he takes the ring out, sliding it onto my finger. “You’re not supposed to do that until I say yes.”
“Then for the love of God, say it. Say yes.” I meet his eyes, swallowing past the answer on the tip of my tongue. “Every other circumstance aside, the company, my shitty parents, the reason you felt you had to leave me. If none of those things were in the way, what would you say?”
I’m getting kind of sick of crying so much.
But, even still, warm tears stream down my face.
“I would say yes. Without hesitation. I would say yes.”
“Then that’s all I need to know.”
“What do you mean? It isn’t that simple. You’ll lose everything, Fitz. I can’t be the reason you lose everything.”
“The only way that will happen is if you leave me again. Woman, when are you going to realize thatyouare everything to me. I don’t need this company, the penthouse or the stupid luxurious lifestyle if I can’t haveyou.All I want, all Ineed, is you, Trouble. What else do I have to do to prove that to you?” I look down at the ring on my finger, that somehow fits perfectly, and my heart bursts wide open. Knowing this is how he feels, that this is whathewants, my answer is immediate. I look at him, biting my lip before I answer with a playful tone.
“Say please, Vince.” With misty eyes, he smiles, grabbing either side of my face.
“Please. Please. Marry me, woman.”
“Yes! Yes, I’ll marry you!” I giggle and his lips land on mine, this time when my tears fall, they’re from pure joy. “I love you, Vince,” I whisper against his lips.
“Say it again. Say you’ll be my wife.” His forehead rests against mine, and I smile.
“I can’twaitto be your wife.” His arms wrap around me, squeezing me in a way that feels like I’ve finally made it back home.
“I hate myself for saying this, but we have to get dressed. We’re late.” He jumps off the bed, leaving me there gaping at him.
“We?You didn’t even know I was coming. Late for what?”
“Come find out, future wife.” He winks at me and grabs his tie from the end of the bed, making my eyes fall back to my left hand.
I’m getting married.
Fitz helped me pick out what to wear, which I’m kind of beginning to love, dressing me in a black and white pencil dress, with the same heels I wore to his mom’s party. It’s nothing to get too excited about, but I think the heavy diamond on my left hand is what’s making me feel invincible today. We make it to The Fitzgerald Firm, and I’m not the least bit surprised to see the amazing corner office Fitz has, with a full city view in every direction you turn. It’s exactly the kind of office the CEO of a company should have, and my stomach twists knowing he may be giving it all up for me.
“No frowning, Sweetheart. Today is a good day.” He winks at me, grabbing something from his desk, and then he grabs my hand, pulling me right beside him as we walk down the hall to the conference room. Upon entering the room I’m shocked to see so many familiar faces—faces of people I’ve spoken to, or marketed with during the events Fitz and I have attended together over the last couple of months.
“Good morning everyone, sorry we’re late.” There are murmurs across the room, everyone seeming pleasantly unbothered. “We had some business to attend to this morning on the way in.” My cheeks warm as I fidget with my engagement ring.
“Meeting doesn’t start ‘til you’re here, boss,” one guy says, earning a sly smirk from Fitz.
“Ah, yes. What a perfect segway into why we’re here in the first place.” Fitz takes his place at the head of the table with Frank directly to his right. There’s a seat open to his left and Fitzmotions for me to sit there, so I do. Silently smiling at everyone else around the table. “As most of you may know, effective as of yesterday, Frank has been announced CEO of The Fitzgerald Firm. My father has given him sole ownership of the company.”
“What?” I gasp, my eyes wide as I glance between the two of them. The smirks on both of their faces confuse me even further, but Fitz just winks at me and continues.
“You all know me very well, you have seen me work day in and day out to prepare to take on the role of CEO, but when it came down to it, Frank was just a better fit for the job… For now, anyway. Frank.” Fitz gives Frank the floor to speak, giving him an encouraging clap on the shoulder as the two of them stand next to each other.
“Thank you, Fitz.” Frank clears his throat and addresses the room. “I was honored by Fitz’s decision to sign over the rights to The Fitzgerald Firm to me. I've been here since damn near the beginning, and I’ve always considered this young man right here like family. Watching this place turn into the empire it is has been…well, downright mind-boggling. I have no doubts that Fitz knows what he’s doing, and that is why I have agreed to act as CEO for one year, starting today, and then I will retire, leaving the company to my acting COO.”
Holy shit. The whole company is going to someone at this table.
Fitz takes the lead again, with a smile on his face. “The Fitzgerald Firm will keep its name, and our family legacy will continue, so long as the COO, and future Mrs. Fitzgerald, agrees to her promotion.”
Who?
Oh my god.
Does he mean…
