Page 77 of Slow Burn (The Boston Beauties)

I smiled,son, that didn’t escape me. He’d only used it a few times. ‘I know; however, it means a lot to me to have the blessings from the two of you before I ask her.’

‘Well, I appreciate you asking, that means a lot to us.’ He looked at his wife, who was nodding in agreement. Steve opened up the folder and skimmed the agreement.

‘It basically says that Jessa keeps sole responsibility for her trust funds,’ I started to paraphrase. ‘That if any capital purchases are made that I might benefit from, her investment is protected without contest. That any money made by either of us as of our wedding day is equal assets, except any interests culminating from the trust. The only two stipulations I have is that I own half of the Hyannis house and she does not sue for any business assets.’

He continued to read a bit more, then looked up at me. ‘Why is it important you have the house in your name also?’

‘I want to be an equal, I don’t want to feel like I’m a guest in my own house, I don’t want her to be able to kick me out.’ I let out a laugh, then added, ‘Plus, I’ve been working my ass off as a labor of love with that place.’

Colleen looked over the agreement. ‘Have you been speaking to my father?’

I looked at her, ‘No, why?’

Steve answered for her, ‘Because this looks very similar to the agreement I had drawn up and presented to her father when I asked to marry her.’

‘When do you plan on asking her?’ Colleen asked me.

‘Christmas.’

‘Can you give Colleen and me a moment alone?’ Steve asked. I nodded, put my tablet into my bag and left the room, pulling the French double doors that usually stayed open closed behind me and walked into the kitchen, where Colleen already had the island set for the three of us. I poured myself a drink from the bottle of scotch they kept on the counter.I felt comfortable here, it had become a second home to me.

It felt like an eternity that the Cahills were talking, but in reality, it was only a few minutes before they both walked into the kitchen. Steve had regained most of his strength back but was still battling with endurance. He handed me back the file. ‘There’s nothing in here to protect your savings or personal assets not associated with the business.’

I nodded, ‘I’m aware.’

‘You need to protect yourself too.’ He looked at me intently. ‘Ok?’ I nodded. ‘Go ask your lawyer or whoever drew this up to add that and I’ll have my lawyer look it over, otherwise I have no contest over it, but also make sure Jessa knows you’ve done this.’

‘You don’t have an issue with me wanting the house?’

‘None whatsoever,’ Steve said, taking a seat. ‘I just wanted to know why...and make you sweat a bit.’ He winked at me while Colleen hit him playfully.

‘Do you have a ring?’ she asked me.

I reached into my bag, pulled out a small box, and showed it to her. She opened it, looking at the ring and nodded, ‘Very nice, however, there’s also this one.’

She held out an opened box showing a large vintage-looking ring. ‘It was my aunt’s ring, I always planned on giving this to Jessa. I know she loves this ring, if you want, you can use this to symbolize your engagement.’

I looked down at the ring. It was beautiful and a lot more impressive than the one I bought her.

‘Are you sure?’

‘We are,’ Steve nodded.

‘So, I take it you’re ok with me asking her?’

Colleen hugged me, ‘Absolutely.’

‘We are just surprised you haven't already,’ Steve chuckled. ‘You’ve been pining after her since you first met her practically.’

It didn’t happen often, but I felt myself blushing.

CHAPTER 25

JESSA

I kept looking at the bag Drew was carrying. ‘Curiosity killed the cat, you know,’ he smirked, teasing me.

‘Well, I’m pretty sure I’m not going to die, but my curiosity is definitely piqued.’

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