Total pages in book: 99
Estimated words: 97053 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 485(@200wpm)___ 388(@250wpm)___ 324(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 97053 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 485(@200wpm)___ 388(@250wpm)___ 324(@300wpm)
“I should never have ended things,” he says.
“I understand why you did. You have a lot on your shoulders.”
“That’s all over now. I’m not going back to the life I had before. I know my dad’s not going to be able to go back to his life before his stroke, but I can’t just take over from him and continue things the way he’s done everything. I won’t do it.”
I sigh, trying to think about how to move forward. “No decisions need to be made today. But your family has a lot of money. That brings a lot of opportunity.”
I shift in my seat and face him. “You know how you said you liked the idea of going into businesses and solving problems, helping them grow?”
“Yeah. Like I did in business school.”
“Well, you might be able to combine that love with the resources your family have and really make a difference in the world.”
He gazes at me like I’m the most fascinating person on the planet and I stifle a giggle at how adoring he looks. I smooth my hand over his face and he leans into it like a cat being stroked.
“Think about it. You could identify a global issue that needs to be addressed. Maybe it’s the pollution of the oceans or microplastics or whatever. You could work to develop a plan to solve that problem and put Alden family resources behind it.”
His eyes widen. “The Aldens are rich, but we can’t single-handedly clean up our planet’s oceans.”
I smile at him. “No, but you know everyone there is worth knowing. You can form an alliance. Fundraise. You could create a global foundation. Maybe you just tackle one issue so you don’t spread your resources too thinly. That way you could make a huge difference.”
Jack furrows his brow like he’s confused. “You’re amazing.”
“And this is a shock to you.” I roll my eyes in mock irritation.
“I just don’t know how I got so lucky to even meet you, let alone spend the rest of my life with you.”
I blush. “Forever?”
He raises his eyebrows. “Forever. It’s a non-negotiable for me. Take it or leave it.”
I laugh. “I’ll take forever with you, Jack Alden.”
“I’m serious,” he says. “I don’t want to propose right here, but know that I want to marry you.”
I swallow. It’s not a shock. He said it before. But it’s difficult to imagine what marriage with Jack would look like. But I know I want it.
“I want to marry you too.”
He nods, like he knew exactly what I was going to say. “So that’s settled.”
“One thing though.” I stroke along his furrowed brow. “No lies. Your mother has spent her entire life pretending to be someone she’s not. I know you’re angry with her and confused and I’m sure you feel betrayed. But make sure you keep in mind that at least part of the reason she did lie was for you—for her child and heir—so you could hold your head high.”
He groans.
“I know the status doesn’t matter to you. But we live in very different times, Jack. She and your father tried to do the right thing. They might have gotten it wrong, but they weren’t out to betray you. They wanted to be together and they wouldn’t let anything stand in their way. Sound familiar?”
He shakes his head like he can’t believe what he’s hearing. “You make me better. You show me the world differently. Even that first time I met you. The way you talked about the fountain and the moonlight? When I’m with you, the world is a better place. You’re a happiness filter.”
“Jack…” I’m not sure anyone has ever said anything nicer to me.
“It’s true. Just being around you makes me feel better about everything.”
I smile, tilting my head at his words. “We have a lot to figure out,” I say.
He shakes his head. “I don’t think so. We’ve done the big stuff. The rest will follow.”
He’s right. We will figure it all out, but I’m just not sure where the end point will be.
“I don’t want you to worry,” he says.
I nod, trying to reassure him. “I’m not worried exactly.”
“We should have a base in Colorado. And New York.”
I glance out of the windshield toward the lodge of the Colorado Club. I’m not sure I could ever feel comfortable living in a place like this. It feels more like a hotel than a home. And Jack’s apartment? It’s all gold and crystals. That wouldn’t feel like home either. But it’s not like Jack and I can move in with Dad and Bray.
“I don’t mean the Colorado Club should be our base.” It’s like he can read my mind. “I want us to have a home here. Although I hope Byron still lets us use the restaurants.”
“So in Colorado but not at the Colorado Club. You want to find a house?” I ask.