forty-one
. . .
WYATT
After the confrontationwith my father, I expected backlash, but I never expected him to help Lance and the team accelerate the layoffs so Blair would be affected just a few days later.
The minute she called to tell me the news, I knew it was a silent punch from my father. What he doesn’t realize is that the only damage he did was between him and me. Although, I should probably thank him. Nothing like a life change to make you reaffirm your feelings, and in Blair’s case, it gave her the courage to take the first step in making our relationship official. When she told me she loved me, it was like I could breathe again—and I didn’t even know I was holding my breath.
When Blair and I realized we both had some unexpected free time on our hands, I whisked her away on a quick trip to Palm Springs, where I had the pleasure of watching her walk around with little to no clothing all week. It was divine timing. Our lives were dramatically shifting around us, but at the same time, they were giving us the gift of reconnecting and building something even better—a life together.
Now that we’re back in LA and I’ve officially started at Hays and Cole, I’ve enlisted some help to show Blair how serious I am about our future. Sophia, along with Jess and Stella, is taking her to lunch, and I’ll meet up with them this afternoon.
As Jake saunters into my office, I can’t help but smile.
“Well, this is new. Happier than I’ve ever seen you. I suppose it’s about time.”
“You’re right, Jake. I’ve never felt this happy. Standing up to my father and starting at Hays and Cole—it’s like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. And the best part? I got the girl.”
Jake grins and leans against the door frame. “It’s been a journey, that’s for sure. Speaking of Blair, the paperwork is all in order. I must say, you’ve really gone all out for this surprise. I’m happy for you, man.”
“Thanks again for all your help with this. I can’t wait to see the look on her face.”
Just then, my phone buzzes with a text. It’s Sophia.
“Hey, check this out,” I say, showing Jake my phone. “Sophia wants to surprise Blair too. She wants to sign with Blair and wants me to draft a preliminary contract. She wants it ready so Blair can see it right away.”
Jake whistles. “That’s huge.”
I nod, already mentally drafting the contract in my head. “I just want everything to be perfect for Blair. Her friends are distracting her until the afternoon. When they bring her to the office space, I’ll be there to surprise her.”
Jake claps me on the shoulder. “Congrats, Wyatt. You deserve this happiness.”
“Thanks, Jake. For everything. I wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for you.”
We hug it out, and I get back to completing the details for this afternoon. What I haven’t shared with anyone else is that I’m also going to ask Blair to move in with me. I know it’s fast, butwe’ve wasted too much time already, and I don’t want to spend another day without her. I’d propose right now, too, but one step at a time.
That afternoon, I’m standing in the empty office space, and my heart pounds with anticipation. The room is bathed in the soft afternoon light, casting a warm glow on the polished wooden floors. I’ve set up a few essentials: a sleek, modern desk with a comfortable chair for Blair and a receptionist desk near the entrance. Everything is ready.
As I hear footsteps approaching, my pulse quickens. Blair’s friends have done a great job of keeping her occupied until now. The door swings open, and there she is, her eyes widening in surprise as she takes in the room.
“Wyatt, what’s going on?” she asks, a mix of confusion and curiosity in her voice.
“Blair, I know how much you’ve dreamed of having your own talent management agency. This space is leased for the next year, just for you.”
I step forward, holding out an envelope. Her hands tremble slightly as she takes it and opens it to reveal the paperwork inside. Tears fill her eyes as she reads, and her gaze darts back to me.
“You did this for me?” she whispers, her voice choked with emotion.
I nod, stepping closer. “You deserve it, Blair. You’ve worked so hard, and I believe in you. This is your chance to create something amazing.”
She looks around the office, her eyes lingering on the new furniture. “It’s perfect,” she says, her voice filled with awe. “I can’t believe you did this.”
I take her hand and squeeze it gently. “I wanted to give you a place where you can build your dreams. You inspire me every day, and I want to support you in every way I can.”
Blair throws her arms around me and pulls me into a tight embrace. “Thank you, Wyatt. This means everything to me.”
“Ok, ok, you two love each other,” Jess says. “We get it.” I’ll never call her out on it, but I swear I see her blinking away tears. She comes over to congratulate Blair and then gives me a pat on the arm.
