Chandler nodded, and led me out of the conference room, still holding my hand. We found my father in my office, looking at pictures on the shelf, his hands behind his back. It was as if he was waiting for us to find him, knowing I would have questions.
“Dad…” I started, stepping into the room. He turned and faced us both with a confident smile on his face. “Did you forget what we talked about?” I asked with a tilt of the head, wondering if his memory was going with old age. I hated the thought of it.
“No, I didn’t.”
“Well, did you forget that I’m having a baby?”
“Of course not.” He chuckled.
“Well, then you know that I can’t juggle the responsibilities of being CEO. I want to be present for the baby as much as I can. I’m honored. Really, I am. It’s been all I’ve ever wanted…but…”
“I know, Gabriella,” he said, taking a step forward and putting his hands on my shoulders. “But I also know how much you deserve this. You’ve worked so hard. You’ve proved yourself. I hate myself for making you doubt that. I didn’t want you to feel like I was passing you up again.”
I could feel myself tearing up, hearing the words I had always wanted to hear. He had always been the person I strived to be, not only in business, but now as a parent. Timing was a funny thing.
“Thank you,” was all I managed to get out without crying.
“The company has just gone through a major storm, one that the two of you helped us navigate out of. We were lucky, but it made me realize I can’t run this thing. It’s why I stepped down in the first place. This place deserves better than an old man like me.”
“Dad,” I said, nearly choking on a sob as I pulled him in for a hug. He was still strong to me.
“I need you two at the helm to lead it back to its prime,” he said, pulling away and looking at me intently. “I can’t think of anyone better for the job.”
“But the baby…” I started, feeling even more torn as I pressed my palm gently against my stomach. My father’s gaze followed, and stared lovingly before he placed his hand over mine.
“I want you to take as much time as you need to embrace motherhood. It’s a beautiful thing. And I know you’ll be the bestmother to this baby. I promise you will be granted a very long, generous maternity leave. During that time, I know the company is in good hands with Chandler. It needs a strong leader. Why not have two? When you’re ready, of course. You can step in as his partner whenever you want. It will be there waiting for you.”
It sounded too good to be true. Was it really possible to get everything I wanted? The job, the family, the man? I felt so lost just months ago, and now it seemed like life was falling into place beautifully. I felt like I should pinch myself.
“I-I don’t know what to say…” I said softly, looking from my father to Chandler who stood proudly beside me.
“I think the words you’re looking for are ‘I accept,’” said Chandler with a small smile before turning to me. He held out his hand. I looked down at it, confused by the formality, but took it anyway. He shook my hand firmly. “I look forward to working with you,partner.”
I couldn’t help but laugh, tears forming at the corners of my eyes. My father had faith in me. My partner had faith in me. I had several months until the baby would be born. I had time to be CEO and could step back when I needed to. It was the ideal scenario. Chandler and I made a good team, in more ways than one.
I also knew myself. I wouldn’t be able to stay away from work for long. It was such a big part of my life. Harold Enterprises was my home and meant so much to me. There was no way I could everstep away from it completely. It was my family’s legacy after all, and the man beside me had helped save it.
“Let’s do it,” I said with a nod.
“I can’t wait to get to work,” he said, a mischievous glint in his eye that made my cheeks burn. My father cleared his throat uncomfortably, and I had to stifle a giggle with my hand.
“You’ll have to excuse me,” said my father, striding for the door, probably trying not to throw up.
“He had a dirty mind, that fellow,” said Chandler, watching him go with a smirk. I shoved him playfully before he pulled me into his arms. He kissed the top of my head as I looked around my office, the place I had spent so many years in, just hoping for this moment.
“Is it everything you hoped it would be?” whispered Chandler.
“More,” I whispered back.
He stood back and looked me over, an excitement in his eyes. “We should celebrate!” he said eagerly.
“What did you have in mind?” I asked, raising a brow as I thought of the morning prior when I almost ditched my father to jump Chandler’s bones.
“Well, definitelythat,” he said with a smile tugging at his lips. “But we should go out, really celebrate.”
I looked at the clock on the wall. It was barely 11 a.m.
“It’s early…”
