“Harsh,” Parker said.
“But accurate,” Hunter added.
“You have reject brothers in Rhode Island?” I asked.
“Yes,” Greg said. “They’re the type of people who give secondhand flowers and moonshine to the women they’ve wronged.”
“It was last minute,” Parker said, looking antsy. “We needed something dramatic. Earnest said we could have it. And you didn’t even see what’s in the gift box.”
“Sadie, feel free to ignore him,” Greg stated. “Just read over the paperwork.”
I didn’t know where to look.
“You’ll see our offer is quite generous. It’s a better sign-on bonus, a better salary. We’ll match whatever the Holbrooks are paying you. I feel confident you will accept our terms. Are the Holbrooks going to give you a house a mere block away from your best friend? I think not.”
“We do need you to come back to run the Rural Trust,” Remy said to me. “The funding’s dried up.”
“Stop pressuring her,” Parker snapped. “Sadie.” He gently held me. “Don’t worry about the Rural Trust. I have enough money to cover what was promised. If you hate me and want to stay here in Manhattan and never want to see me again, I understand. But I love you. I’ll do anything for you. I’ll never move on. Even if we’re old and you’re off living your best life and I’m living in a shed with Bob, you can always call me. I’ll drop everything and be there for you.”
“I’m not—who is Bob?”
“Please, just let me finish,” Parker said. “I’ve never loved anyone like you. I screwed up, and I’m sorry. My life won’t be the same without you. But I’m willing to sacrifice my own happiness if it will make you happy. If Mark will make you happy, then I’ll leave you alone.”
“I—” I didn’t know what to say; I was reeling. Also, my arms hurt; the bouquet was intense. I also had the packet of papers, which were in danger of falling and scattering all over the sidewalk.
Do something. Say something!
“Oh my gosh, you said you loved me!” I burst into tears.
“Of course I love you!” Parker said.
“I need a tissue. It’s in my purse. My hands are full.”
“Shoot, sorry,” Parker said, taking the flowers and putting them on the gift box.
I dabbed my eyes. “I love you too. I think I overreacted. I only had coffee, and I didn’t have anything to eat. And I was tired because you kept me up all night.”
“You kept me up all night,” Parker said, smile playing around his lips. “I had a wholesome evening planned, but then you dressed up in that bondage—”
I kissed him to shut him up. I did not need his brothers to hear about what we’d been doing.
Parker crushed me to him, kissing me deeply. He was smiling when we parted.
“I missed you,” I told him.
“I love you. I’m so glad I didn’t lose you.”
We were interrupted by a man clearing his throat.
“Not to intrude on the happy ending, but is this yours?” Davy was in Mark Holbrook’s arms. The toddler had a large basket of fries and a half-eaten fried chicken sandwich. There was sauce all over his face. “I think this might be your credit card as well,” Mark said, gingerly handing Parker a sauce-covered black card.
“Did Bob save the day?” Davy asked, taking another bite of the sandwich.
Parker grimaced as Mark held Davy out to him.
“Who in the world is Bob?” I asked.
“Bob is your new kid.”
