“I feel it. I thought it would be more of a production leaving the girls with Mum and Dad, but they did well. I’m just happy we can leave in peace.”
He gestures to the chairs in front of his desk for me and Declan to sit. “They love your parents. They’ll be fine. Are they staying in London or returning to the country with them?”
“Half and half… which reminds me. Do you think you can stop over today to make sure the girls are being good? Mum never tells me. I don’t want them taking advantage of her.”
“Of course, no problem. Will you tell me where you’re taking my sister on your honeymoon, or is it still a surprise?”
He shoots me a cocky grin, and I can already tell he’s proud of himself. “We’re going to Peru and Argentina.”
I sit up taller, thinking I might have heard him wrong, and judging by Dec’s face, he’s thinking the same thing. My sister and Belle have traveled all over the world together, it’s a passion of theirs, so I know Sadie will be thrilled. But Wills doesn’t seem like someone who’d honeymoon in South America.
He’s more of a “let me relax in the Maldives” kind of guy.
“Peru? Wait…”
He nods. “It’s Maria’s seventieth birthday. Sadie has been saying for the last six months that she wishes she could celebrate with her.” He shrugs. “So I’m taking her to Peru for the party, then we’ll head to Argentina where we’re touring the wine region.”
He’s got to be kidding me. Sadie is going to lose her mind with excitement.
Maria was our nanny from the day I was born and was like a mother to both Sadie and me, even coming out of retirement to help Sadie with Charlie when she was a newborn.
Sadie spent every spare second she had with Maria, and I can tell you now that this will be one of the best surprises she’s ever gotten.
“Does Maria know?”
Wills shakes his head. A dual surprise. It’s going to be epic. “You did good, Wills. Can you make sure to video it for me?”
“Of course.” He glances at his watch. “I only have a few minutes left. I’m here to talk to you guys quickly before we leave for the airport. Sadie’s waiting in the car with John downstairs,” he says, passing both Declan and me a thick packet.
“What is this?” Dec asks, already flipping through the pages.
Wills takes a breath that catches my attention. His earlier laid-back demeanor has changed to one of nervousness.
He leans back, swiveling his chair back and forth. “Jackson, you’re now my brother by marriage, and even though you’re one of the biggest pains in the arse I’ve ever met, I’m proud that it’s finally official. I’ve considered you both brothers for a long time now. And Declan, what started as me taking you under my wing as a young rugby lad quickly turned into a brotherhood that I cherish deeply.” He looks between us. “Not only am I lucky to have two mates who are family, but also the best business partners around. Charlotte’s is thriving, and I hope soon we can say the same about The Social Club. So I thought it fitting to share The Taylored Group with both of you.”
I sit stunned, completely bewildered at the idea. The Taylored Group is his baby, and he wants to share it with us?
When he realizes both Dec and I are in shock, he continues, “The name would stay the same. I would own fifty percent, and the two of you twenty-five each.” He pauses, looking between us. “Unless you don’t want it?”
I don’t answer. I get up, walk around his desk, and shake his hand. He stands and takes me in a hug before I say, “Thank you for trusting us to work beside you in the business you take so much pride in. It's an honor, truly.”
“Aye,” Declan says, squeezing Wills in a tight hug. “Accepting this offer is a no-brainer and, like Peters said, an honor.”
We sit back down, and I can’t help myself from joking, “So this means I can boss you around now since I own part of the company.”
“You’re not the fucking boss, dickhead. I’m still the majority owner.”
“Same thing.” I shrug, holding back my smirk. He’s already about to freak out. It’s so fucking easy to rile him up.
“It’s not the fucking same thing,” Wills spits.
I can’t help but push him over the edge. It’s my favorite pastime. “Tomato, tomahto.”
“Will you just shut the fuck up and take this seriously?”
I smirk.
“You know he’s doing this on purpose. Why the hell do you let him get to you, you lunatic?” Declan asks, unable to hold back his laughter.
