In the elevator, the tension was different than before, this time the confident anticipation of lovers who knew what awaited them.
“I love you,” he said as she fumbled with her keys. “I should’ve said it on Martha’s Vineyard. I’m saying it now.”
“I love you too,” she said, finally getting the door open. “All of you.”
He followed her inside, and this time there was no hesitation, no pretense. Just them, real and together, with all the time in the world.
Chapter 25
The November aircarried a distinct chill as he surveyed the property from the dock of his lake house. Workers moved efficiently across the lawn, setting up the heated tent, arranging fire pits, installing heat lamps along the pathways. The forecast promised clear skies but temperatures dropping into the low forties by evening.
Behind him, the sound of car doors slamming announced Knox and Gabriel’s arrival.
“Are you planning to help at all?” Knox called from the porch, a case of champagne balanced in his arms. “Or is manual labor beneath the great Ronan Wilder?”
He turned. “I’m making sure everything’s set up correctly.”
“It’s a party to celebrate the Beauchamp deal,” Gabriel said, crossing the lawn. “Not a state dinner. I think we can manage without your micromanagement.”
“The first milestone deserves proper recognition,” he replied, climbing the steps to join them. “The Beauchamps took a significant risk trusting us. This is the least I can do.”
Knox set down the case with a satisfied grin. “A weekend at the lake house, open bar, and you’re actually hosting instead ofhiding in your office. Who are you and what have you done with Ronan Wilder?”
He ignored the jab. Three months ago, he would have delegated this entire event. But things had changed. He had changed.
“Where do you want the champagne?” Knox asked.
“Under the tent. There’s a table set up near the bar.”
Gabriel studied him. “You’re unusually invested in this party.”
“It’s a significant milestone,” he said evenly. “The Beauchamps deserve recognition for their trust in Oath Capital.”
“And it has nothing to do with impressing a certain someone?” Knox asked.
“Devney will be here, yes. The Beauchamps are bringing her.”
“How convenient,” Gabriel said dryly.
He ignored the implication, checking his watch. Five o’clock. The staff would start arriving at five-thirty, the Beauchamps at six. Everything was on schedule.
Inside, they gathered in the great room, its wall of windows overlooking the lake. Knox popped open a bottle of champagne and poured three glasses.
“To the Beauchamp deal,” Knox said, raising his glass. “And to Devney Sinclair, who managed the impossible.”
“What’s that?” Ronan accepted the glass.
“Making you tolerable to be around.” Knox grinned. “You’ve been almost human lately. It’s disturbing.”
Gabriel raised his own glass. “To efficiency. And to whatever has you checking your phone every thirty seconds.”
The three men clinked glasses. The champagne was bright and crisp against the afternoon chill.
“I don’t want to miss a text from Devney,” he admitted, checking his phone again.
“The office gossip mill has been in overdrive since you two went public,” Knox said, sprawling in an armchair. “Martha’s Vineyard changed you.”
“I’m still focused on the business,” he said.
