“Drop me off and I’ll drive Marjorie’s car back,” Colton said.
Fluffy snow blanketed the cemetery grounds. The place was deserted, save for a lone car parked by a weeping willow. Brigit stood alone in the freezing cold. As Chad pulled up behind Marjorie’s silver Lexus, Colton grabbed her wool coat from the backseat.
“You did one hell of a job,” Colton said. “Thank you for getting her here.”
Chad smiled. “You betcha. See you back at the hotel.”
With Brigit’s coat in hand, Colton stepped outside. As he shut the door, a wind gust blew the snow in drifts around his feet. He set off through the snow.She must be freezing.
He draped her coat over her shoulders and stared at the snow-covered headstones. In silence, he put his arm around her and paid his respects.
Any anger he’d harbored after he’d pieced together her identity melted the second he saw her standing in the back of the ballroom. She’d made it through a nasty snowstorm and in the same clothing that sported a bloodstained and torn suit jacket sleeve. Though her beauty shone through her pain, she’d risked a lot to make it to that meeting and throw her support his way. And she’d given up her dream for his. Her dedication and loyalty said it all.
Even more than any of that, he loved her. Completely and unconditionally. The elderly lady’s words of wisdom confirmed his feelings. They’d weather the stormtogetherso they could bask in the sunny days.
Now all he wanted to do was comfort and protect her. Then he wanted to take her to his hotel suite and make love to her, for hours.
He knelt down, and with his gloved hand, brushed the windswept snow off the headstones. “Samantha Brigit Francesco. Nicholas Farnay Francesco,” Colton read. “That answers that question.”
“Why are you here?” She crossed her arms and her coat fell to the ground.
Pain shone from her emerald eyes. Strong-willed Brigit was trying to push him away. He picked up the coat, brushed off the snow and helped her put it on. “Because you are. And to learn about your life.”
“Hmm, so you’re here for information.” A tear slid down her cheek. “Ask away.”
He slid off his glove and with a soft thumb, wiped away her sadness. “I’m here because the woman I’m crazy in love with ran out when I needed her by my side. Come back so we can celebrate or accept defeat.Together.”
She turned to him and a sliver of a smile softened her lips.
He folded her into his arms. “I love you, Brigit, and I can’t live without you. I’m sorry for the hell you went through, in part, because of me. Had I known—”
Her heartfelt smile touched his soul. “You had me withI’m crazy in love.”
Holding her, he kissed her reverently.
When the kiss ended, she murmured, “I love you too, Colton. So much.”
The joy he felt would be short-lived. He would lose her.HisBrigit would be offered an executive position at Francesco. Marjorie would see to that. Brigit Farnay would resume her life in Ohio. And begin again as Eve Francesco. His gut ached, but that would be his secret. What was one more?
His phone rang and he lifted it from his pocket. “It’s Chad.” He tapped the speaker button. “What’s happening?”
“The lines are thinning,” said Chad. “Get back here for the announcement.” He hung up.
With Brigit cradled in his arms, Colton trudged back to the car. “You are a dynamo.” He flashed her a smile. “The bigger the challenge, the more determined I am to win. And I’m all in with you, Brigit Farnay.” He placed her in Marjorie’s vehicle, then settled into the driver’s seat.
“You’re all in, huh?” She clicked the seat belt into place.
“All in.” He started the engine and headed out of the cemetery.
Colton had poured millions into a revolutionary product with Crockett and signed a long-term manufacturing agreement with Francesco. If they lost, he’d have to start over again. But he’d made a bold career choice and stood behind this risky business decision.
Time to find out if the shareholders agreed.
52
AND THE WINNER IS…
The spindly man stoodat the podium, cleared his throat and tapped the mic. “Can you hear me?” Peering at the nodding faces, he continued. “Okay good. We have the preliminary results to announce. The absentee ballot deadline is this evening at midnight. Final confirmation will take several days and an email will be sent, along with a written copy—”
