Brigit had dreamed of nothing but returning to her past. Her parents’ expectation had set her on the unwavering path tothismoment. Her father’s dying wish was that she make Francesco her own. So, why didn’t she feel the exhilaration she’d imagined? She was finally free to reclaim her birthright and resume her life. Was their vision whatshetruly wanted?
As she stared into Colton’s eyes, gratitude washed over her and her heart filled with love. Though she’d always miss her mom and dad, they’d want her to live a happy life. The guilt, the anger and the grief that had propelled her forward lifted a little.
Eve Francesco had finally found some peace.
“Mrs. Mic, I agree with Colton.Youare the absolute best person to run Francesco.”
“Thank you,” Marjorie said. “I’d be honored. Would you consider taking Dobb’s board seat?”
Brigit beamed. “Now that I’d love.”
“Should I expect you’ll be redoing your office at Mitus?” Colton asked.
“No, I wouldn’t change a thing.”
“Not even the location?”
“Especiallynot that.” Colton’s smile made her heart flip. She had absolutely made the right decision.
“You two make a damn terrific team, you know that?” Marjorie said.
“We sure as hell do,” Colton replied, his eyes never leaving Brigit’s.
“So, Brigit, what should we call you?” Chad asked.
“My name…” She flipped her gaze back to Colton. “My name is Brigit Farnay.”
“So,Brigit, something’s been bugging me for weeks.” Chad ran a hand over his unshaven chin. “When you met Marjorie, she asked if you were a soccer fan. What the hell was that?”
Brigit and Marjorie laughed. “As a child, I’d spend Fridays after school with Marjorie,” Brigit explained. “She wassupposedto be teaching me about the Francesco Company. Instead, we’d paint or draw, read stories and do anagrams. I loved our Fridays.” Pausing, she smiled at Mrs. Mic. “Soccer fan is an anagram for Francesco.”
“Speaking in code. I’m impressed,” Chad said. “Marjorie, I’ll walk with you to the lounge. I could use something strong right about now.” Together Marjorie and Chad left the ballroom.
Alone in the ballroom, Colton clasped Brigit’s hands. “We did it.”
Brigit could stare into this man’s eyes forever. “Thank you for being Francesco’s White Knight.”
“I saved your company and you saved me,” he murmured. For the second time that day, she melted. “You know, I have my father to thank for something.”
“What? That man almost took down your business.”
“Because of him we forged a partnership.”
“Are you saying Montgomery thrust us together?”
“No. We managed to do that on our own.” He softly kissed her and her heart flooded with love.
With a smile, she kissed him back. “Ready to celebrate?”
“In every way imaginable,” he replied pulling her gently into his arms.
53
AN INTIMATE AFFAIR
Following a celebratory dinnerat a downtown Columbus restaurant, Colton, Brigit and Chad said their goodbyes to Marjorie before returning to the hotel. It was too late to drive back to Virginia, plus Colton had a more pressing need to stay the night.
HisBrigit.
