Michael I sat, in stunned silence, as I watched Jade walk out the door with my son. I still had no clue as to what had happened. Running my fingers through my hair, I opened a beer and went through our conversation. After a couple of replays, I was still confused. I wasn't sure if Jade was mad at me because I asked Daisy to help her or if it was because I didn't ask Jade if she wanted or needed help. I figured that it was both. I was also thoroughly confused about why she was so upset about what Mother said. The only thing I figured I could do was to call Mother and ask her what she thought about the situation. So, I decided to make a trip home. "Honey, I'm surprised to see you here," Mom exclaimed when I dropped a kiss on her cheek. "Is everything okay?" "No, but I'm not sure why," I told her. "What's wrong?" she asked in concern, cupping my cheek with her hand. "So, you know how I asked Daisy to help Jade with her business plan?" "Yes," she replied slowly, wondering where I
Jade The doorbell rang while I was enjoying my morning coffee. I was trying to get motivated to tackle all my pressing tasks, and the doorbell ringing was the perfect distraction. "Hey, can you grab that?" Sage yelled from her room. I really wasn't in the "people" mood today, but I dutifully set my cup down on the table and made my way to the front door. A bored middle-aged man with a receding hairline stood on the porch, holding a glass vase of purple roses. "Jade Shelton?" the man asked. "Yes, that's me," I said in confusion. He handed me a clipboard. "Please sign here." Once I had done that, he thrust the vase of roses into my hands and left without saying another word. "Charming man," I muttered sarcastically as I closed the door behind him. "Who was it?" Sage called out. "Someone delivering flowers," I replied. She popped into the kitchen to check out the delivery. She whistled. "Purple roses. Those are definitely for you. Who are they from?" "There's no card," I tol
"I did. I hope you like them. I remember you told me once that purple roses were your favorite," he said. "They are, and I love them," I said sincerely. "Thank you." He looked as though he wasn't sure how to say what was on his mind. Then, after a brief, awkward silence, he said, "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have stepped on your toes by asking Daisy to help you with your project. I should have asked you first if you wanted some assistance." I smiled at him. "I understand that you were trying to help me reach my end goal faster, and of course, I forgive you. I have to admit that Daisy's changes did help a lot. Once she started explaining things, I learned a lot from her." He nodded but cleared his throat. "It also wasn't fair that you were blindsided by lunch with Mother. She also apologizes and said that she didn't mean to hurt your feelings," Michael said. "Apologies accepted," I said, wondering if he had told his mother everything I had said. Robin stared at us wide-eyed as he too
Michael Since Jade had agreed to move back in with me, the last few months were the best of my life. Falling asleep next to her allowed me to fall asleep focusing on positive, restful thoughts instead of stressing out about my to-do list for the next day. For the first time in my life, I have been able to enjoy watching the success of another person's dream. I'd always been so caught up in my own business and making sure that my end ran smoothly that I hadn't paid attention to the hard work put in by small businesses, especially those just starting. One thing that had not changed at all was Jade's stubbornness. She completed her business plan, which I thought was extremely well done. I suggested that she allow me to be her financial backer. At first, she refused until I drew up a formal contract. I would loan her the amount needed to purchase the building, equipment, and everything she would need to get started. After six months, she would make regular payments to repay the loan
Jade I stared at myself in the mirror. This didn't seem real. I was actually getting married to the man I was madly in love with. If I was honest, I fell in love with Michael the first moment I saw him at the fashion show. Making love to him later sealed the deal, and from that moment on, he was a part of my soul. Sage was putting the finishing touches on my hair when Michael's grandfather came in. "Will you excuse us a moment, Sage?" he asked. "Of course, sir," she said, casting a worried look toward me. She was well aware of our less than amicable relationship that had existed in the past. However, I was confident that Mr. Fletcher and I had moved past that point. After Sage closed the door softly behind her, the old man sat on the bed and sighed. "I know that I wasn't always kind to you, and I haven't always treated you the way you deserved to be treated," he began. He took a deep breath, and I waited. I knew that it wouldn't be easy for him to express his thoughts. "When
JadeI groaned as Kelis' iconic lyrics blasted from my phone, interrupting the monotony of stock-taking. My coworkers chuckled at the unexpected ringtone, courtesy of my best friend Tammie's sense of humor. I smiled, locating my phone beneath the cluttered papers on my desk."Rubbing shoulders with the rich and famous, aren't you?" I teased, answering the call.Tammie's flat response instantly wiped the grin off my face. "Hey, Jade.""Tamz, what's wrong?" Concern crept into my voice. We'd been inseparable since middle school, and her unusual tone unsettled me."Grandma Rose is in the hospital," Tammie replied, her voice cracking.My heart sank. Grandma Rose had been a surrogate grandmother to me, too. "Oh, Tammie, I'm so sorry! Which hospital?""St. Joseph's. And I need a favor." Tammie's words were laced with desperation. "I need you to fill in for me at the auction."I hesitated, confused. "But it's an emergency. They'll understand, won't they?""I could breach my contract, and I re
Michael I watched as the beautiful woman disappeared behind the curtain, her earlier stumble still etched in my mind. Her confident yet erratic demeanor intrigued me. As I turned to leave, something caught my eye – a glinting pin on the floor.I picked it up, admiring the blue and green jewels sparkling in the light. It likely belonged to the beautiful woman, but returning it now was impossible. Our reunion would have to wait.I joined my mother, who looked impatient, her eyes scanning the room. "This is why you should have let me help with the organization," I teased, taking my seat beside her.She laughed, playfully punching my arm. "Fundraising doesn't work that way, Michael. People need to see the impact of their donations.""I know, I know. But sometimes I think you enjoy torturing me with these events."Her stern expression softened. "I appreciate your support, dear. It means a lot to me."As the auction began, I bid on a few items, my mind drifting back to Miss Two Left Feet.
JadeI rushed to change, my mind racing with thoughts of Michael. As I entered the main hall, I spotted him waiting, his gaze locked onto me. My heart skipped a beat.He flashed that devastating smile, and I smiled back, feeling a flutter."That was more than fifteen minutes," he said, standing up."You were counting?" I teased.Michael's smirk hinted that he wasn't the type to wait for anyone, making me feel flattered."Shall we?" he asked, offering his arm.We walked to the parking lot, where a sleek black Mercedes awaited, complete with a driver.As we settled in, Michael patted the space between us. "I don't bite."You're not the problem, I thought. I needed space to keep my head clear."I'm pretty sure I could take you," Michael said, his eyes scanning me.I suppressed a shiver. This intense attraction was uncharted territory."What makes you sure that I don't?" I asked.Michael's reply sent a spark through me: "I'm pretty sure you'd let me."The driver's presence was a timely re