by Elias Taylor
“Thank you,” I said to the lady as she went back to browsing with her friends.
I missed the call. I ran my eyes over the screen and saw the call had been from The Red Gorilla. I called back.
“Hello, The Red Gorilla. Tracey speaking.”
“Oh, hey, Tracey, did one of y’all call me from there?”
“Yes, it was me. I forgot to tell you that this guy came in to see you with a proposal.”
I tapped my teeth, wondering, and asked, “Do you have a name by any chance?”
“Yeah. Hold on.” Rustling went on in the background for a couple of seconds. “Damien Saunters.”
“Hmm, okay. Thanks.” The name rang a bell, but I didn’t remember why.
“Oh, and he said he would pop in some time today. I sent him your way. Hope that’s okay,” Tracey said.
“Yes, that’s fine. Thanks, Tracey.”
I hung up and tried to rack my brain. Then, the shoe dropped. Damien Saunters was a well-known entrepreneur in California. As an older guy, he’d made a lot of money and helped hundreds of businesses. He even had his own TV show with a mini shark tank theme going on. Wow! My store? He was coming here? No. Maybe she got the name wrong. I dismissed the idea and arranged some more books on the shelf.
“Miss Bancroft?”
“Yes?” I turned and blinked several times. My mouth dropped open.
“Damien Saunters,” he said and shook my hand firmly.
“I know who you are. Welcome to the store.”
“Glad to be here. This is really a unique concept store. I was told about it, so I thought I would drop in.” He wore a well-cut grey suit with a classic, white collared shirt. Funny that he would be looking at an adult shop. However, having worked in the strip club, I knew that wealthy men frequently had regular girls they came to watch.
“In the store, we have a range of supporting products and a pretty extensive catalog of books for all types of people. Everybody is welcome.” I watched him as he ran his fingers over some of the titles. He chuckled when he got to a few of the sections.
“The orgy section?” He eyed me with amusement. I walked beside him.
“Like I said, we cater to all types of individuals. The more taboo, the better. Within reason. We are eighteen plus only, and you have to show ID if I think you’re under that age. I am thinking of doing a softer range for teenagers, though.” I knew I was rambling, but I was pumped that he was even in the store. He didn’t seem to mind. He was nodding as I spoke.
“Well, Autumn, I am in the market to support. If you’re interested, I would like to set up a meeting and talk about it. Get down to the nitty-gritty with numbers.”
“You would? I would love to!”
His face displayed kindness, which came through on the screen as well. “Are you pregnant? If you don’t mind me asking.”
“No, not at all,” I said with a smile as I rubbed my belly, giggling. “Yes, I am. Not long to go now.”
“Well, you’re glowing, and you look wonderful. I know it’s short notice, but can you meet later this week on Friday, say at eleven in the morning? I can meet you here if that works.”
“Thank you, and I can do Friday. That’s a good day for me.”
Damien walked out, leaving me stunned. I had a meeting with an investor in two days. Just minutes before, I was wondering what the next steps were for my business.
I managed to get a hold of Phoebe before she left for the day.
“Feebs, are you sitting down?” If my belly wasn’t so big, I would have been jumping up and down.
“Well, no, honey. I’m untapping all the drinks at the bar, but go ahead.”
“Okay. Damien Saunters just walked in here, and I have a meeting with him!” I beamed.
“Holy hell! Shut your mouth! That guy is a gazillionaire. I mean, maybe not, but he’s got money.”
“I can’t believe it. I’m in shock.” My breathing became labored as I hyperventilated, thinking of all the paperwork I had to get in order. I had to show him the profits. I had to show him how I’d taken The Red Gorilla from scratch to a thriving business. That’s why I was able to open the Vixen Room.
“Okay, Feebs. Let me close up here, and I will talk to you tonight. I just wanted to tell you what’s happening.”
I spent the night poring over my figures and getting all my documents in order. I looked at every nook and cranny and put myself in his shoes as an investor. The focus on preparing the documents kept my mind occupied and off Carter and our estrangement. At this point in the pregnancy, I felt pretty good. I was a little uncomfortable at night, and my feet swelled if I didn’t rest them, but overall, I felt okay.
The day arrived, and I put my best foot forward. Carter had bought me this beautiful, flowy maternity dress with bright colors a while back. I wore it, and it made me think of him. I rode over to the bookstore and thought about how this deal might impact my life. The problem was, I was in love with Carter and wanted a real family.
I opened up at the bookstore and let the golden sunlight in. It was a perfect day for a meeting. I fluffed around the store and tidied things up when I didn’t need to. I glanced at the clock one too many times, and finally, eleven o’clock came.
“Hi, Autumn, you look wonderful.” Damien greeted me with a smile and a kiss on the cheek.
“Thank you.”
“Whoever the guy is, he’s a lucky man.”
A hint of sadness hit me when he said that. Only, Carter didn’t think so, and now I’d pushed him away. I said nothing. I just put on a fake smile.
“My staff member will be here in fifteen minutes, so we can sit out back and run through everything.”
“Okay, sounds good.”
“Can I make you a coffee or a cup of tea or anything before we get started?”
“Ah, actually, I did something, and I hope you don’t mind.”
Puzzled, I looked at him quizzically.
“I took the liberty to order lunch for us both. I didn’t want you running around. You look to be in the latter stages of your pregnancy.”
“Thank you! That’s so sweet of you. I appreciate it.”
“Yes, trust me, I have two little rugrats, and I remember what it was like for my wife when she was pregnant.”
As we talked some more, I found Damien to be an interesting and down to earth guy.
“So, here’s what I propose. Take a look at it. I know you sent across the soft copy of the numbers. I appreciate that. I can have you in clear profit with my networks in the next three months. Guaranteed. I do ask to be a silent investor. And I feel it’s a reasonable return for what I’m offering.” Looking at what Damien was putting forward, I knew it was a great offer.
“I need to take a longer look at it. This does look great, though.”
Catering from a local catering business that Damien supported rang the bell at the front desk.
“Order for Damien Saunters.” A young girl delivered what looked to be sandwiches and pastries.
“Don’t get up. I’ve got it.”
Damien retrieved the order and brought it back. I’d never seen so many sandwiches and pastries in my life. My eyes grew huge. I had been eating up a storm lately, yet, somehow I hadn’t managed to gain too much weight during the pregnancy.
“Wow, what a feast!”
“My pleasure. You can distribute it with your staff or save it.”
We ate, and I picked his brain about some further plans I had for the shop, and he approved.
“I like your ideas. You have a real business brain. Before I go, I want to give you something.” Damien handed me a white envelope and said, “When you’re unsure about things, follow your heart.”
Astounded, I just stared at the envelope.
“Thank—thank you,” I stuttered. It was so odd. I’d heard that before.
Damien smiled and walked out the door. Frances had slipped in and was handling the front desk. I waved to her. I sat down on the reception area couch in my store. I paused
a beat before I opened it, flipping it over in my hands. Something told me that inside was an important note. I tore it open, and I found a handwritten letter from Carter.
It seems that every time I try with you, I end up hurting you in some way. That was never my intention. I’ve loved you from the very first day I met you. I was so scared of my feelings for you. I didn’t recognize them. After the first time we made love, I wanted to run back to you. I wanted to call. My pride wouldn’t let me. I’m sorry about that. Then I messed it up by lying to you. All I wanted to do was see you happy. I wanted to protect you and not have you stress out. But again, I messed it up. I’m sorry about that.
I have a master plan for the business, and I want to talk to you about it. I plan to extend the business and franchise. I want to step up to the plate and provide for our family. I want no secrets between us. I want to share my life and my heart with you. You have it already, whether you know it or not. I’m so in love with you. I had a dream when I first met you that you would be my wife and have my child. Now it seems as if all my dreams are coming true. Please find it in your heart to forgive me.
Tears splashed onto the letter. Just as I thought my heart couldn’t take any more tenderness, the bell over the door rang, and my bald-headed cutie stood in front of me with flowers. I let my heart open, and I sighed, letting go of any negative emotions I had about us.
“Hey, baby,” he said with a smile.
Our eyes searched one another’s, and all it did was reaffirm he was the one. No doubt in my mind. Not that I had taken the ring off, anyway.
“Hey, Carter,” I replied softly. I took the red roses he had for me and placed them on the couch. Carter faced me and grabbed both my hands.
“I never meant to hurt you, Autumn. I just meant to love you.”
Tears flowed freely from my face, and I let them. I didn’t try to wipe them away. The earnestness on Carter’s face let me know he meant what he said. “Please give us one more chance. I want to be with you forever. I want a family with you.”
“Carter, I love you, too. I want to be with you. Please never lie to me again. You don’t have to. We can work things out together.”
“I know, baby. I messed up. I know that now. Come here.”
Tenderly, he lifted a strand of my hair and tucked it behind my ear. He leaned in, curling me to him. I yearned for his touch. Carter kissed me with the same level of intensity as he did when we first met. We locked in a lip embrace that took us forever to come out of.
One thing’s for sure. There would never be a dull moment in our relationship ever.
Epilogue
Carter’s business was booming. He had never had so much business in his life. It was not just him and Magner anymore, either. He hired ten guys to work for him. Custom Made was now a million-dollar business. I was so proud of all the hard work he’d put in. That dream he nurtured long ago sprouted to be a huge tree. He had the second business now and was looking at locations for a third.
“Baby, you’ve been working hard for such a long time,” he said.
I stroked his bald head as he arrived with my morning eggs.
“Uh-huh.”
“If you want to sell the businesses and stay at home you can.”
I affectionately rolled my eyes at Carter. “Carter, you know that there’s no way in hell I’m doing that. Nor do I want to.”
Carter fed my eggs to me while I admired the California sunrise. “I know. I thought I would throw out some bait.”
He laughed, which made me break out into giggles. “Did you catch anything?”
“Not a thing!”
I stroked his two-day shadow—he looked good that way—and kissed his cheek. “You did, though. You caught me.”
“Good point. My biggest catch yet.” He smiled. I thumped him on the arm.
“And your last catch.” I held up the ring in jest.
“Ouch, honey! My only catch, babe. All the others were fish in the sea that I threw back.”
“That’s more like it.” We smooched and ate together, talking of the future.
True to Damien’s word, profits at the Vixen Room were up by fifty percent. The business backing venture between us had been fruitful in the last year and a half. Thinking about how well Damien’s help had turned out made me think back to when he and I had had our discussion in the Vixen Room. I flashed back to the latter stages of my pregnancy.
I tried to work from home some days, and it drove me crazy. To get out of the house and breathe in some fresh air, I would bring lunch to Carter at Custom Made. One day I came in and discovered some interesting news.
“Hey, Autumn. Look at you! You look like you’re about to pop.” Magner hugged me. I had a soft spot for Magner. He was a really good guy. “How are things for you? I’m glad you got a chance to connect with Damien, and it worked out.”
Confused, I looked at him with an eyebrow raised. “How do you know about that?”
“Uh, you didn’t know? Carter set that up through a friend of mine when you guys were on the rocks. He wanted to make sure you would be okay, in case it didn’t work out between you two, after all.” My stomach nearly fell out. Words failed me, so I just listened. “Damien was looking for a more niche industry, and he already had a few investments for bikes, so we missed out, but Carter thought he might be interested in your business.”
“Thank you, Magner. I really appreciate it.” I hugged him.
“Hey, we’re family now. That’s my guy, and he was miserable without you.”
I smiled brightly. “I was miserable, too. Trust me.”
Two months after I found out about Carter and Magner’s involvement with getting me a meeting with Damien, Isabella Bancroft Harrington came into our lives, full of life with a healthy set of lungs on her. Overwhelming tenderness poured from my heart as her tiny fingers curled around mine.
Carter kissed my forehead and said, “Wow, she’s so beautiful, just like her mother. We’re a real family now. I love you so much.”
Carter let tears fall from his eyes as our families came to visit and experience our joy.
“Look at all that hair already! She is a beauty! Hi, Isabella, welcome to the world,” Phoebe cooed.
Isabella took to Magner straight away as she latched her little finger pads around his thumb. “Oh, wow, she likes me,” he said, grinning. “Guess you’re stuck with me, kid. I’m your Uncle, so you’ll be seeing a lot of me.”
I settled into the rhythm of motherhood, and after about three months, I started working out to get into shape. I had a little baby pouch that I wanted to tackle. Every day, I power walked with Isabella in the stroller, introducing her to the world. I wanted her to know that she could be whatever she wanted to be when she grew up. Part of that meant keeping my businesses alive.
After arriving back from the gym one day, I said to Carter, “Maybe Isabella will want to take over my business from me as she gets older. I don’t want to introduce her to that world too early. What do you think?”
“Maybe she will, and maybe she won’t. But I know one thing—you’ll teach her plenty in life, including about owning yourself as a woman. I support you in that. You look amazing, baby. You’re doing so well.”
“I couldn’t do it without you. I’m starting to feel pretty good. I think it may be time to get a babysitter in the next six months, depending on how Isabella is doing.”
Our love story kept moving full steam ahead, and before long, I did get a babysitter so that I could go back to work a little more. Thankfully, I found a great babysitter right in my own bookstore.
“Frances, thank you so much for looking after Isabella. You do such a wonderful job with her.”
“I’m so glad you asked me. It makes sense since I’m studying childcare,” Frances replied as she bounced Isabella on her knee. Frances ended up being a godsend to our family.
“Am I still coming here two and a half days a week?”
“Yes, does that work for you? Plus, you can have your weeke
nd shift at The Vixen Room.”
“Yup. That works, Autumn.”
Even after I started back to work, I found that I never wanted to leave my little girl at home. I took little Isabella everywhere with me. Sometimes, I even brought her into the office in The Red Gorilla, where the staff members fought over who got to hold her and who she liked most.
Time passed, and Carter and I grew our businesses like never before. We spent as much time together as a family as we could, and now, here a year and a half after I thought Carter and I might just not make it, and after we had our child together and gave her an amazing start to life, we had a long-overdue conversation.
After flopping into bed from exhaustion from a long day, Carter asked, “Do you feel up to planning the wedding? I want to make it official and marry you.”
Hysterically, I laughed and threw my hands in the air. “Why not? We have plenty of time.”
Carter grasped my hand and whispered. “With you by my side, I feel like I can do anything. I’m here, and step by step, we’ll do it together.”
Everything was so different now from the early days of our relationship. I didn’t sit up worrying at night anymore. I even managed to fit in some rides with Carter on the weekends. I’d long been a lover of lavish things, jewelry, rings, shoes, and the usual girly things. Everything seemed to point to the fact that it was time for us to finally get married, and I was excited.
“Think we can afford a big wedding, Carter?”
“Hmm, what were you thinking?”
“The hotel ballroom in Berkeley. I think I’ve found the dress of my dreams, as well!” I was so looking forward to the magic of getting married.
“I think we’re both firing on all cylinders, so show me what you’re thinking, and we’ll do it.”
***
“This is the most magical day of my life, and you’re the best thing that ever happened to me.” I gushed. “I love you, Carter Harrington. We made it this far, and we’re going to make it all the way to the end.”
“No doubt about it.”
Carter and I were side by side, looking out over the ballroom floor at the three-hundred guests who were invited to celebrate our union. We cried, we danced, we laughed, and we cemented our bond. We didn’t immediately take a honeymoon. Both of our schedules were so hectic that we couldn’t, but not long after our wedding, it seemed like we might get a break, and I wanted a honeymoon.