On the Ropes (Windy City Nights)

by Dania Voss

  “Kyle, it’s Luke Stryker. I need your help.”

  “Hey, Luke. If I can help, I will. What do you need?”

  “First, do you have a room on Monday September fourth for my wedding rehearsal dinner? The names are Lucas Morrison and Leann Reynolds. And second, my bride needs a Bellatoni wedding gown. The wedding date is Wednesday September sixth.”

  Abbey widened her eyes in surprise. How did Luke know she’d dreamed of wearing a Bellatoni at her wedding? Abbey heard Kyle Asher clicking away on a keyboard.

  “I might have accidentally found your wedding folder back in the day, princess. You had magazine pictures of Bellatoni wedding gowns. I vowed to myself that day that you’d wear the Bellatoni gown of your dreams at our wedding.”

  Abbey hugged Luke so hard her arms ached. How could this man, her man be so sweet? So accommodating, so considerate?

  “All right, I moved a couple things around. I have a room you can use. It can hold up to forty people. I can squeeze in a few more if you need them. For the gown, I’ll give Heather Bellatoni a call. I don’t think getting a nice selection of gowns for your bride to choose from will be a problem. Don’t forget the bridesmaids. Text me everyone’s measurements and an idea of what the bride is looking for in the next couple of days and I’ll pass that along to Heather. I’m assuming we’re talking about that beautiful blonde I saw you with on Facebook yesterday?

  Luke kissed Abbey softly, his warm lips heating her blood. “Yes, that would be my princess. I’ll call you in a few days to work out the details for our rehearsal dinner. I’ll text you measurements and preferences as soon as I can. Thanks, Kyle. We appreciate it.”

  “You’re welcome, and congratulations.”

  Darren texted furiously and then looked up. “Hannah Hailey’s available and on board for us. I’ve texted her the details we have so far.”

  “Great. Thanks, Dad. See? This is all coming together. You don’t have to worry, princess.”

  Abbey felt hot tears slide down her cheeks. Her heart was full. She was overwhelmed. Luke gathered her in his arms and drew her onto his lap. His body heat and strong loving arms wrapped around her made her feel loved, cherished, and protected. Everyone around them chatted happily about their upcoming wedding and continued eating.

  Luke kissed her tenderly, just a soft brush of his lips. It was still enough for her body to respond. She couldn’t wait until they were alone again. Baby making or not.

  “It’s all going to be all right. I know it seems overwhelming, but with Hannah’s help and the rest of the family, it’s all going to come together just the way we want it. I’m going to splurge and spoil you, just so you know. And unlike Jake, you will not give me any shit about it, right? You’re going to let me loose without an argument?” He arched a brow, waiting for her reply.

  Abbey rested her head on Luke’s shoulder, revelling in the feel of him wrapped around her. She was right where she’d always wanted to be. Although there was still so much to do and the future was uncertain, she knew with Luke and everyone else in the room, they’d make it through.

  “No arguments from me, Luke. Consider yourself let loose.”

  Epilogue

  The next day, Monday—1:00 PM at Chicago Cobras HQ

  Abbey stood in the lobby of the Chicago Cobras’ headquarters, holding on to Luke’s hand for dear life. Although the press turnout from television, print, and the Internet was a much more organized and civilized affair than the onslaught at the Fairchild Hotel the previous afternoon, her stomach still fluttered and her heart raced. Will I ever get used to this?

  Brenna Sinclair stood at the podium, poised and graceful. A star who had just admitted to lying about her relationship to Luke for the last three years and lying about her sexual orientation. The press ate the news up, but to Abbey, they didn’t seem all that shaken up or scandalized. For that, she was grateful.

  “So in conclusion, I’d like apologize from the bottom of my heart to my fans for not being truthful with you and with myself. I’ve always tried my best to be a good role model and in this instance, I’ve failed. I’ll work hard to regain your trust and I assure you I will not betray your trust again.”

  Brenna turned to her and Luke and gestured for them to join her at the podium. “I’d also like to publically apologize to Luke and Abbey for the stress and embarrassment I’ve caused. Yesterday’s fiasco at the Fairchild Hotel just proves that sometimes I really need a script.” Many in the audience laughed.

  “Luke, I can’t apologize enough. You’ve been an incredible friend and I didn’t treat you like I should have. Our friendship means the world to me and you have my word moving forward I’ll do my best to be as good of a friend to you as you’ve been to me. I hope you can forgive me.”

  Brenna and Luke hugged while the press’s cameras went into overdrive. It was Abbey’s turn next. She hoped she didn’t embarrass herself. She took a couple deep breaths to steady herself.

  “Abbey, I hope that after all of this, you and I can find a way forward as friends. From what I’ve gotten to know about you so far, Luke is a lucky man. Congratulations on your engagement. I hope you can find it in your heart to invite me to the wedding. I would be honored to be there to support the both of you when you become man and wife.”

  Brenna opened her arms and Abbey hugged her tight, shaking. “You’re doing fine, Abbey,” Brenna whispered.

  When Abbey and Brenna ended their hug, they were barraged with questions about their upcoming wedding. Abbey had memorized everything Luke had told her they would tell the press. Most of it lies to maintain their privacy.

  Luke smiled his million-dollar dimpled smile as camera flashes nearly blinded them. He held out her left hand so pictures could be taken of Abbey’s engagement ring. “Only the best for my, princess. Flawless and colorless, everyone. Flawless just like my girl.” Luke kissed her as the cameras continued to click.

  “We’re thinking a destination wedding, next spring,” Abbey announced. “Somewhere tropical, most likely.” She hoped she didn’t sound nervous.

  “My fiancée and I want to enjoy our engagement a little while before we get busy making wedding plans,” Luke added and waggled his eyebrows. The press laughed, shaking their heads. Abbey’s cheeks heated.

  “In all seriousness though, I want to bring my uncle Darren Stryker, or rather my second dad and owner of the Chicago Cobras organization, including Stryker Field, up to the podium so we can get on with the important Cobras business we called this press conference to discuss.”

  Luke and Abbey moved aside as Darren stepped up to the podium’s microphone. “Thank you, son,” Darren began. “As you all know, the Chicago Cobras organization was started by my father Bradford in 1927. His love of baseball and the city of Chicago, as far as he was concerned, went hand in hand. He passed the love of the sport down to me and my late brother James who was an Army veteran and a member of the All Army Sports Program for softball.”

  Luke squeezed Abbey’s hand. It had been twenty years since Luke’s folks had passed away, but talking about them still wasn’t easy for him.

  “When my brother James and sister-in-law Marianne were taken from us twenty years ago, it was my honor to assume guardianship of their only child and my ten-year-old nephew Luke. I can honestly say I do not consider Luke my nephew, but my son. It has been a privilege to watch Luke grow from a devastated little boy to the amazing young man he is now. My boy has taken his love of the game and helped bring Chicago four World Series Championships in the last ten years and has won three Cy Young awards. In addition to that, he’s earned his degree in Business Management and his MBA, in preparation of continuing the Stryker legacy and inheriting the Cobras organization as I did.”

  Luke put his arm around Abbey’s waist for support. This was it. The paperwork had already been signed and executed. This announcement was a public courtesy.

  “Effective immediately, the Stryker legacy has been passed on to Luke. The ownership of the Cobras organization,
including Stryker Field and the children’s foundation, as well as Stryker Real Estate Holdings, has been transferred to Luke. I have full faith and confidence in Luke’s ability to lead the organization moving forward. Luke’s number, twelve, will be retired.”

  The press hurled question after question at Darren. They waited patiently for the commotion to die down. “Are you all right, Luke?” Abbey asked.

  “I’m fine. It’s a relief in an odd kind of way.” Luke kissed her and they waited for Darren to continue the press conference.

  ****

  Later in the day Monday—6:00 PM at Office Supply Galaxy HQ

  Luke followed closely behind Abbey as they were let into the Office Supply Galaxy headquarters lobby. He carried the box she’d put her personal belongings in. He fumed over how OSG was treating his princess. Like she was a criminal. She’d worked her fucking ass off for ten long years and deserved better than this. It doesn’t matter, she’ll be working for the Cobras from now on.

  Luke wanted to get this ordeal over with so he and Abbey could join the rest of their family and spend time with Darren before his surgery the following morning. Darren had insisted they all carry on with their plans and let his surgeons and doctors take care of his him. The rest of the week would be busy with truck shopping for Rocco, wedding plans, and Darren’s immediate recovery from surgery.

  OSG’s HR rep, a dark-haired woman Luke guessed to be in her late twenties, wearing a black pencil skirt and white blouse, widened her eyes in surprise when she recognized him. The fit middle-aged black security guard grinned and extended his hand.

  “It’s an honor to meet you, Mr. Stryker. I’m so sorry to hear about your uncle’s condition. I’ll be praying over his surgery tomorrow,” the security guard, Calvin Hudson, according to his name badge, said after shaking Luke’s hand.

  Luke’s stomach knotted. He was anxious for Darren’s surgery to be over so his recovery could begin. He was grateful for all the well wishes and prayers. They’d come pouring in since the press conference ended earlier that afternoon. He and Darren heard from the mayor of Chicago, the governor of Illinois, as well as the entire Cobras’ organization, many other MLB and MILB teams, and most of the sports channels. Even Brenna Sinclair had changed her schedule so she could join everyone at the hospital in the morning.

  “Thank you, we’ll take all the prayers we can get,” Luke replied.

  “Oh, congratulations on your engagement,” the HR rep exclaimed. “Do you mind if I see your ring? It looked pretty on TV but…”

  “Of course, Pam.” Abbey proudly extended her left hand and showed off her ring. Pam gazed at it in awe and Calvin nodded his head and whistled.

  “Very nice Mr. Stryker. You know, I played ball back in the day. Earned myself a full scholarship to Northwestern. I was good too. Not quite good enough to go pro, but I earned myself a degree in finance and accounting. With honors. My boys got the numbers bug too, they’re both in college earning their degrees.”

  “Yes, that’s right,” Pam added. “Calvin’s working here several nights a week to help with those high college costs. You’re a great dad, Calvin. I hope your sons appreciate you. I didn’t get any support from my parents. Barely any encouragement at all. But I did what I had to and didn’t incur too much debt since OSG’s tuition reimbursement program paid for my last several semesters.”

  Luke knew Abbey’s entire college education, including her MBA, had been paid for by OSG’s tuition reimbursement program. Calvin and Pam weren’t the asshole corporate heads that treated Abbey like shit. They were just dedicated employees like Abbey had been. Working hard, doing their best. The Cobras organization had a similar policy, if not even more generous. They encouraged their employees to seek higher education.

  Abbey looked at him, a gleam in her eyes. “When you went over the organization particulars with Darren, weren’t there openings in accounting and HR?”

  Shrewd, princess. Abbey was right, there were. The Cobras organization was rated one of the best places to work in Chicago every year. They had an abundance of applicants for every open position, even custodial and Stryker Field maintenance jobs. They paid well, offered outstanding benefits, and expected the very best from their employees. And they got it.

  “Abbey’s right. If you’re interested, email Abbey your résumés.” From the excited looks on Pam and Calvin’s faces, Luke had no doubt they’d email Abbey.

  “Oh my God, thank you,” Pam cried. “That would be amazing!”

  “Thank you, Mr. Stryker!” Calvin enthusiastically shook Luke’s hand, smiling from ear to ear.

  The three of them rode the elevator to the fifth floor where Abbey’s cubicle was located, as well as the support desk analysts. Pam and Calvin eagerly saved Abbey’s email address on their cell phones. Luke hoped that asshole Tom Murphy wasn’t lurking around and waiting on Abbey’s arrival.

  Luke followed as Abbey made her way through the cubicle rat maze until they reached her space. He much preferred the Cobras’ open concept to OSG’s cubicle wall prison. He’d expected better from the office supply giant. OSG created modern, ergonomic office space for large companies but kept their own employees housed like rats. Luke was grateful that after tonight, Abbey wouldn’t ever have to come back.

  Calvin and Pam stood back along a hallway several yards away. “We don’t need to hover and watch your every move, Ms. Jayne. Take your time packing up. It’s company policy that we have to be present.” Calvin frowned and shook his head.

  Abbey’s cubicle had been stripped of her company laptop. Luke placed Abbey’s box on the cheap desktop surface while she went through her files, deciding what to take.

  Luke smiled when he saw a couple of framed pictures on her desk. One was from Christmas and featured a large group shot of the Jayne family happily smiling in front of a brightly decorated tree. The other was of Abbey’s graduation from graduate school.

  Abbey stood in her cap and gown with her good friend and third bridesmaid, Karla Collins. Six months ago, Karla had opened her own coffee shop, Karla’s Koffee Klatch and from what Abbey had told him, served coffee so delicious, it was nearly a religion.

  Abbey had just finished putting all of her things into her box when that asshole Tom Murphy skulked into her cubicle. Oh, hell no.

  Luke walked right up to Tom, stopping inches away from the dickhead’s face and clenched his hands. “What the fuck do you want?”

  “Is everything all right, Ms. Jayne? Mr. Stryker?” Calvin called out.

  “Yes, everything’s fine. I’m just finishing up, thank you,” Abbey replied, glaring at Luke.

  Tom held his hands up and stepped back. “I know you’re pissed. I just want to apologize, all right? Abbey, your hard work hasn’t gone unnoticed. The CIO was really pissed that Tim let you go. I wouldn’t be surprised if they ask you to come back.”

  That wasn’t going to happen. No way in hell. “Abbey works for me or rather with me now, so OSG can go fuck themselves.” Luke nodded and crossed his arms in front of his chest.

  Abbey nudged him with her elbow. “Stop being such a caveman for a minute, will you?”

  Tom frowned and shook his head. “Looks like the rumors are true, Abbey. Walmart’s looking to acquire us. With OSG’s extensive retail footprint, the lucrative business accounts, and government contracts—they see a lucrative opportunity.”

  Luke had no idea OSG had been in play. He supposed from Walmart’s perspective an acquisition made sense.

  Abbey nodded. “So that means this layoff is most likely just the first with more to follow. Update your résumé and email it to me, okay?”

  What? What was Abbey doing? She expected him to hire this jerk? Luke had news for his princess. Luke scoffed.

  “Stop it, Luke. We’d be lucky to have Tom. You need to trust me on this one. He and I make a pretty good team, professionally, that is. So put your personal issues aside and do what’s best for the organization.” Abbey went on her tiptoes and kissed him lightly on the l
ips, smiling sweetly up at him.

  Damn it. Luke didn’t want to disappoint her, but Tom? Really? Luke trusted her. Completely. He grunted and shrugged. Fine, he’d consider Tom Murphy for his princess.

  Tom had the decency to look surprised and grateful at least. “You won’t regret it. I promise. I know my reputation isn’t the greatest when it comes to women. That’s why I was trying to so hard to win you over. I’m looking to settle down. Looking for more stability. A family too. I thought since you and I worked together so well professionally, maybe we’d work personally too.”

  Luke growled and Abbey elbowed him again. Abbey was his and no one else’s. Ever.

  “That’s flattering, but I never had romantic feelings for you, Tom. I’m with the only man I’ve ever loved. The right man for me.” Abbey affectionately shoved at Luke and he immediately wrapped his arms around her.

  That’s right, Tommy boy. She’s mine.

  ****

  September 6th—Wedding Day

  Abbey stood in the en suite bathroom of the Fairchild Hotel’s honeymoon suite. It was her and Luke’s turn to stay here. She read the results of the pregnancy test Luke insisted she take and tossed it in the garbage.

  “Abbey, come on, it’s time to get dressed,” Cassie called out from the bedroom. There was no time to react to the test results. She needed to get moving.

  Dressed in her white silk and lace wedding lingerie, made especially for her by the Bellatonis, Abbey walked into the bedroom.

  She proceeded through the bedroom to the large living room area everyone was getting ready in. They’d gotten the band back together. Angel, Vanessa, Madison, and Roxanna were busy putting the finishing touches on Cassie’s, Leah’s, and Karla’s hair and makeup.

  “Have you ladies decided what you’re going to do with the diamonds in your pretty hair combs?” Luke had replaced the crystals in the bridesmaid’s hair combs with genuine diamonds and had offered to reset the stones into jewelry for them. Their custom Bellatoni wine-colored strapless dresses had a beautifully sequenced lace bodice, similar to Abbey’s gown.