by Jan Hinds
Cooper took the bowl and bottles from her hands and placed them roughly on the counter. “Yes. I need you. Not as my personal assistant or as a maid. I need you here as my friend.” His voice was thick with emotion as he took her in his arms. “I know I take you for granted and I’m not good at showing what I feel. Yesterday when you left with Sawyer, I thought I was losing you. I felt like part of me was dying. Now after losing Dad, I feel like I’m on the verge of falling apart and the only thing that’s keeping me together is you. I need you close to me so I can touch you.”
His hands caressed her arms before tracing her sides and coming to rest on either side of her waist. His voice cracked with a rare display of emotion and he hugged her tighter. “I need you by my side to help me be strong.”
Paige held his face with her hands. “I could never leave you at a time like this, but I don’t want to intrude on your family.”
Cooper growled. “Ted Flannigan screwed up everything.” He stepped back and dipped his fingers into the coin pocket of his jeans. “I planned on doing this on Christmas Day. Since then, I couldn’t find the right moment.”
He pulled the diamond ring from his pocket. “Paige, I don’t want you to ever leave me. I don’t just want you to be a partner in my business. I want you to be my partner for all my life. I know I never say things right and I keep hurting you and that kills me. I wish I could get down on my knee to do this, but kneeling or standing, I want you by my side for the rest of my life. I love you, Paige Vaughn. Will you marry me?”
Paige stood with her mouth open, her gaze ping ponging between the ring and Cooper’s eyes.
Cooper hung his head. “Is that a no?”
She broke from her stupor. “No.”
“No?”
“I mean no, it isn’t a no. Yes, I’ll marry you. I love you, Cooper.” She launched into his arms.
He kissed her, pausing only long enough to slip the ring on her finger before he smothered her with kisses.
The door from the dining room burst open and Cooper’s family poured through it. “It’s about time,” Grace said.
Sylvia’s eyes glistened with tears of joy. “Oh, I’m so happy for you. I wish Matt could have known this.”
Cooper held Paige close to his side. “Right before surgery, he told me he knew the other engagement wasn’t real. I told him I was going to propose. He told me not to wait for a perfect moment. He said whenever I proposed it would make it the perfect moment. He was so happy he cried. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him cry before.”
Sylvia wrapped her arms around Paige. “I couldn’t be more thrilled. It is such a comfort to know Matt’s last thoughts were filled with happiness.”
Chloe asked, “Does this mean Paige is Uncle Cooper’s mommy?”
“Don’t be silly. It means Paige is our aunt. Right Aunt Paige?” Libby said.
“Absolutely,” answered Paige.
Cooper kissed her lips and added, “If I have any say in the matter she’ll be a mommy within the year.”
Chapter Twenty-one
They closed the office until after the funeral. Of course they had to tell Paige’s family about Cooper’s proposal, which confused Evie who was the only one who didn’t know the first engagement was fake.
Matthew Jennings’ obituary listed Paige as Cooper’s wife, even though they had yet to tie the knot, and the gossip machines in Fort Wayne, Indiana and Creston, Ohio went into full tilt.
Cooper and Paige went back to the office the day before the visitation to wrap up loose ends. She’d forgotten their phone chargers, so the first thing she did was plug in both phones to check for messages.
Cooper’s mailbox was full of messages from friends and relatives offering both their congratulations on his marriage and condolences for the loss of his father. Seven messages were from Whitley Barrow.
The temptation to delete all Whitley’s messages overwhelmed Paige. She walked to the doorway connecting their offices and stood watching Cooper as he stared out the window at the snowy backyard.
His eyes slowly turned to her. “Paige? Honey, is something wrong?”
“I—I need to tell you something,” she said as she crossed the distance between them and sat on his lap. She kissed him with fervor.
When their lips parted, he said, “Please tell me what I did to deserve that so I can do it again.”
“I forgive you for deleting Ted’s message,” she said. “I understand how you felt. I just had the urge to delete all of Whitley’s messages without letting you read them.”
Cooper’s mouth ticked up in a grin. “By all means delete them so I can forgive you, too.”
She hugged him. “I’ve got a lot of calls to make, and messages to check so we may have to save forgiving each other for later.”
He drew her close and tucked her head under his chin. “I’m holding you to that,” he said, before letting her go.
When she returned to her office, she cleared Cooper’s calendar, rescheduling two weeks out to give him enough time to grieve. At least she hoped it was enough time.
Her phone chirped an incoming text from Angie Robeson after she finished postponing the last appointment.
Paige opened up her phone and saw she had fifteen messages and twelve missed calls. She checked Angie’s messages first.
Text 1 from Angie: How did your meeting go with Sawyer Pierce? I hope you remembered to put in a good word for me (SIGH). How are you weathering the blizzard? LOL. I’m shoveling snow to make up for missing our trips to the gym.
Paige knew she wouldn’t have heard about Cooper’s father, since Angie’s father refused to permit television in their home.
Text 2 from Angie: I’m starting to worry that I haven’t heard from you. Do I need to call the police and hospitals? You know I don’t have those kinds of minutes on my phone. Did Ted abduct you? Yeah, right. If he did, you wouldn’t be able to text or if you did how would I know it was you. I know. Start your text with my favorite swear word so I know it’s you.
Text reply to Angie: Petunias. Cooper’s father had a heart attack and died. We have been staying with his family. You probably haven’t seen the obituary, so I have news for you. Cooper and I are engaged, officially, though the paper lists it like we are already married. Let’s get together after the funeral and I’ll fill you in on everything.
Paige didn’t expect a response. Angie never called because she was scared to death her father would find her phone and destroy it. He made Evie Vaughn look like parent of the year.
Next Paige skimmed over the texts and missed calls, listening to phone messages on the speaker.
Missed call 1 from Sawyer Pierce: Paige, I had a great time with you. I’m sorry that I offended you. My spa manager told me I was being a jerk. I would like to open the Fit Spa to you free of charge and I’d very much like to spend more time getting to know you better.
Missed call 2 from Sawyer: I just heard about Matt Jennings. Please extend my condolences to Cooper and his family. Also saw in the paper you and Cooper are married? Congratulations? Cooper is a lucky man. I have to admit I’m disappointed. I wish you every happiness.
Paige wondered how Sawyer would feel about both she and Angie working out together at his Fit Spa. She knew Angie would never go alone. If he paid Angie to be the spokeswoman, it might help her pay her way through vet school. A smile ghosted over Paige’s lips at the thought of being able to help her friend realize her dream.
Cooper stood in the doorway with an angry scowl on his face. “I don’t like him calling you.” He started to turn away.
“Stop right there. Sit down! We are done with secrets. I want you to know the thought that made me smile. You can listen in on my return call. Just don’t make a sound.”
Cooper raised his eyebrows and did as she commanded him.
Sawyer picked up on the second ring. “Paige, I’m glad you called back. I’m so sorry about Cooper’s father. How are Cooper and his family doing?”
“They’re doing as well a
s can be expected. I wanted to let you know Cooper and I aren’t married yet, but we are engaged.” Her gaze wandered to Cooper’s handsome face, softening the tension in her shoulders. “Also, we’ll have to move our next meeting with you back about two weeks or more.”
“Whatever you need to do. I liked Matt Jennings. He was more of a father to me than my old man ever was. One of the reasons I came to Cooper was to have his dad build the Fit Spa for me.”
“I’m sure the company will survive and still be able to do the build for you.” She raised her eyebrows to Cooper, who nodded his agreement.
“Please extend my condolences to Cooper and his family. Coop and I used to be close. I know the problems between us are my own fault and I do want to rebuild our friendship.”
She raised an eyebrow to Cooper and said, “I’m sure he’ll be happy to let the past be water under the bridge.”
Cooper folded his arms and frowned at her.
“Paige, let me apologize again for being so insensitive. I do want to make the Fit Spa open to you with no strings attached.”
“Actually, Sawyer, I have a few strings I’d like to add to your offer. My friend, Angie Robeson, may be interested in being a spokeswoman for you. She and I have been workout and weight loss buddies for over three years. Would it be possible for us to use the Fit Spa together and if she decides to participate in your advertising, would you be willing to pay her enough for her to go to veterinary school?”
After a short pause, Sawyer said, “How about I let you both use the services and see if either or both of you want to participate in marketing? I can’t promise a college education through the Fit Spa because the accountants and business manager hold the purse strings. I can promise I’ll do what I can for your friend.”
“Sounds good. I’ll be in touch.” Paige closed out the call and looked into Cooper’s delicious chocolate eyes.
He had the common decency to look embarrassed. “So the smile was for the opportunity for Angie?”
She nodded her head. “Just so we’re clear. I haven’t been unfaithful to you in thought, word, or deed. I never kissed either Ted or Sawyer since I moved in here. I love you and will always be faithful to you. Only you. You have nothing to be jealous of.”
Cooper walked around the desk and lifted her hand to his lips. “I do trust you. I can’t promise I won’t be a jerk to Pierce, but I’ll try to be a civil human being and I’ll try to not let our history direct my attitude.”
She nodded her head. “That’s all I ask.” She tapped her phone.
“So I’m thinking I need to be forgiven again,” he said as he pulled her into his arms.
The next missed call played and stopped their kiss before it started.
Missed call from Ted: What’s the deal Paige? You break up with me in a text, and you secretly marry a guy you hardly know? I can’t believe you married someone else. I thought you were the one. What kind of woman dates a guy when she’s already married to someone else? It’s like you’re a stranger to me. What happened to the girl I love?
Chapter Twenty-two
Throughout the visitation for his father, Cooper felt a calm strength with Paige at his side. They stayed near Sylvia while Grace and Evan floated through the room, talking to old friends and people who needed to linger and reminisce.
Cooper’s gaze wandered to his father’s casket, and he found himself blinking back tears.
Paige weaved her fingers with his and squeezed his hand. “You okay?”
“Just wishing this was all a bad dream I could wake up from and laugh about with my dad.” He let go of her hand and pulled her into his arms. “Have I thanked you yet for being here for me?” He let go of her as Tina and Zach approached them to pay their respects.
Tina hugged Paige and then Cooper. “I’m sorry about your dad, Cooper.” She shook her head. “I’m glad you finally proposed, though I’m a little miffed I had to hear about it in the newspaper.”
Evie Vaughn overheard her and muttered, “Join the club.”
Cooper shook his head. “We hope to marry soon. Paige has been a rock for all of us through this. I don’t know how anyone in my family could have managed without her.” Cooper put his arm around Paige’s shoulder and hugged her.
An excited murmur rippled through the mourners as Sawyer Pierce joined the queue to pay his respects.
Cooper’s shoulders and back tensed.
Paige squeezed his hand. “Remember your promise.”
Cooper sighed. “I’ll be civil,” he said and forced a smile.
Paige patted his back. “Maybe pass on that smile. It’s a little scary.”
Cooper’s features softened. He kissed Paige’s temple. “How about you do the talking and I’ll remain politely silent.”
Sawyer Pierce drew people to cluster around him like a magnet draws iron shavings. His bodyguard, Marcus Shore, who had shadowed Paige for a few weeks, looked more like a linebacker, as he tried his best to keep people at arm’s length.
“At least with him here, we don’t need to worry about anyone gossiping about us tonight,” Cooper muttered.
Paige glanced at the cluster of people hovering around Sawyer and hitched her shoulder in an indifferent shrug. Her face lit up as she hugged a young pregnant woman who looked to be close to Paige’s age. “Melissa, it’s so good to see you. I can’t believe you came all this way. You look fantastic.”
“Paige, you look fantastic. You have to tell me your secret for losing all that weight,” Melissa said. She patted her own baby bulge. “I’m going to need a good fitness plan once this baby pops out. Bob is watching our daughter so I could come pay my respects and meet your new husband.”
Paige took Cooper’s hand. “Melissa Osterman, I’d like you to meet Cooper Jennings, my fiancé. We aren’t married yet.”
A tear slipped from Melissa’s eye. “I’m sorry for your loss, but I’m so happy for you that you have Paige. She is the best person. She deserves all the love in the world.”
Her rapid fire comments and bubbling enthusiasm touched Cooper. “Thank you and I agree.”
Melissa turned back to Paige. “This will show Walter Crawford that you didn’t crawl back and beg him to marry you like he predicted.” Her eyes skimmed Cooper from head to toe. “Yes, ma’am, you have to rub it in old Walter’s face.”
Paige looked up and gasped. “Shh. I can’t believe it. Walter and his mother are in line behind Sawyer Pierce,” Paige whispered.
Melissa shrugged. “I can’t believe he still lives with his mom. Bob said he saw Walter at the hardware store last weekend bragging that he was going to marry you. The guy is delusional.” She took a deep breath and sighed. “Listen, I hate to leave so soon, but I have to get home and it’s quite a drive. Bob said to tell you he’s sorry about your father-in-law.”
Paige hugged her friend. “Thank you for coming. You one-upped me in the friendship game once again.”
“Ha. I could spend the rest of my life trying to catch up to you and I’d still be behind. Cooper, I’m glad to meet you. I’m sorry it was under such sad circumstances. We should all get together when you guys come to Ohio.”
“We will,” Cooper promised.
After Melissa left, Cooper whispered in Paige’s ear. “Just who is Walter Crawford?”
Paige waited as another couple expressed their condolences to Cooper. When they passed and the next person in line lingered to talk with Sylvia, Cooper pulled Paige off to an empty corner. He glanced at the average looking man with slightly above average weight, who looked puny standing behind Sawyer Pierce and Marcus Shore. “Who is he?”
She wrinkled her nose. “He’s worked for my dad since high school. He and his mother Claudia both do. Dad gave Claudia a job after her husband left them when Walter was in fifth grade. He hired Walter as soon as he was old enough to get a work permit. When he was a senior and didn’t have a date to the prom, Dad suggested Walter ask me to go with him. I was only fifteen at the time and not even allowed to date yet, bu
t Dad said since Brent and Dan would be there, he made an exception.”
Every muscle in Cooper’s body grew taut. “That’s the guy who attacked you at your prom?”
“I never said that he attacked me,” she said with her eyes focused on the carpet.
“You didn’t have to.” He tipped her chin up until she looked into his eyes. “I can’t believe Cavanaugh let the guy get away with it.”
“He didn’t see anything happen. I stopped Walter and got away before he could actually do anything. Besides, you have no idea how brutal gossips are in a small town. I wanted to pretend it hadn’t happened. Dan insisted I stay with him at the dance and kept Walter away from me the rest of that year and the summer before he left for college. Ever since then, I’ve avoided Walter as much as possible. I can’t believe he’s here with his mom.”
A flash of red caught Cooper’s eye and he moaned. “And the hits keep coming.” Whitley Barrow stood near the door flirting with a tall, lean man who had his back to Cooper and Paige.
Cooper touched his hand to the small of Paige’s back. “I’m sure she won’t make a scene here.”
Paige’s face drained of color. “I hope not. Who’s the guy she’s talking to? Something about him seems familiar.”
After Sawyer expressed his condolences to Sylvia, he hugged Paige briefly before extending his hand to Cooper. “I’m really sorry for your loss. Your dad was the best. I never would have had the success I enjoy without his influence. I’m sorry I haven’t been a better friend to you.”
Cooper nodded and shook Sawyer’s hand. “Thanks.” He knew it wasn’t much, but Paige tightened her arm around him indicating her approval.
Paige kept her arm around Cooper’s waist. “Thank you, Sawyer. It was kind of you to come tonight.”
Sawyer stuffed his hands in the pockets of his suit jacket. “Congratulations on the engagement. I wish you both every happiness.”