by Ashley Blake
“That was incredible.”
“Jake, that was beyond incredible.” I reached out to hug him and give him a kiss. “Just think, a whole lifetime of this.”
“Damn straight a whole lifetime.” He lay there looking happy and content and I could tell he had something on his mind.
“What’s going on in that head of yours Jake?”
“Is there any way you can take Monday off? I’d like to take you somewhere tomorrow.”
“Um, yeah, that should be fine. I don’t think I have anything pressing because I just finished that huge brief. Where are we going?”
“It’s a surprise. We should get some sleep because we will probably have a long day tomorrow.”
“Okay, but I’m going to call my mom really fast. I have to tell her the good news. She’s going to be so happy.”
CHAPTER 6
The next morning I awoke wrapped in Jake’s arms, staring at my ring, so incredibly happy. Amy is going to flip when I tell her. I wish she was coming back to the States sooner. I would have to wait a few days before I would be able to tell her.
I lay there thinking about the events of the night before and had to pinch myself to make sure everything was real, that we were really going to be together. I also started thinking about all that I had to do. I had to plan a wedding and I had to start preparing for the New York bar exam which is something I was not looking forward to but would be worth it in the long run. Jake started to stir and he stretched and smiled at me as he woke up.
“Good morning soon to be Mrs. Hunter.”
“Good morning Mr. Hunter. What time are we leaving today?”
Jake glanced at the clock. “I have to call for the jet, but we’ll be leaving in a couple of hours.”
“The jet? Oh, I didn’t realize we were flying somewhere.”
“Is that a problem?” He raised his eyebrows and looked worried.
“No, not at all. I’m just curious about where we’re going. Can’t I get a little hint?”
“Nope, but you can get ready. I’ll make breakfast while you’re in the shower.”
I pouted as I hopped out of bed but I knew it was useless because Jake was not going to budge. I was all showered and dressed when I joined Jake in the kitchen and he also was already showered and dressed.
“How did you get ready so fast?”
“Men don’t need as much time as women. Not a lot of primping for us to do.”
We ate breakfast and then headed to the airport. The jet was waiting for us and once we boarded Jake told me the flight was going to be about 7 hours.
We talked about my moving to New York and where we were going to live. Jake asked me if I was going to work for his company and I still didn’t know.
“I don’t want you to think that you’re getting the job just because you’re going to be my wife. Your work record speaks for itself and I know how driven and dedicated you are. You are exactly the type of attorney we need. I really hope you seriously consider the offer Lauren.”
“I promise I will seriously consider the offer.” And I would. To work for Hunter International would be an incredible opportunity and would really get my name out there in the legal world. In a few years I could always open my own firm, and by then I would be an established lawyer in New York. Actually, this is a fantastic opportunity. What is there to think about? “Okay, I’ve thought about it and I would like to accept the job offer.”
“Lauren that is fantastic! You will not regret it. When we get back I will let Joshua know and we can discuss salary, benefits, etc.”
“Sounds good. All of this work talk has me exhausted, I’m going to go take a nap.”
“Okay, sweetheart. I will wake you when we are almost there.”
I went to one of the bedrooms to take a nap and sleep came instantly. Before I knew it, Jake was gently waking me.
“We’re almost here.”
I felt refreshed when I woke up. I had taken my dress off so it wouldn’t get wrinkled, and Jake handed it to me. I got dressed and fluffed my hair and freshened my makeup. I was picture perfect ready by the time we landed. When I saw the LAX sign I had a feeling I knew where we were going.
“I think I know where we’re going but I won’t ruin your surprise.”
“You might know, I’m sure some things will start to look familiar as we get closer.”
As the car made its way up the long familiar drive, I felt tears welling up in my eyes.
Jake looked alarmed. “What’s wrong?”
“It’s just that I love Bunny so much and I can’t believe I am going to see her after all of this time.”
“Mother will probably be even happier to see you.”
As the car pulled up to the gorgeous mansion, Bunny came running out of the house.
“There they are! Jake! It’s so good to see you!” Bunny gave Jake a quick hug and then she turned her attention to me. “Oh, Lauren dear. You look simply beautiful.” Bunny had tears in her eyes and we both held each other in a long hug.
“Bunny it is so wonderful to see you. I’ve missed you.”
“The feeling is mutual dear. I could not be happier that you and Jake are back together. You are back together aren’t you? I hope that’s why you’re here.”
Bunny looked worried for a second and Jake and I laughed to put her at ease. “Yes mother, we are back together. I found out that Ethan is the father of Vivienne’s child.”
“Oh thank goodness! That is such great news! The only downfall is she will be a part of this family in some capacity indefinitely now. Oh well, at least she does not have my son!”
Oh, it looks like Bunny doesn’t like Vivienne either.
“Let’s all go inside. I’m sure you both are hungry.”
We went inside and Bunny had the cook prepare dinner for us even though it was not yet 6:00. The butler put our things in the guest rooms and we all sat in the living room and chatted as we waited for dinner.
“There is one more piece of good news mother.” Jake held my hand as he told his mother about us. “I have asked Lauren to marry me and she said yes.”
“Oh!!! You have just made me so happy! I have been hoping for this for you two for 10 years and it’s finally happening!” Bunny wiped away tears and came over to kiss both of us. “Congratulations to both of you!”
“Lauren if you need anything, please do not hesitate to ask.”
“Thank you Bunny, that is very generous.”
As we all sat there, I thought about happy I was and how incredible it felt to know that after all this time I was going to be with the man I loved.