Happily Ever Now (Boundless Love Book 2)

by Iris Deorre

  Alice pulled off her coat, stepped over to the front desk and looked at the diary.

  ‘Looks like we have another busy day.’

  ‘Yes, I’m glad, it keeps my mind occupied.’ She thought about the night before.

  ‘Let’s see the ring then.’ Alice couldn’t resist.

  Sahara held out her hand, a wet leaf stuck to the base of it.

  ‘Isn’t it gorgeous?’

  ‘I know, I don’t know what to make of all this. I feel as if I’m in a bubble. I’ve gone from one extreme to another.’

  Alice eyed her for a moment. ‘Something’s bothering you, isn’t it?’

  Sahara sucked in a deep breath. ‘A little.’

  ‘Whatever it is, I’m here if you want to talk about it.’

  Sahara wanted to talk about it. She’d wanted to talk about it to her best-friend, but she knew that Emily would think she was worrying over nothing.

  ‘It’s the money.’ She began as she snipped off the stem of a rose.

  ‘What money?’ Alice tied the apron around her and started to work.

  ‘The man is loaded. I mean, I’m not talking rich, I mean mega rich!’

  ‘And this is a problem how?’

  ‘I don’t want to be taken care of. I want to take care of myself.’

  ‘And you are, no one can take that away from you.’

  ‘But I feel like it has been taken away from me. Yesterday he handed me a black bank card, with a crazy amount on it.’

  ‘Well, I think that’s wonderful.’

  Alice was a positive woman, when she fought cancer, she found solace in Buddhism and has always been a woman of calm.

  ‘How so, he practically forced me to take it, even though I didn’t want it.’

  Alice smiled. She took time to smell the lily in her hand, and then looked up at Sahara.

  ‘You and I both know no one can force you to do anything.’

  ‘I know, but I just feel like it was forced upon me.’

  ‘You feel that way because you believe that. You’ve spent a great deal of your life fighting a disease. You felt as though you had to control everything, when in reality we control nothing.’ She started to make the arrangement.

  Alice had a calm and peaceful spirit that always managed to calm Sahara.

  ‘I know that, but sometimes I think that by allowing someone into my life, I’m scared I’m going to loose myself.’

  ‘It’s not possible. Nothing and no one can define you, it doesn’t matter what another person does or doesn’t do. Who you are never changes.’

  Sahara knew she was right. She’d been through a lot to know that things outside herself were out of her control.

  ‘That money is a good thing. It’s in your life, you will put it to good use I’m sure. I guess it’s what you do with it, rather than the money itself. Money isn’t alive, it doesn’t mean anything, only people give it meaning. You’ve given it meaning by thinking that somehow he’ll control you. Instead, why not think of it as a gift, as something that has come into your life to do some good. Enjoy it!’

  Sahara stopped what she was doing and stepped over to where Alice stood.

  ‘Thank you for reminding me of what’s important.’ She took her into a big hug.

  ‘You are welcome, you would’ve done the same.’

  Sahara stepped back to the arrangement of flowers feeling more in control. She understood that the only reason she’d felt out of control was because she thought it. Alice was right. What she did with the money was totally under her control.

  ‘Have you set a date yet?’

  ‘Not yet, but when we do, you’ll be the first to know. I think it will be very soon. We definitely don’t want to wait. There isn’t any point.’

  ‘I agree. Life’s too short to make a long process of things. Each to their own.’

  ‘I agree. Now, let’s see if we can get these orders out.’

  They worked in comfortable silence like they always did. Alice was a great work partner, and her presence always calmed Sahara. Hiring her had been the best decision Sahara had made!

  ****

  ‘Morning boss.’ Casey walked into Eugene’s office that was situated in the city centre of Leeds.

  It was only one of his offices, but he’d chosen to work there as it was the closest place to him. It had shocked the workforce. Eugene wasn’t one to be around the office much, he was always flying in and out of the country to strike deals. But ever since he’d met Sahara, he’d taken a step back on that. That was what his managers were there for. It was time for him to delegate a bit more.

  ‘It’s good to see you in the office,’ she said.

  ‘Well, we both know why that is.’

  ‘Yes, and congratulations again! Sahara has really changed you.’

  ‘You can say that. I feel so alive. For the first time in my life I feel as though I’m doing the right thing.’

  ‘Wow, I’m impressed.’

  ‘Didn’t you feel that way when you met your husband?’

  ‘Certainly, but you and I aren’t alike. You were always the ladies man.’

  ‘That was because I hadn’t met Sahara. She had this magic that drew me to her. I can’t explain it.’

  ‘I guess that’s what they call soul mates, if you believe any of that.’

  ‘Maybe I do, who knows. All I know is that she’s definitely the one. I can’t stop thinking about her, which is unlike me.’

  She studied him a moment. It was the oddest thing. All the time she’d worked for him, he’d never been crazy about a woman, the way he was crazy about Sahara.

  ‘Anyway, let’s get to work.’

  ‘Yes, before that, I’d like to bring something to your attention.’

  He nodded.

  ‘It’s your cousin, Logan.’

  ‘What about her?’

  ‘Well I think she has a bit of a drinking problem.’

  ‘That’s an understatement.’

  ‘So you know about it?’

  ‘I try not to know about it, but I know I can’t ignore it forever. She’s the closest I have to family, and I love her so much. Acknowledging the drinking makes me feel a bit powerless.

  ‘Well, one of your staff members found her passed out on the back porch early this morning.’

  ‘Oh boy!’ He ran his hands through his hair. ‘I’ll have to talk to her.’

  ‘I don’t know if that will do any good.’

  ‘Then what am I supposed to do?’ It worried him.

  ‘Maybe you should just send her back home, her husband can deal with it.’

  ‘I can’t. I want her to be at lunch tomorrow with Sahara and I. Which reminds me, did you book somewhere?’

  ‘Yes, I booked a table at the Malmasion.’

  ‘I hope it’s not too upmarket, my wife to be has issues with too much fancy pants stuff.’

  ‘It should be okay.’ She giggled lightly.

  ‘Yep, she doesn’t like it much, but I understand where she’s coming from.’

  Casey wondered if that was the pull he’d felt, the fact she was different to the majority of women he’d dated.

  ‘I’ll have a word with Logan, or perhaps I’ll give Christopher a ring.’

  She nodded.

  ‘Did you ask Seth to meet me at Sahara’s tomorrow morning?’

  ‘I did.’

  ‘Great, I want to start training. I’m planning to do the Great North Run next year.’

  ‘Wow!’ She was truly amazed.

  ‘I’m running for Justin, the young man who died of a brain tumour. All the money raised will go to his charity.’

  ‘Why weren’t you like this when I met you? I would’ve married you!’ she joked.

  He laughed. ‘I guess it’s because you weren’t the one for me.’

  ‘True.’

  ‘Anyway. What’s on the agenda today?’

  She gazed at the iPad and began to tell him about the day that lay ahead. There were a number of meetings that would ta
ke up most of his day. The first one would start in thirty minutes.

  ‘Right, that’s great. Thanks for everything Casey, my life would be a total mess without you.’

  ‘I couldn’t agree more.’ She laughed as she stood up. ‘I’m really happy for you boss.’

  ‘Thanks, I’m happy for me too.’

  She nodded, even working for him had become a lot easier. Sahara was magic!

  ‘I’ll go and make sure everything’s ready for the meeting.’

  He nodded and watched her go. He glanced at his watch and decided to make a quick call.

  The sound of her voice made the hairs on his arm stand to attention. Eugene couldn’t get enough of her.

  ‘Hello beautiful lady,’ he said.

  ‘Hey you, aren’t you supposed to be busy changing the world, making billions of dollars.’ Sahara teased.

  ‘I’d rather spend my day with you,’ he said gently.

  ‘I wish I could say the same, but I really do love being here with the flowers.’

  He laughed. ‘I know you do, that’s why I love you.’

  ‘I love you too. Do you know…while I was working, I had an idea about our wedding date.’

  ‘You did?’

  ‘Yep, how about in six weeks time? Do you think it will be enough time?’

  ‘Sweetheart, we could get married tomorrow if you like.’

  She laughed.

  ‘You let me know what you want and I’ll make it happen.’

  ‘Nope, correction, we’ll make it happen.’

  ‘Yes of course, how could I forget?’ He leaned back into his chair and smiled.

  ‘So what’s on for today?’ She turned the arrangement of flowers around while she cradled the phone between her ear and shoulder.

  ‘Meeting after meeting after meeting.’

  ‘About what?’

  ‘Well, there are a few businesses that we’re looking to buy in the pipeline.’

  ‘Sounds exciting.’

  ‘Yes, I’ve asked my senior managers to put together a portfolio of all the potential businesses. I’ll make the final decision whether or not we’re going to buy.’

  ‘That sounds great! Not that I’d have a single clue what goes into all of that.’

  ‘A lot, but I’m more interested about your day. What’s in store for you?’

  ‘Well, at the moment I’m making an autumn hand-tied bouquet. It’s for an eightieth birthday.’

  ‘Sounds grand! What flowers are those?’

  ‘Do you really want to know?’

  ‘Of course I do. Just listening to what makes you happy, makes me happy.’

  She couldn’t help, but smile. He was indeed a great guy.

  ‘Orange roses, orange germini, orange spray carnations and some red oak leaves.’

  ‘It does sound like an autumn arrangement with the orange colour.’

  ‘Yes, I love autumn. I love the colour of the leaves as they turn. It’s an amazing feeling.’

  ‘You make it sound so amazing. Where have I been these past few years?’

  ‘Flying all over the world.’

  ‘Yes, and seeing nothing except hotel rooms and busy offices.’

  ‘Well, at least now you know.’

  ‘I do, this is why I’m cutting down on the travelling. I will go here and there, but I’m not going to be as crazy as I’ve been.’

  ‘Don’t slow down for me, because I won’t slow down for you.’

  ‘I know that honey. I’m doing it for me. I get to spend more time with you.’

  She laughed lightly.

  Casey popped her head round the door to let him know the meeting was about to go ahead. He nodded and she disappeared.

  ‘Okay then, I’m going to have to face the world.’

  ‘You do that, and I’ll see you later tonight.’

  ‘Yes, before you go. You’re still okay for lunch tomorrow with Logan.’

  ‘Yes, even though I’m not certain we have anything in common.’

  ‘I know, but it would mean a lot to me.’

  ‘And that’s why I’m doing it. Mum will cover for about two hours for me. It’s a bit busy this week.’

  ‘Okay, great. I better get off and get to my meeting.’

  ‘Love you,’ she said.

  ‘Love you more.’ He hung up, picked up his laptop and went to join his group of staff in the boardroom.

  ****

  The door was unlocked when Sahara got home. There was an aroma of chicken and red peppers that circulated the house. She placed her keys and bag on the table in the passage, pulled off her jacket and took steps in the direction of the delicious smell.

  ‘Eugene?’ she asked before she got to the kitchen.

  ‘No, sorry, it’s Lawrence, and please don’t kill me. I work for Mister Gallagher.’

  She gazed at the man dressed in jeans and t-shirt. His blond hair tied to the back of his head.

  ‘Who are you and why are you here?’ she asked.

  ‘As you can see, Miss Young, I’m here to prepare your dinner. I do it for Mister Gallagher at his house, but he wanted me here today.’

  ‘I see.’ She watched him as he prepared the food.

  ‘See, I’ve got courgette & quinoa stuffed peppers for starters, and grilled chicken fillets and authentic salad with olives, feta, cheese, tomato and mint.’

  She raised her eyebrows.

  ‘Could I get you a drink?’ he asked.

  ‘No, I’ll get one in the fridge, I’m quite capable.’

  ‘Yes, Miss Young.’

  ‘It’s Sahara.’ She walked towards the fridge and was overwhelmed by how stacked up it was. ‘Christ!’

  ‘Is everything okay?’

  ‘Yes, everything is fine.’ She pulled out a carton of orange juice. ‘So where are you from, Lawrence?’

  ‘London, but I go wherever Mister Gallagher needs me.’

  ‘I see.’

  ‘I love my job, I get to travel, and prepare food. Something I love.’

  ‘Were you responsible for the food at the party?’

  He nodded.

  ‘Wow, thanks, it was great.’ She took a glass from the cupboard and poured out some orange juice.

  She was about to open her mouth when she heard the door.

  ‘Hi honey, I’m home,’ he called.

  He placed his belongings on the same table and headed for the kitchen. He leaned forward and gave her a kiss.

  ‘Smells great, Lawrence.’

  ‘Thank you sir.’

  ‘Can I talk to you for a second?’ She walked past him and headed for the living-room.

  Eugene followed behind her, and the moment he stepped in she shut the door behind them.

  ‘I’m sorry, I should’ve told you about Lawrence, I just got so caught up today.’

  ‘Not good enough. You’re changing my life and I don’t like it one bit.’

  ‘I’m not changing your life, I’m just making it easier.’

  ‘I don’t want easy, I love a challenge. I like coming home and not knowing what to cook. But instead, I find some stranger in my kitchen.’

  ‘He’s not a stranger, he’s a great guy.’

  ‘He’s a stranger to me. Why are you doing this? I don’t want you taking over my life.’

  ‘I’m not. This is me, this is who I am.’

  ‘What about who I am? Have you ever thought about that?’

  ‘I thought this would make you happy.’

  ‘What would make me happy is just allowing me to be me. I don’t want to be rescued.’

  ‘What is it with you? Why do you always think that way?’

  The words Alice had spoken that morning had disappeared and fear had reared its ugly head.

  ‘I feel as if I’m loosing parts of myself. I don’t want that.’

  ‘How is that possible?’ He moved towards her and held out his hand. ‘What I do is just the way I am.’

  ‘But you’re changing things.’

  ‘Change is good. Is
n’t it?’

  ‘But I didn’t agree to this. I want my life back.’

  He took her hands into his and gave them a squeeze. ‘I love you,’ he said.

  She gazed up at him and pushed back her lips.

  ‘This is for me, okay. I want him to cook for us so that we can have time together.’

  ‘Then why can’t we cook together?’

  ‘Because I can only make beans on toast, but if you want me to cook with you, I will.’

  She was silent.

  ‘You’re a very proud and stubborn woman, and that’s why I love you. Sometimes you’ve got to let other people do for you.’

  ‘But this is too much.’

  ‘Get use to it honey.’

  She didn’t know whether she was angry at him or angry at herself. Things felt as if they were getting out of control.

  ‘While we’re on the subject of me trying to change things, I might as well give you this.’ He pulled a key from his pocket.

  ‘What’s this for?’

  ‘It’s the key to our house. I want you to move in with me.’

  This time she flopped onto the couch and let out an annoying sigh.

  ‘Oh come on honey, it’s not that bad.’

  ‘You don’t get it do you?’

  ‘Get what, what is there to get?’

  ‘You are basically taking over my life.’

  ‘I’m not. You don’t have to move in if you don’t want to. I just think it would be nice for us to live there.’

  ‘Instead of here? Don’t you like it here?’

  ‘I love it. It’s snug and cosy, but we’re starting our lives together.’

  ‘I don’t want to move.’

  ‘Okay,’ he said.

  She looked at him a little confused.

  ‘If you don’t want to, then that’s okay. We’ll stay here as long as you like.’

  ‘Are you trying to use reverse psychology on me?’

  ‘You really need to loosen up honey.’ He laughed lightly. ‘I promise you. If you don’t want to move, we won’t.’ He took her hand. ‘I’m not trying to control you, I love you, I want what’s best for you, and if what’s best for you is staying here, then we stay here.’

  ‘Really?’ she felt her defences back down.

  ‘Yes really.’

  She was silent a moment. Thoughts whirled inside her head like a washing machine.

  ‘You are the most stubborn woman I’ve ever met.’ He giggled.

  Sahara tried to keep a straight face, but it was proving impossible. ‘I am not!’