A Yuletide Affair
Page 18
“I’d really like for you to continue to handle my father’s commercial developments in Florida. If you’re still interested in doing business with us.”
Alyson was overjoyed by the proposition, but remained cool. “Okay.”
“I’m sure I speak for my father when I say we wouldn’t trust those properties to anyone else, Alyson. You’re in a class all by yourself,” Jennifer said. “What do you say?”
“What about the vacation property on Abaco? Am I still the listing agent?”
“Unfortunately, your services aren’t needed for that property anymore. We sold that property yesterday.”
“Really?”
“Of course you’ll still earn the commission from the sale,” said Jennifer.
“Who’s the buyer?”
“Should I tell her or will you?” Jennifer asked Samson.
“I bought Madison House,” said Samson.
“You got money like that?” Alyson asked.
“You’re the one who insisted that I was broke.” Samson laughed. “It was the kitchen that sold me. Not for me, but for you.”
“Are you serious right now?” asked Alyson.
“Yes, love.” He embraced her and waited for her to contain herself.
“So that means you’re staying on the islands?”
“At least until I figure out what our future holds.”
Jennifer interrupted the lovers. “What do you say about Madison Development?” she asked.
“I’m trying to get myself together. All of this is overwhelming.”
“We’ll talk next week,” Jennifer said. “Drop by my office, and we’ll talk about it.” Jennifer extended her hand to Alyson. “I look forward to hearing from you soon.”
Alyson shook her hand. Life had certainly taken a surprising turn.
* * *
Alyson rested in a chair next to Samson. They each sipped on flutes of champagne and watched as Jasmine smashed cake into Jackson’s face. They laughed as Whitney nearly broke her neck trying to catch Jasmine’s bouquet. As the group of women piled onto the floor in a scuffle for the flowers, it was Bijou who ascended with the coveted bouquet and waved it in the air.
“Looks like she got the bouquet,” said Samson.
“But she didn’t get the man. Not my man, anyway.” Alyson gave Samson a warm smile.
“Not that you ever had anything to worry about.”
* * *
Later, loud Caribbean music filled the night air. People in wild, outlandish and brightly colored costumes danced along Bay Street. Cheers and whistles drowned out any hopes of conversation among the guests. Drums were beat and horns were blown as every islander and guest enjoyed Junkanoo on Harbour Island. The annual street parade began promptly at one o’clock in the morning the day after Christmas, on Boxing Day. Junkanoo was a nice encore to Jasmine’s beautiful wedding celebration.
“Nothing like this ever happens in Chicago,” said Samson as he squeezed Alyson’s hand.
“Chicago has its own special elements of Christmastime,” said Alyson. “The snow is beautiful when you look at it from the inside. I could, however, get used to the frigid cold as long as I’ve got someone to keep me warm. I did some research. There’s a nice real estate market there, and once my man becomes mayor...”
“You would consider relocating to Chicago?”
“If it means I get to spend my life with you, I’ll go anywhere.”
“That’s sweet.” He kissed her lips. “But I was thinking I might like to live somewhere warmer—like Miami. Build a career there.”
“You would move to Florida?”
“I only want to be where you are, love.”
“What about your new vacation home on Abaco?”
“I say we sail there tonight. Fix ourselves a nice Bahamian meal. Take a long walk along the beach, watch the sunset...”
“And after the vacation ends?”
“Who says it has to end?”
“We both have careers.”
“You’ve been commuting between the islands and Miami anyway. So continue.”
“What about you? What about your mayoral campaign?”
“I’ve had my eye on a few investment properties on the island of Abaco. Thought I’d purchase them, have my buddy Jackson renovate them. Then I’d hire a beautiful Realtor to get them on the market for me. You know any beautiful Realtors?”
“I know one, but she doesn’t come cheap.”
“Does she work on the barter system?”
“Possibly.” She grinned. “Depends on what you’re bartering.”
“Love,” he said emphatically.
“Hmm. How much is that worth?”
“More than any commission you’d ever earn.”
“Okay, what else?”
“My love’s not enough?”
“I make a pretty good commission. You’d have to step up your game.”
“How about marriage and a lifetime of happiness?”
Alyson placed a fingertip on her chin, as if she was contemplating his offer.
“I don’t come cheap. I’m high maintenance, and I like nice things.”
“I know.”
“And what about kids? Are you expecting some of those, too?”
“Absolutely! At least two or three. And one of them should be a girl that looks just like you.”
“But not too soon. I have a career, and I’m not quite ready for my body to be all disproportioned.”
“Sooner rather than later,” he stated. “I’m ready to start a family.”
“You drive a hard bargain. But I think we might be able to work something out.”
“Good. We need a formal agreement.”
“Should I have Jules draw something up?”
“No, we won’t need Jules for this.” He leaned down and kissed her lips. Pulled her close. “We’ll sign this agreement later tonight.”
“I love the sound of that.”
In a short time, Samson had come into her life and rearranged it. She’d vowed never to return to the Bahamas long-term, but she’d quickly learned that some vows were meant to be broken. She’d been afraid to give too much of her heart to any one man, but Samson was now demanding her trust.
As she stood on Bay Street and leaned her head against his chest, she closed her eyes and knew that when she opened them again, the man of her dreams would still be standing there, holding her and loving her fears away.
* * * * *
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ISBN-13: 9781460387504
A Yuletide Affair
Copyright © 2015 by Monica Richardson
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