Chapter 44
Chapter Forty-Four
SIX MONTHS LATER
Emily
I made a full recovery, and life was wonderful. I moved into Jackson’s penthouse about a month after the accident, and we had never been happier. The shop was doing really well, and I was ready to move forward with my online boutique. Jackson bought a warehouse where we made one area for storage, and then we converted the rest of the space into offices and cubicles for the staff I hired to help run it. When launch day came, it was a huge success and exceeded my expectations. I never did get pregnant again, which was okay for both of us. I started my pills regularly because Jackson and I talked about it, and we both agreed that it was probably better that we waited, but if it happened, we’d be happy.
Jules and Carter were in the midst of planning their wedding, which was going to take place in a couple of months. Alex proposed to Katie, and Dylan and Evelyn were on cloud nine with their relationship. Jackson’s parents remarried as soon as their divorces were final, with a small reception just for the family.
Jackson and I took a trip to Vegas so he could finalize the plans for the casino he bought.
“What would you say if I asked you to marry me today?” he asked as he put on his tie.
“What?” I laughed.
“Let’s get married, Emily. Right now, and right here in Vegas.”
“Are you serious?”
“I’ve never been more serious about anything in my life.” He pulled a box from his pocket and got down on one knee before me. “I love you so much, and I don’t want to wait. I want you to become Mrs. Jackson Caine today.”
“What about our friends and family?”
“We’ll have a huge reception when we get back to New York.”
“Let me see the ring first.” I smirked.
He flipped open the lid, and sitting inside was the most beautiful princess-cut sparkling ring I had ever seen.
“Okay. You did good with the ring. I’ll marry you.” I smiled.
He took the ring from the box and placed it on my finger. Standing up, he placed his hands on each side of my face and kissed my lips.
“You won’t regret it.” He smiled.
“I know I won’t. What do I wear?” I asked.
He walked over to the closet by the door and pulled out a garment bag.
“You will wear this.” He smiled as he unzipped it and took out a beautiful strapless, long white dress with an embellished waistline.
“Jackson, it’s beautiful. You had this planned.”
“I sure did, and the dress is only the start. Flowers are waiting at the chapel and as soon as we’re married, a private dinner will be waiting for us.”
“We’re really doing this.” I smiled.
“We’re really doing this.” His lips brushed against mine. “Now get dressed so we can get going.”
Taking the dress from him, I went into the bedroom and changed into it. Excitement soared throughout my body at the thought of becoming Mrs. Jackson Caine tonight. As I stood and stared at myself in the mirror, it made me happy to be someone’s plus one, and, the best part of it, I was still me.
We climbed into the limo and headed to the chapel where Jackson arranged for us to be married.
“Oh my God, I don’t have a ring for you!”
“Don’t worry about it, Emily. It’s taken care of.”
“How?”
“Like I said, don’t worry about it.” His brow arched.
When we reached the chapel and walked through the doors, I gasped and covered my mouth when I saw my father, Stella, Evelyn, Dylan, Katie, Alex, Jules, Carter, Samuel, and both of Jackson’s parents sitting in the chairs waiting for us.
“Jackson.” My eyes filled with tears.
“We’re still having a big reception back home.” He smiled. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I must take my place.”
My father walked over to me and held out his arm. “I’m ready to walk my daughter down the aisle.”
Katie gave me a beautiful bouquet of white roses and Jackson’s wedding ring. “I’m so happy for you!” She hugged me.
The music started to play, and my father walked me down the aisle and gave my hand to Jackson. Tears filled my eyes as we both said our vows, and the minister pronounced us husband and wife.
“I now introduce to you Mr. and Mrs. Jackson Caine,” the minister spoke, and everyone stood up and clapped for us.
After the ceremony, we all returned to the Bellagio, where Jackson had arranged a private dinner for all of us.
“That dress looks wonderful on you.” Evelyn smiled.
“Oh my God. Did you—is this?” I cocked my head.
“Yes. I designed and made it for you. And there’s another one for your wedding reception when you get back home.”
I gave her a big hug and thanked her.
“How long had Jackson been planning this?” I asked.
“Two weeks.” She smiled. “He’s such a romantic.”
I looked over at him as he was talking with Carter and Samuel. He smiled at me and winked, and at that moment, I fell more in love with him than I ever thought possible.
Jackson
Mrs. Jackson Caine. Those words were music to my ears. I never thought I would find someone who could change my mind about marriage and relationships as Emily did. But somehow, I knew that the first moment I stepped into her shop and saw her that she was destined to be mine. It was funny how the best surprises in life are the things you weren’t looking for in the first place.
Thank you for reading The Negotiation!
I hope you enjoyed it.