Epilogue
CALLIE
Heart in my throat, I listened as the line rang, and. Emmett sat on the other side of my desk, two thumbs up and mouthing “you’ve got this.” After an interminable wait, he answered.
“This is Carter.”
“Mr. Cassidy, I’m glad I caught you. My name is Callie Winters. I’m head of Special Projects here at Price Industries.”
“What happened to Emmett?”
“Mr. Price was promoted to president of the company three months ago. I’m sure you saw the news.”
“That’s right. Must have slipped my mind. What can I do for you, Miss…”
“Winters.”
Emmett rolled his eyes at the blatant show of disrespect. Carter Cassidy, while both incredibly talented and incredibly attractive, was rumored to be an incredible asshole. Rumor confirmed.
“Look, Mr. Cassidy,” I said, straightening in my chair. “I’ll cut right to the chase. Price Industries is about to break ground on a major urban redevelopment project downtown. We want to incorporate innovative, sustainable design elements that push the boundaries of what’s possible.”
I paused. Carter remained silent on the other end, so I pressed on.
“Your reputation precedes you. You’re one of the most innovative and sought-after architects in the world.
The work you did on The Garden for Price Industries a few years back is awe-inspiring.
We would be honored to have your expertise and vision on this project. ”
There was another silence before Carter responded. “I’m flattered, Miss Winters, but I’m booked solid for the next two years. I don’t have the bandwidth for another major project right now.”
I took a deep breath, refusing to be deterred.
“I understand your schedule is incredibly demanding, but I implore you to reconsider. This project presents a truly unique opportunity to reshape an entire city district through sustainable urban design. It’s a chance to create something revolutionary that could influence architecture worldwide.”
Emmett nodded encouragingly, his eyes shining with pride.
“With all due respect,” Carter said. “I’ve been approached for countless ‘revolutionary’ projects over the years. What makes this one so special?”
“Because Price Industries is willing to give you complete creative freedom. No constraints, no compromises. We want you to dream big and bring that vision to life through innovative construction techniques and materials. Budget won’t be an issue.”
Another pause. I could practically hear the gears turning in Carter’s mind.
“I’m listening,” he said finally.
Bingo.
I launched into a detailed overview of the project scope, highlighting the vast potential for groundbreaking sustainable design. With each point, I sensed Carter’s interest piquing further.
When I finished, he let out a low whistle. “Alright, Miss Winters, you’ve made a compelling case. I’ll need to review the proposal more thoroughly, but...I’m in. At least provisionally.”
My face broke into a grin. I held in my squeal of delight and shot Emmett a triumphant look. He returned it, giving me another enthusiastic double thumbs up. Dork.
“That’s wonderful news, Mr. Cassidy. I’ll have my team put together a comprehensive proposal package for your review right away.”
“Sounds good. And Miss Winters?” His tone took on a warmer quality. “Call me Carter.”
“Thank you, Carter. I look forward to working with you.”
I ended the call and walked around my desk towards Emmett. He opened his arms, and I fell into his embrace, squeaking with excitement.
“Crushed it, Cal! I knew you could land him.”
Emmett’s praise warmed me from the inside out. I pulled back to gaze at him adoringly. “Thanks for being here while I did it. And for staying quiet when he was rude.” I shot him a knowing look.
“It wasn’t easy.” His hands slid down to my waist, massaging my hips. “But for you? Anything.”
His kiss turned my knees to Jell-o.
“You’re incredible, you know that?” Emmett said. “Seeing you in full boss mode like that? So fucking hot.”
“Yeah? You enjoyed the show?”
“Mhm.” His hands slid down to cup my ass, giving a firm squeeze that made me gasp. “Watching you take charge like that? Total turn on. I can’t wait to show you just how proud I am of you for closing that deal.”
A shiver ran through me. I started thinking of all the ways he so frequently and thoroughly wrecked my body. “Well then, what are we waiting for, Mr. Price?” I said, nipping at his lower lip before pulling back with a sly smile.
The dilated black of Emmett’s pupils nearly swallowed his bright blue irises. “Uh-uh, not yet. I’ve got plans for us. We need to celebrate.”
He pulled me close again, his lips brushing my ear. “Get your things, baby. I’ve got a surprise waiting for us.”
I reluctantly disentangled myself, pausing to smooth down my clothes and gather my wits.
As we headed out, he draped an arm around my shoulders. The casual yet open intimacy of the gesture wasn’t something I ever took for granted.
The drive passed in comfortable silence, our fingers lacing together over the console. Before long, we pulled up to a sleek high-rise in the city’s trendiest district. I arched an eyebrow at Emmett as he passed the keys to the valet.
“What’s all this?”
He gave me that infuriatingly smug look that meant he had something up his sleeve. “Just wait and see.”
We bypassed the lobby and headed straight for a private elevator bank. Emmett used a keycard to access one of the exclusive elevators, and before long, the doors slid open to a luxurious penthouse suite.
“Emmett,” I gasped, taking in the lavish surroundings. “Is this—”
“Ours for the night? You bet your sweet ass it is.” His arms wrapped around my waist from behind and he nuzzled against my neck. “My girl deserves only the best after that stellar performance today.”
I melted against his chest with a contented sigh. “You’re incredible, you know that?”
“I try. Now, how about we start celebrating properly?”
He spun me to face him, his darkened eyes smoldering. I reached up to fist my hands in the soft fabric of his shirt, pulling him against me.
“You’re distracting me, Miss Winters. I have a purpose.” He gripped my wrists, forcing me to release his shirt before taking a few steps to grab two glasses of champagne from a nearby tray and handing one to me.
“Good things happen when we drink champagne, Cal. The first time, I kissed you. The second time, you got your dream job. And the third…”
Grabbing my hand, he pulled me into the master suite, which had an even more breathtaking view. But when I turned around, I saw something even more stunning.
Realization dawned. We weren’t here to celebrate Carter Cassidy at all.
There was Emmett Price—man of my dreams—down on a bended knee holding…a Funky Furby.
Laughter burst from me, and tears sprang to my eyes, because when I looked closer, the Furby was holding a ring in its mouth.
I looked into Emmett’s eyes, my heart overflowing with love for this incredible man. He was grinning, but he took a deep breath and sobered as he began to speak.
“Callie, from the moment I laid eyes on you six years ago, I knew you were special. When I walked away from you that day, it felt like I lost a little piece of myself. But it seems fate had plans for us. When our paths crossed again, it was like the universe was giving us a second chance. And I knew I couldn’t let you slip away this time. ”
Emmett’s voice wavered slightly as he continued. “You’ve challenged me, inspired me, and loved me in ways I never thought possible. You’re not just my partner, Callie. You’re my best friend, my confidante, and my soulmate.”
A single tear escaped and trickled down his cheek.
“I know we haven’t been together long, but I can’t imagine spending a single day without you by my side.
Your dreams are my dreams. Your goals are my goals.
I promise to never resent your ambitions or dull that fierce determination.
You’re perfect—mind, body, and soul. And I want to spend the rest of my life showing you the love and support a true partner deserves, just as you’ve done for me. ”
He took a shaky breath. “Callie Winters, will you make me the happiest man alive? Will you marry me?”
My heart ached with joy and tears cascaded down my face. I dropped to my knees in front of him, cupping his face in my hands.
“Yes,” I whispered, my voice thick with emotion. “Of course it’s a yes.”
He surged forward, capturing my lips in a kiss that put all others to shame.
As we finally parted, panting and giddy, he took my hand and slipped the ring onto my finger. It sparkled under the soft light.
I picked up the Funky Furby, laughing through my tears. “I can’t believe you remembered this.”
“How could I forget? I still have nightmares of you doing the Furby blink.”
I grinned and nestled into his embrace. I’d never believed in fate—until now. From that day in my dorm lobby, right up to this perfect moment, it felt like every step had been leading me to Emmett.
“I love you so much,” I said, pressing a soft kiss to his jaw.
He tightened his arms around me and rested his cheek on my head. “I love you too, future Mrs. Price. More than you could ever know.”
As we sat there, wrapped in each other’s arms and basking in the glow of our love, I felt like I had finally found the balance I had been searching for—the all-consuming love and support I longed for.
I was no man’s trophy, because in the end, we both won. And the reward was a life we’d build together.