Chapter 32
Cal
"Vincent just approved all the prototype pieces I created for Fletcher Enterprises," I tell Nate, the satisfaction settling in. "Eight are now in production, and two are set aside as one-of-a-kind pieces for his private office."
Nate glances at me, raising an eyebrow. "So, Vincent’s happy with your work, but he still doesn’t know you’re the one behind it?"
"Exactly," I reply, feeling a sense of pride in the anonymity. "Fletcher Enterprises signed off on everything, but Richard made sure my name's not attached. Jackson & Co. Woodworks is mentioned in the fine print, but it’s not something he'd even notice."
"I'm proud of you," he says. "All your hard work and determination are finally paying off."
"Thanks," I say, unable to hide the grin that spreads across my face. "This win feels good."
"I'm sure there will be plenty more in your future," he adds. "You’ve got a talent that few do. The fact that it’s also making you money is the cherry on top."
"The last few days in New York were exhausting," I say, massaging the back of my neck. "But it was worth it."
Nate stretches out, leaning back on the sofa. "Now you’ve got the kind of success to match the quality of your work. This new couch, for example. It looks incredible in this space. I delivered it myself."
"Did you happen to see my girls while you were here?"
"The only one I saw was Tina," he replies, his smile vanishing. "She stopped by to grab Hannah's favorite blanket."
I smirk, crossing my arms over my chest. "Tina, huh?"
"Don't start," he murmurs, avoiding my gaze.
I chuckle. "Please tell me you two didn’t christen my sofa before I even had the chance to sit on it."
"Thanks for painting such a vivid picture of the reason why you wanted to get rid of the last one," he counters.
"It was old," I say. "Six years, to be exact."
"Enough said," he replies, catching my meaning. "Old memories you'd rather forget, I take it?"
I nod and walk towards the door. "I’m headed next door to see Elle and pick up Hannah."
"Well," he begins, his tone turning sober. "Speaking of things you'd rather forget, Meghan stopped by when I was here. When I told her you were in New York, she marched over to Elle's and took Hannah."
"Ugh!" I exclaim, unable to hide my exasperation. "It would be one thing if I knew she took her and actually spent time with her. But I know she probably just dropped her off at the house and went off to do whatever it is she does besides being an absent parent."
"I know you regret meeting Meghan," he says, standing to his feet, "but, thanks to her, you have Hannah."
"Hannah is the one and only reason I'm able to maintain any semblance of civility around her," I reply, my tone even as I pull out my phone and dial Meghan's number.
***
I lean back in the chair, tapping my fingers against my coffee cup as Sylvie flips through the files. As the seconds tick by, I feel my stress level rise to an all-time high.
Sylvie sets the papers down with a sigh. "We’ve filed to solidify the current custody agreement. It’s on record, so if Meghan tries anything, we’ve already made our case.”
I nod, feeling the pressure. "What else?"
Sylvie taps her tablet. "If Meghan tries to argue you’re unfit, we have evidence that Hannah’s in a stable, nurturing environment. We have witnesses who can attest to your role in Hannah’s life. But, Cal, there’s been no filing—nothing from her."
I sit up, confused. "After all this time and the nanny, she hasn’t made a move?"
"No," Sylvie replies. "It’s been quiet."
I stand and begin pacing. "What’s she waiting for?"
Sylvie watches me, considering. "Maybe she’s waiting for the right moment. But for now, there’s no movement.
"There’s something else," I say, clearing my throat. "Meghan’s been different lately. She’s showing up on time, actually spending time with Hannah instead of leaving her with the nanny.
For the past month, it’s like she’s a different person.
I’m not sure if she’s playing the part of a good mom or stalling, but I never thought she’d be this involved.
Last week, Hannah got a student of the month award.
She came home with a picture holding her certificate, and guess who’s standing beside her? "
Sylvie leans back. "You’re kidding."
I shake my head. "There she was, hand on Hannah’s shoulder, smiling proudly."
"Is it possible that maybe she's changed?" she says. "Reconsidered?"
I rub my neck, tension building. "Women like Meghan don't change. So, what now?"
"We wait," she says, decisive. "We keep everything in place, stay vigilant, and monitor the court docket. If she’s going to file, it needs to happen soon. The longer she waits, the more it works in our favor."
I take a deep breath and exhale slowly, wondering what Meghan's up to now.
"The silence works in your favor," she says with a small smile. "Just keep being the father Hannah needs, and let her enjoy the mother Meghan's being. Even if it's temporary."
I nod slowly, her words offering some reassurance. The change in Meghan might be unnerving, but for now, it’s a win.
***
I kiss Elle slowly, the lingering sweetness of strawberries and chocolate still on her lips. Our breaths mingle as she melts into the kiss.
“He-hem.” Nate's loud clearing of his throat pulls us apart, and Elle smiles, blushing slightly.
She points to the chocolate cake with strawberry filling. “I think this one’s my favorite,” she says, her cheeks pink.
“I’m partial to the vanilla with buttercream,” Tina chimes in, her eyes flicking to Nate.
Nate takes another bite of the vanilla, his gaze steady on Tina. “This is the one,” he says, his voice firm.
I look over at Beth. “You’ll have to break the tie. I’m with Elle, I’m leaning toward the chocolate.”
Beth giggles, her eyes sparkling. “Yeah, I can tell!”
After we settle on the chocolate cake with strawberry filling and classic buttercream frosting, Nate offers to take Tina and Beth home while Elle and I head over to meet our wedding planner.
When we walk into the coffee shop, Jen's already sitting in one of the booths, sipping on a hot cup of espresso. She waves us over, and after we grab our drinks, she pulls out a pad with our wedding checklist paperclipped to the front. She glances over it briefly, tapping her pen against the table.
"Alright," she says, looking up at us. "Let's go through the details one more time. Date’s set, invitations are ready to go out. Is the venue locked for both the ceremony and reception?"
Elle smiles and nods. "Yes, everything’s good there. We’re sticking with the outdoor, simple vibe we talked about."
"Okay," Jen says, ticking off the item on her list. "The food is all set too. A few appetizers, meat and vegetarian options for the main course?"
I give a quick nod. "Yes. My brother's restaurant will be catering the event."
Jen raises an eyebrow. "Really? That’s a nice touch."
Elle smiles, clearly pleased. "It feels personal, you know? Plus, we know the food’s going to be amazing."
I lean back a bit. "No one knows how to cook a steak like Thomas."
"Good choice," Jen says, making a note. "And drinks—are we all set with that too?"
Elle chimes in. "Yes, we’ll have a selection of wines and a few signature cocktails. Nothing too crazy."
Jen checks her tablet. "Music—DJ's confirmed, and we’ve got your list of songs all ready to go."
I look at Elle, smiling. "I hope I don't step on your toes, babe. I'm a terrible dancer."
Elle laughs. "You’re going to do great."
Jen taps the next item on the list. "Bridesmaids, groomsmen, outfits all sorted?"
Elle smiles and squeezes my arm. "Cal looks so handsome in his tuxedo."
I chuckle. "How is it that the bride can see the groom in his tux, but the groom is not allowed to see his bride in her wedding dress?"
"It's bad luck!" Elle says, shaking her head. "I'm not taking any chances."
"Trust me, you want to wait," Jen says, marking off the box. "Nothing compares to the look on the groom's face when he sees the bride for the first time."
I glance over at Elle and wink at her.
Jen looks up at us, grinning. "You two are so adorable together. The way you two look at each other reminds me of the reason why I chose this line of work. It never gets old."
Elle squeezes my hand, and I give her a smile, feeling a sense of accomplishment as everything comes together.
Jen checks off another item. "You’ve got your best man, two groomsmen, a maid of honor, and two bridesmaids. I've double-checked the outfits for the entire wedding party, except for one thing..." She looks up at Elle with a soft smile. "The wedding gown."
"I've narrowed it down to two," Elle admits, glancing at Jen. "They both fit me like a glove, so I'm just trying to decide between the two. I sent you pictures. What do you think?"
Jen takes a sip of her coffee and pulls out her phone, scrolling through the photos Elle sent.
"Alright, let’s see what you’ve got." She stops on the first picture. "The first one is stunning. It’s that classic, timeless look—lace, intricate beading along the waistline, and a long train. Very wedding day. You’d turn heads walking down the aisle in this. "
Elle smiles, but there’s a hint of uncertainty in her eyes. "I love how it looks, but it feels... a little too much for me. It’s beautiful, but I don't want to feel like I'm wearing a costume."
Jen nods thoughtfully, flipping to the second picture.
"I see what you mean. Now this one is completely different, but equally stunning. It’s much more your style—simple, elegant.
The satin fabric has this soft, almost understated shine, and the cut is sleek with a subtle V-neck.
No frills, but it has that effortless elegance that screams Elle. "
I reach for Elle's hand and lift it to my lips. "I can’t wait to see you walking down the aisle."
Elle exhales, clearly torn. "I never imagined it would be this hard."
Jen sets her phone down. "Here’s the thing—both dresses would make you look incredible.
The first one is the traditional choice, the one you'd expect at a wedding, and it would definitely make an impact. But that second one? It’s all about you.
It’s more relaxed, which means you'll feel more like yourself. Plus, it’ll transition well from ceremony to reception without a hitch. "
Elle looks at me, biting her lip. "I keep going back and forth. I can imagine myself walking down the aisle in both."
I lean in, giving her hand a squeeze. "You could wear a paper bag and still take my breath away. Whatever you choose, it’ll be perfect."
Jen smiles. "That’s true. But if you want my honest opinion, go with the one that makes you feel like the best version of yourself. This day is for you and Cal, not for anyone else. If you feel comfortable and happy, it’ll show."
Elle looks at both of us, her shoulders relaxing slightly. "Alright, I think I’ve made up my mind."
Jen chuckles. "It always helps to talk it through. I won't check it off until you confirm your decision."
***
"That was so much fun!" Elle exclaims, flopping onto the couch beside me. I throw an arm over the backrest, feeling her warm body relax next to mine.
"What was your favorite part?" she asks, glancing at me, her eyes bright.
"Tasting the chocolate cake on your lips," I whisper, lifting my hand to the crook of her neck, my thumb brushing lightly against her skin.
"I like that answer," she teases, her voice soft and amused, though there's a flicker of something deeper in her gaze.
I lean in, brushing my lips against her ear. "I can't wait to marry you," I say quietly, my voice full of meaning.
I kiss her, the hint of fresh strawberries still lingering on her lips. I pull away briefly and smile.
"What is it?" she asks, brushing her lips against mine.
I grin. "I just realized... this is the first memory we're making together on the new sofa."
"I like it," she replies, patting the throw pillow next to her. "The fact that I’ve only sat on it a few times since you got it tells me you spend a lot more time at my place than I do at yours. We've made plenty of memories there."
I chuckle, "Well, then," I murmur, my voice low. "I’m going to make sure this is a moment you’ll never forget."
I pull her closer, my breath brushing lightly against her skin before I claim her mouth, tasting the sweetness of her lips as I deepen the kiss until I feel her melt into me.
This time, we don’t rush, we don’t hold back.
We just let go and fall completely into each other, the world outside fading as we savor the closeness, the intensity, and the love that’s been growing between us since the day we met.