Epilogue

Kasey

It was a struggle to get ready in her townhouse. After spending much of her time at Jay’s place, her personal belongings had become spread between the two homes and Kasey had trouble remembering where things were at any given time. Jay wanted to take her out to celebrate all the recent success they’d experienced together, and would be there any minute to pick her up.

“Baby!” She heard him call from downstairs.

Although he’d barely used it, Jay had a key to her home for emergencies and times like this. He made his way up the steps and then stared at her in the way that made her heart stop.

She’d chosen a black Chanel dress he bought for her a few months back. She still couldn’t get used to spending so much on clothing and jewelry, but his personal shopper had started including things for her months ago.

“Are you ready?” she asked, hoping he would say he just wanted to stay in, which was his usual routine.

“Yeah. Come on,” he said, and she felt a little disappointed. Kasey liked going out with Jay, but really preferred their normal peaceful nights in.

The ride was quieter than usual. Jay seemed to be deep in thought about something, and she figured it had to do with Mitchell’s recent suggestion to convert all of Passions into new ventures like the one she’d initiated. Things were going so well they wanted to model the entire company after the new division.

“I’ll wait out front, Mr. Canton,” Danny announced, as the car slowed to a stop.

“Perfect,” Jay replied before exiting the car and offering his hand to Kasey.

“It’s so nice out,” she remarked, feeling the warm breeze on her shoulder.

“Let’s go for a walk,” Jay suggested, taking her hand in his.

They were right by the lake, and Jay walked alongside her down the narrow trail. Kasey thought to herself that it was a scene ripped out of one of the many romance novels she read on a daily basis.

It was still impressive to her how they could enjoy each other’s company without the pressure to always speak. Their comfortable silence allowed nature to entertain—the wind cutting through the leaves on the trees sounded melodic.

“I’ve been wanting some time alone with you,” Jay finally broke the quiet.

“You’re always with me,” Kasey countered.

“Yeah, but there’s always an audience. At work, there’s the staff. At home, there’s Laura, and then you take advantage of me,” he smiled, mischievously.

“Shut up! I do not take advantage of you!” They laughed together until arriving at a small restaurant right at the water.

“Canton, table for two.” Jay announced to the host, who quickly grabbed two menus and led them to a table with an exceptional view. It was in a private area, so far away Kasey couldn’t see any other diners, but she didn’t think much of it.

“Tonight is a Chef’s menu. Will that be okay?” The waiter asked when he arrived.

“Is that okay, baby?” Jay asked across the table.

“Uh, sure,” Kasey responded.

“And please bring your best white wine,” Jay nodded, and the waiter excused himself.

“This place is so nice,” Kasey looked around, noticing the details of fresh rose petals scattered beneath the table.

“God, I love you,” Jay sighed, as if he’d been holding that in all night.

“I love you, too,” she reached across the table to place her hand on his.

“I wanted to wait until later, but I need to talk to you about the business,” he began, and her heart sunk.

She thought that their going out was to celebrate, but from his behavior she now thought it could be about something else entirely. Had he decided to go in another direction without her? Could she even continue a personal relationship with him if they didn’t work together? Her mind raced with questions until Jay’s words disrupted her mental tangent.

“I’m always trying to tell you how important you are to the company, and I mean that. We wouldn’t have the success we do without you. With that said, it’s never sat right with me having you as an employee and it’s not something I want to continue. You should be a full partner, and that’s what I wanted to talk to you about,” he squinted, trying to read her face.

Kasey was trying to force herself to breath after mentally freaking out when she heard what she first thought was him firing her, right before he offered her a partnership. She’d thought he would not want to work with her at all, and now he was promoting her?

“A partnership,” she breathed the words, still trying to wrap her mind around what was going on.

“Yes. You deserve it. I was thinking we could change the name. Maybe something Canton, and it could just be you and me. I want it to be a family company, with Mitchell of course, and we can all run it together,” he continued.

“You what?” Kasey could hear the blood pumping loudly through her ears as she looked across the table at Jay. Could he really mean what she thought he did?

“Kasey, you’ve come into my world and changed everything for the better. You make me a better man and I don’t want to spend another day without letting you know how much you mean to me. I want to grow old with you, build with you, everything. My idea for the new company would be as husband and wife. That is, if you’ll marry me.” Jay reached into his suit jacket, producing a red velvet jewelry box before kneeling down on one knee.

“Are you serious?” she yelled, bringing her hands to her mouth.

“Of course I’m serious. Will you please be my wife?”

“Yes! Baby! Yes!” she screamed and he smiled the widest grin she’d ever seen.

Standing up he grabbed her in his arms, squeezing her as he pressed his soft lips to hers. She was grateful for his strong arms holding her, because without them she might have fainted.

Jay was everything she ever dreamed of, and somehow, he continued to find ways to make her fall more love with him. He was perfect in her eyes, and he wanted to be with her forever. She was over the moon with excitement.

“I love you, Kasey Wright” Jay spoke on her lips.

“I love you, Jay Canton.”

With that, he gripped the nape of her neck, tilting her head to best accommodate him, and kissed her with all the passion and longing she could handle. She returned the feelings with her tongue, hopeful that he could possibly understand how much he meant to her.

Jay had changed her life in every way possible, making all of her dreams come true. Now, he’d done even more, by giving her a new dream–to be his wife and run a business together.

She didn’t know life could get better than it was yesterday, but that was what life with Jay was like. Each day was a new opportunity to raise the stakes. Kasey moaned into Jay’s mouth as she prayed that they could keep pushing the envelope together for the rest of their lives.

The End

Author Note: Wow!!! That one was a blast. Up next is a rock star novel that will have you re-living those glorious ROCK days of the 80’s. Enjoy!