An idea pops into my head. We’re planning a huge combined party for both companies in order to celebrate this surprise merger. It would be the perfect place to step out with Pepper. I’ll need to tell her the whole truth before the party, but I’m not worried anymore because we’ve been dating for months now, and I know Pepper trusts me. Plus, she doesn’t want me for money or status. She wants me for the person I am, and not for what I can provide materially.
I’m tempted to text Pepper right now and spill everything. My fingers itch and I literally pick up my cell, ready to dial. But then I put it down because Lavender’s right. The notary will be here in a few, and I have to read this long fucking document. Ugh.
Finally, it’s done and my assistant reappears, except this time, she’s not only with the notary – she’s also got two members of our legal team with her, as well the current CEO of Derek Foods.
I stand and shake Paul Derek’s hand.
“I didn’t know you’d be here!”
The chubby old man grins. “I wouldn’t miss this for the world! I’m finally getting out of this business and leaving it to young whippersnappers like yourself.”
I laugh. “What are you going to do with all your free time?”
Paul practically beams.
“I’m buying a golf course in upstate New York.”
“That is not what I expected! You know upstate NY gets freezing during the winter, right?”
Paul bobbles his head happily.
“Yeah, but it’s been a dream of mine for a while. My wife will run the banquet side and I’ll handle the golf. Free rounds every day. Doesn’t get better than that.”
I appreciate anyone who goes off to pursue a passion project. Hell, if I wasn’t so invested in Keystone, I’d probably go back to the rodeo and test myself on some of those new bulls. I’d probably be bucked off in two seconds, but it’d be fun to try.
That’s a dream for later, thought. Today, I’m turning my family business into an international conglomerate. Dad would be so proud, but I’m even more excited to share the news with Pepper. I can picture the surprise, confusion, and ultimate happiness on her face when she realizes what I’ve accomplished.
“Ready to sign?” Lavender asks, one eyebrow quirked. She knows I’ve been daydreaming and grins while holding out a fancy fountain pen. I understand the legalities of it all, but I don’t get why I need a special pen because it’s not like anyone is ever going to see this document except our lawyers.
“I’m ready. How about you, Mr. Derek?”
“I’ve never been more ready. And please, call me Paul. We’re no longer in competition. No need for formalities.”
“Sounds good, Paul.”
The two of us sign the papers with a flourish and shake hands again, and that’s that. Legally, Keystone and Derek Foods are a single entity now doing business under the Keystone brand.
I was expecting a bit more fanfare, honestly, but afterwards, the men file out with Paul Derek the happiest of the bunch. It’s fine. The party next week will make it feel more real, and besides, in the meantime, I need to figure out how to get Pepper to come to the party for my big surprise.
It shouldn’t be too hard. All I have to do is say I have something to show her and she’ll follow me. I love how trusting she is and how she’s delighted by the smallest gift. A lot of women I’ve been with in the past demanded jewels or at least expensive purses, but Pepper is all about the thought. She’s just as delighted with a bunch of wildflowers as she is something lavish.
Lavender lingers when everyone leaves.
“You’re thinking about her again, boss.”
“I know.”
My assistant purses her lips for a moment.
“You know, I was going to tell you to break up with your mystery woman because she could be bad for business, but I think I’m wrong. You seem happier than I’ve ever seen you.”
“I am. I promise being with Pepper won’t affect Keystone. You have my word.”
Lavender shakes her head. “Don’t make promises you can’t keep. But she’s had a good effect on you.”
“What do you mean?”
Lavender grins. “She’s made you a better boss, for one. You seem more relaxed, as well as more open to communication, and I like this side of you. In fact, when you’re around, you’re more personable and people appreciate that. The staff didn’t dislike you per se, but now they genuinely respect you. I thought it was because of the merger, but now, I know it’s because of Pepper.”
I grin. That makes a lot of sense. Everything is brighter and better when Pepper is around, which is just as it should be, and now, I can’t wait to show-off my best girl to the world.