‘Do you like it?’
Looking up into Aristo’s face, she nodded slowly. The ring was a surprise gift to mark six months of married life—happily married life—and it was stunning, but the soft grip of his hand around hers was what was making her heart swell with love.
Any fears she might have had of history repeating itself were long forgotten. Aristo had been true to his word and as eager as she to make sure that the mistakes of the past stayed in the past.
‘Of course I do.’ Reaching up, she stroked his cheek, her green eyes suddenly teasing.
‘Do I get one every six months?’
He laughed, and then his face grew serious. ‘I know it’s not an official anniversary—it’s just that I wanted to give you something...you know, because last time—’
‘I know.’ Leaning forward, she kissed him, cutting off his words.
Their engagement had lasted a year, and both of them had enjoyed the wait. They’d argued a little, and laughed a lot, and then finally they’d had a small private wedding with friends and colleagues that they’d planned together. Elliot had given Teddie away, and George had been a very solemn page boy, and now six months had passed and they had never felt closer.
‘I love you,’ she said softly.
Sliding his hand around her waist he pulled her closer. ‘I love you too.’ His eyes were steady and unblinking. ‘And I know it’s been a difficult lately, but that’s going to end today.’
‘It’s fine. I understand.’
Today, after months and months of intense preparation, Aristo was finally floating his business on the New York Stock Exchange. He’d been working long hours, and she knew he was trying to reassure her now, but it was something she no longer needed.
The unhappy memories of their first marriage were just memories.
Now, instead of staying late at the office, he’d invite his team back to the apartment so that she and George could be a part of the process, and she wasn’t left feeling isolated and lonely. And on the odd occasion when he had been forced to travel he had kept his trips as short as possible, often returning earlier than expected or taking her and George with him.
She squeezed his hand. ‘And today’s going to be better than fine.’ Feeling the limo start to slow, she kissed him fiercely, her eyes burning with love. ‘I’m so proud of you, Aristo.’
He shrugged. ‘I work with some good people. They’re really what’s made this possible.’
‘You do, and you’ve worked incredibly hard too.’ Her gaze fixed on his face. ‘But I wasn’t talking about the business,’ she said softly. ‘I was talking about you.’
Aristo stared down into her clear green eyes, his heart pounding.
The limo had stopped. If he looked out of the window he would be able to see the six Corinthian columns of the New York Stock Exchange. For so long he had dreamed of this moment—the short walk to the legendary neoclassical building that would turn his business into a global brand.
But over the last eighteen months he’d made a far more important journey with the woman sitting beside him. Teddie had transformed his life. She had taught him how to hope, to believe and to love.
Of course he was pleased that the IPO was happening, but the appeal of the big deal had dimmed. His life with Teddie and George was far more satisfying and exciting than any boardroom negotiation, and he savoured every moment spent with his wife and son for he had come so close to losing them.
As soon as they stepped out onto the pavement time seemed to speed up exponentially, so that one moment the second bell of the day was ringing to start trading on the Leonidas stock and the next they were mingling with underwriters and executives from the business.
And now they were back in the limousine, on the way to a party for the staff at Leonidas headquarters.
Teddie breathed out slowly. After the frenzy of the trading floor the car seemed incredibly calm and quiet.
She felt Aristo’s gaze on her face and, turning, she smiled up at him. ‘Happy?’ she said softly.
He nodded. ‘It went well.’ Leaning forward, he tapped on the glass behind the driver’s head. ‘Bob, can you take us to the apartment now, please?’
Teddie frowned. ‘But what about the party? Don’t you want to celebrate?’
He shook his head. ‘I spoke to the staff this morning. They know how pleased I am, and this party will be a lot more fun for them without the boss breathing down their necks.’
Biting her lip, she touched her fingertips to his cheek. ‘Does that mean I get to have you all to myself?’
Pulling her into his arms, he laughed.