Julia
“It seems like we’re leaving with more than we came with,” I said with a giggle. “And that doesn’t include all my things from the house.”
“I sent one of the men we hired over there earlier this morning.” Van shook his head. “Some of it will make the plane ride, but since you also wanted your car in Ashland, the rest will follow in a few days.”
I waved my hand. “I don’t care. I just want to get home.”
We were both dressed for our flight, him in his jeans, boots, and a button-down shirt with a sports coat and me in soft gray slacks, boots, my camisole, and a long sweater.
Van pulled me to him, kissing my lips. “I love to hear you call Ashland home.”
“Get used to it. Once we say our vows in the place we first became one, you’re stuck with me forever.”
“I want longer.”
I grinned. “Always more.”
“Always more. And your things, you’re moving into my bedroom. No more separate suites.”
“You can be bossy.”
“No one has ever told me that before.”
Before I could respond, a knock came from the suite door.
Van placed one more kiss on my lips. “Are you ready to go?”
I looked around at all the bags including my overstuffed satchel with my laptop and all my notes. Pulling my coat from the chair, I said, “I’m ready.”
He opened the door to a bellman and a cart. “Mr. Sherman.”
“Yes, sir,” Van replied. “Everything is here.” He pointed to our packed bags.
I stood taller. “I’m not quitting on Wade, Van. I meant what I told Mom when I said I’d clean house. If that means her and Dad and the Butlers, then fuck it.”
Van’s lips curled into a smile. “I have no doubt that I’ve made a good investment.”
“I can’t promise you did. I can promise that I’ll do my best, and my odds of success are higher because I have a great teacher.”
Van reached for my hand. “Shall we go?”
“We shall.”
As we reached the first floor and were on our way to the front desk, Van’s phone rang.
His brow furrowed. “I should take this.”
“I can wait.”
“The car is here,” he said, nodding to a man who I now knew was a bodyguard.
“Okay,” I said. “Don’t be long.”
Walking through the lobby, I turned back, not seeing where Van had gone.
“Ms. McGrath,” the bodyguard said.
“I’m coming.” It was then I remembered that I’d separated my purse from my satchel and laid it on the chair with my coat. “Shoot. I think I left my purse in the room. Do you mind if I run back up there?”