Page 89 of Protected By My Best Friend's Brother

“Actually...” An idea forms, pieces falling into place with surprising clarity. “Meet me at the lake later? Around sunset? We should celebrate your big win properly.”

Her bright and beautiful smile, sends warmth cascading through my chest just like it did two years ago on that same dock. “It’s a date.”

After she leaves, I pull out the ring that’s been burning a hole in my desk for weeks. The diamonds catch the light, just like Emma’s eyes do when excited about a new idea. My mother’s ring, passed down by my grandmother, represents a legacy of strong partnerships. It seems fitting for Emma, who believes in honoring tradition while embracing innovation.

Some things change.

We grow, we learn, and we build something bigger than ourselves.

But the best things—like the way Emma makes my heart skip every time she smiles—just get better.

Especially when you’re finally brave enough to choose them.

Every single day.

Forever.

***

The next few weeks fly by in a whirlwind of innovation and change. Emma enthusiastically builds her new division, transforming the entire floor into a ‘sustainable technology think tank.’ The once-standard corporate space now features collaborative work areas, innovation stations with whiteboard walls for impromptu brainstorming, and Emma’s comprehensive color-coding system to facilitate cross-team collaboration.

Her infectious energy draws the best minds from every department. The tech division’s top developers request transfers to her team. Marketing specialists volunteer to help translate technical innovations into accessible concepts. Even the traditionally conservative finance department sends representatives interested in quantifying the financial impact of sustainable technology implementation.

I’m spending more time on her floor than in my executive office, drawn to the creative energy she’s fostered. The atmosphere reminds me of startup energy but with the resources of an established company—exactly the balance I’d always hoped we could achieve at Walker Enterprises.

Even Garrett proves himself valuable, bringing insights from Brighton’s failures that help shape our approach. “Their mistake,” he tells me one afternoon, watching Emma lead a brainstorming session from the glass-walled conference room, “was thinking technology alone could solve everything. What you two understand is that real innovation happens when you empower people to be creative.”

The transformation in Garrett continues to surprise me. The man who once insisted on rigid adherence to traditional methodologies now champions Emma’s hybrid approach in board meetings, using his deep industry connections to open doors for our new division.

I’m particularly proud of how she handled the transition from analyst to division head. She maintains her hands-on approach while developing a natural leadership style that makes people want to follow her vision. Where many new executives might create distance or adopt an authoritative stance, Emma leads through collaboration and enthusiasm, making each team member feel valued for their unique contribution.

“Check this out,” she says one evening, sprawled across the couch in my office with her laptop. We’ve fallen into a comfortable routine of working late and sharing takeout and ideas. “The sustainability tracking system we developed for the Johnsons? Three other companies have already requested proposals for similar implementations.”

“Already?” I look up from my reports, surprised by how quickly word has spread. We haven’t even officially announced the new division’s first product offerings.

“Word got out about our human-centered approach.” Her eyes sparkle with excitement as she turns her laptop toward me, showing emails from manufacturing companies across three states. “The Johnson plant manager bragged about Gordon Junior at some industry conference, and now everyone wants adaptive systems that honor their workplace traditions.”

She sits up straighter, ideas visibly forming as she speaks. “Lucas, we could change how the entire industry thinks about sustainable technology! Not just implementing green solutions, but doing it in a way that makes people feel valued rather than replaced.”

Watching her in moments like this—brilliant, passionate, completely unselfconscious—I fall in love again. With each passing day, the ring feels more right, but I want the proposal to be as unique as her. Not some cliché lake scene, but something that reflects who we are together—the perfect blendof professional partnership and personal connection, traditional values, and innovative thinking.

“Earth to Lucas!” She throws a fortune cookie at my head, her aim surprisingly accurate. “You’re doing that thing again.”

“What thing?”

“That soft smile when you’re thinking deep thoughts.” She moves to perch on my desk. “Share with the class?”

“Just thinking about how right this feels. You are running your division while we’re building something meaningful together.” I pull her closer, into the space between my knees.

“Speaking of building together.” She fidgets with her tablet, a hint of nervousness beneath her usual confidence. “I might have started sketching ideas for the home office. You know, for when I move in next week?”

The uncertainty in her voice catches me off guard. Despite her professional success and our solid relationship, there are still moments when she seems surprised by her happiness as if waiting for the other shoe to drop.

I pull her closer, pressing a kiss to her temple. “Show me.”

She launches into a detailed explanation of optimal workspace flow and creative environment theory, complete with color-coded diagrams showing where each of our work areas should be positioned for maximum productivity and collaboration. The designs perfectly blend her organizational systems with my more structured approach—just like our relationship.

I’m only half listening, too captivated by how perfectly she fits into my life, how every day feels brighter with her in it. The way she gestures animatedly when explaining her ideas, how she’s already considered where my family photos would look best, the special shelf she’s designated for my grandfather’s rare book collection—every detail shows how thoroughly she’s thinking about our life together.

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