Page 87 of Saddle and Bound

"Alex!" I cry, my voice thick with emotion.

He whirls around, alarm etching his features at the tone of my voice. No further words are needed. He opens his arms, and I fall into them, finally letting the tears I'd been holding back flow freely.

"Shh, I'm here," he murmurs, stroking my hair. "What happened?"

Through my sobs, I explain the email from the marketing firm. Alex listens in silence, continuing to hold me close.

"I don't know what to do," I whisper finally. "This changes everything."

Alex gently eases me back, cupping my face in his calloused hands and meeting my gaze. His expression is pensive yet calm. Somehow, this soothes me in return - because he seems collected, as if he's already considering a solution. Surely a solution must exist.

"Rosie, listen to me. This is just a temporary obstacle. We'll find a way through this." His voice is unwavering.

I nod weakly, clinging to his words like a lifeline.

"Now," he continues, his tone firm yet tender, "let's have breakfast. Then, calmly, we'll explore all our options. Okay?"

"Okay," I reply, feeling a glimmer of hope reignite within me. We sit at the kitchen table, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee drifting through the air. Alex pours me a cup and takes the seat opposite, his eyes filled with affection and determination. I didn't expect this reaction from him. He's always told me we'd face challenges together, but I anticipated him feeling just as discouraged as I do.

I mean, my whole world just came crashing down. Yet he seems unfazed. Resolute. In control.

"Alright," he says after a moment of silence. "Let's think through this situation. What are our options?"

I sigh, trying to organize my thoughts. "Well, I could honor the 60-day notice period," I say slowly. "But that would mean delaying my plans by two full months. Going back to Los Angeles..."

Alex nods, pensive. "That's an option. What else?"

The mere thought terrifies me. How can he not be troubled by this?

"No, Alex, I can't..." He scoots his chair closer and tenderly caresses my cheek.

"It's the worst-case option, but it's not a disaster. Just two months. I could take a vacation and come with you if you don't want to go alone. It's not a problem... but let's see if we can find another solution first. If not, we'll do it. Just two months."

I look at him, overwhelmed with love. Who would have thought a person, a man, could make me feel this secure?

The idea of returning to Los Angeles, even for two months, fills me with unease. I lived there my entire life, but the prospect fills me with anxiety and dread.

"We could try to negotiate," suggests Alex, having clearly read my distress. He always understands. "You could offer to work part-time and remotely during the final month, for example."

I nod, a glimmer of hope stirring. "There's also the option of paying a penalty to leave early," I add, recalling a clause in my contract. "But I'm not sure I can afford that."

Alex takes my hand, squeezing it gently. "Don't worry about the money right now. If that's the best option, we'll find a way."

His unconditional support warms my heart. "Thank you, Alex," I whisper.

"There's one more thing to consider," Alex says thoughtfully after a moment. "In the meantime, try sending a follow-up email to your boss. Explain the situation again and see if you can find a mutually agreeable solution."

"I could try..." I say, feeling slightly more optimistic but still doubtful.

"See?" Alex smiles. "We have several options. This isn't a hopeless situation."

I nod, feeling much better than I did just minutes ago. "You're right. I think the first step is to talk to my boss. If that doesn't work, we can always look at the other options."

"Agreed," says Alex. "Would you like me to help you prepare what to say?"

"Yes, please," I reply, grateful for his support.

Chapter 56

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