Page 61 of Love, Take Two

"Exactly," I say with a laugh. "But apparently I like collaborating with you."

"Good thing," he says, pressing a kiss to my temple, "because I've got some ideas about expanding our services."

"Oh no," I say with mock dread. "Ambitious Emory is dangerous."

"Hey, ambitious Vada fell for ambitious Emory once before," he points out.

"That's true," I agree, settling more comfortably against his side. "What are you thinking?"

"What if we don't just do destination weddings? What if we do destination everything? Anniversaries, vow renewals, corporate retreats, family reunions—any celebration that people want documented authentically."

The idea makes my event planner brain light up with possibilities. "That could work," I say slowly. "It would definitely set us apart from traditional wedding planners."

"And it plays to both our strengths," Emory continues, clearly warming to the concept. "Travel logistics, unique locations, authentic storytelling, professional event coordination."

"We'd need more vendors in different locations," I muse, already mentally organizing the systems we'd need. "And probably some kind of travel partnership for accommodations."

"All doable," Emory says confidently. "The question is, are you ready to build something bigger than we originally planned?"

I think about it—the potential growth, the additional complexity, the excitement of creating something entirely our own. Six months ago, I was burned out from corporate politics and convinced I'd never trust anyone enough to be real business partners. Now I'm considering expanding a business with someone I've been back in my life for less than a month.

"You know what?" I say, surprising myself with how certain I sound. "I think I am."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah," I confirm, turning to face him fully. "Let's build something amazing."

The kiss that follows tastes like ambition and possibility and the kind of partnership I never thought I'd be brave enough to want.

"So," Emory says when we break apart, "should we celebrate our business expansion plans?"

"How did you have in mind?" I ask, though the way he's looking at me suggests I know exactly what he has in mind.

"I'm thinking we could conduct a very thorough review of our bedroom workspace," he says with a grin that makes my pulse spike. "Make sure it meets our professional standards."

"Very thorough," I agree, already standing up and pulling him toward the bedroom. "We should be extremely... detailed in our assessment."

"I like the way you think, King," he says, following me down the hallway.

"I like the way we think together, Wise," I reply, and mean it completely.

Some business partnerships require careful boundary management. Others just require trusting that you're building something worth all the complications.

23

EMORY

The sound of Vada's phone buzzing at six AM should probably be annoying, but when she answers with "King Event Planning, this is Vada," in her sleepy professional voice, I find it ridiculously attractive instead.

"Yes, we do destination celebrations," she says, sitting up in bed and immediately switching into business mode. "Can you tell me about your vision?"

I watch her grab a notebook from the nightstand—because of course she keeps one there now—and start scribbling notes while having a completely professional conversation despite being in pajamas with serious bed hair.

"That sounds incredible," she's saying. "A vow renewal in Tuscany with full documentation and family coordination. Let me connect you with my business partner and we can set up a consultation this week."

Business partner. I'm still getting used to how good that sounds.

"Thank you so much for thinking of us," Vada continues. "We'll email you our information packet today, and I'm confident we can create exactly the experience you're dreaming of."

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