Page 46 of Saving the CEO

She continued driving until a large two-story Spanish-style house with its manicured lawn and brick walkway came into view. Straightening her posture, she held her head up high. She couldn’t back out now, not when she was here, and certainly not when Devin’s family business was at stake. While their jobs and lines of work were different, she understood the pressures he faced. He wasn’t only working for himself, he had people to answer to. His grandfather had expected him to oversee the company. He had thousands of employees who relied on the business’s success for their paychecks. This situation was so much bigger than just the two of them.

Still, even if this didn’t involve the clause in his grandfather’s will, Scarlett was certain now of where she stood. This was an act of commitment and faith on her part, in the Lord’s plans, in Devin, and in their future together. She trusted God and believed He had brought her and Devin together. She also trusted Devin. Everything that she knew about him, from what she had observed to what Bekah had told her, rang true. He was a man of integrity and compassion.

I can wait.

Those three words that Devin had spoken to her came to mind, bringing with them a sense of calm. How wonderful it would be for him to truly be waiting for her. She pictured him at his front door greeting her with his arms open wide. She was ready to jump into his embrace and feel his love in a tangible way again.

Her nerves would disappear once she saw Devin, she was sure of it.

She pulled up the paved driveway on the right-hand side of the house to where one of two garage doors was open. Turning off the engine, she checked her reflection in the rearview mirror one last time. She’d made a special effort to look her best for this occasion. The shimmery gold and copper shades of her eye shadow complemented her nude-colored lipstick. Her long hair fell in loose curls around her shoulders, skimming the spaghetti straps of her burgundy dress. Releasing a long breath, she adjusted the sash around her waist and smoothed down the flowy fabric of the skirt. Her outfit was perfect for a romantic date, which she hoped would be the outcome of this evening.

When she stepped out of her car, she spotted an older vehicle parked inside the garage with its hood up. A pair of large feet clad in sneakers poked out from underneath it. Scarlett smiled at the sight, knowing that Devin was a mere five feet away. Her worries lifted and all she felt was peace and excitement. She quickly walked over, the clicking of her heels announcing her arrival.

“Hi, Devin, it’s me,” she called out as she reached his side. She knelt down, anticipating his reaction. Would there be a smile on his handsome face or a frown? She would take either one at this point, if only just to see him again.

He rolled out from under the car in one swift motion, then sat up to face her. His expression was one of surprise mixed with curiosity, as if he were seeing her for the first time. “You look amazing. I didn’t think you were coming by today.”

The knot in Scarlett’s stomach loosened at his compliment. His tone was as casual as his jeans and T-shirt. The way his eyes lit up set her even more at ease. She reached over and placed her hand on his. “I’m so sorry I didn’t call you sooner. It took me some time to figure things out, but I’m good now—great, actually. I’ve been praying and I talked to my sisters, and I see the situation clearly now. I know what I want, Devin, and what I want is—wait a minute …”

Scarlett withdrew her hand, cautiously studying the man before her. His haircut and beard were the same as Devin’s, but there was a glint in his eyes that she wasn’t used to seeing. It carried an element of playfulness and warmth unlike Devin’s usual demeanor. The Devin she had fallen in love with was fervent to the core. He didn’t do anything half-heartedly. The longer she stared, the more certain she was that this man was not her boyfriend.

She stood up and crossed her arms. Going with her gut, she exclaimed, “You’re Jace, aren’t you? I can’t believe I almost proposed—”

The door to the house swung open at the same time, cutting off her words. Scarlett looked over and raised her hands in a celebratory dance when she spotted the real Devin.

Her Devin.

“I was right!” She ran over and threw her arms around him. “It’s you, it’s really you!”

“Sweetheart, you’re here,” he murmured in her ear before pulling back to look at her. “Of course, it’s me. Who else would I …” His eyes widened with realization. “You thought Jace was me.”

“Only for a second, bro.” Jace chuckled as he made his way past them. He paused to give Devin a pat on the shoulder and a nod of approval. “She saw right through me, which was no easy feat. Congrats, Dev, it looks like you’ll be able to keep your job after all. And welcome to the family, Scarlett! I look forward to getting to know the woman who won over my brother,” he added with a wink before stepping into the house.

Devin’s brows drew together as his eyes darkened with intensity. “What was that all about? Care to fill me in on what I missed?”

Scarlett’s heart did a happy little flip. There was the man she adored. She grabbed Devin’s hands, unable to stop smiling. She knew exactly what she wanted to say. “You didn’t miss much, but you did miss hearing me apologize for not calling you all week. I’m sorry I made you wait so long, Devin.”

“It doesn’t matter. All that matters is that you’re here now.” He brought one of her hands to his lips for a kiss. “Is that it?”

She shook her head. “The other thing you missed was me saying that I’ve finally figured things out. I have an answer to the question you asked me before.”

“Which question is that?”

“You asked me what I want in life.”

“And what is it that you want, sweetheart?”

“I want to spend the rest of my days with the man I love. That’s you, Devin. I want to do life with you and build a home and a family with you, too. I want to be the one to go to Golfland with you someday and hear you tell our kids the story of how you and I fell in love there. What I’m saying is, I want to be your wife. So—” She took a deep breath and asked, “Devin Kendall, will you marry me?”

He held her gaze, unblinking. “You’re proposing to me?”

“I am. Do you have a problem with that? There’s no rule that says a woman can’t propose to a man.”

“I have no problem with you proposing. But the thing is, I already proposed to you, and my proposal still stands. It’s only fair that you answer me first.”

A hint of a smile played on Devin’s lips, making her eyes roll. “Are you serious? This isn’t a competition, Mr. CEO.”

“I know it isn’t. It’s a matter of principle.” He wrapped an arm around her waist and drew her close. “You’re trying to answer a question with a question. I’d like an answer.”

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