Page 21 of Wedding Whitney
“I’m leaving all my stock in the company to Whitney and Jake, equally.”
“What?!” Canyon roars to his feet. “You can’t do that!”
“It’s already done, son.” She levels a gaze at him, then turns to Jake and me with a smile. “So, let’s all toast to the future of Raven Cosmetics.”
Everyone raises their glasses except Brett and Canyon, who glare at Jake.
“This is bullshit,” Brett growls.
“Please watch your language in front of the children.”
“Bullshit!” Brett’s four-year-old son, Canyon Brett Ravenworth, the fifth—who goes by C.B.—pipes up.
Taira leans over and whispers to him as most of those at the table snicker and smile.
Jake takes that opportunity to stand up. “Thank you, Lillian. Whitney and I are so honored to be not just in your life, but your heart. We’ll do our best to make you proud.”
“This is ridiculous,” Canyon says, starting to get out of his seat. “Do you know what he did?—”
“Canyon. Sit down.” Gran gives him a glare, and he sinks back into his chair, though his face is red and he appears to be sweating.
Jake turns to look at my father and brother. “I have to take a moment to give very special thanks to my future father- and brother-in-law for another incredible wedding gift they gave me just a couple of hours ago. I wanted the family to know just how giving and generous these two men are. A two-million-dollar donation to the Children’s Cancer Academy in mine and Whitney’s names. Thank you. Children’s cancer is important to everyone, and Whitney and I spend hours volunteering there in Anchorage. So thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”
The room erupts in applause and cheers, but Canyon and Brett look shell-shocked, and I stare up at Jake in confusion.
What on earth is he talking about?
When did my father and brother give them money?
“Oh, your young man is something.” Gran is fighting a smile as she whispers to me. “I’ve always liked him, but never more so than now.”
“I feel like I missed something,” I murmur.
“Seems like we both did.” Gran lifts her coffee cup. “And I can’t wait to hear the real story when we’re alone.”
Chapter 13
I’ve never loved being an asshole as much as I do at this moment.
I’ve essentially publicly outed Canyon and Brett while allowing them to save face—all for the tidy sum of two million dollars.
Lillian looks amused, Whitney looks confused, and Taira and Delilah are trying not to laugh. Obviously, they know what their husbands have been up to and find my little twist entertaining.
At least, I hope so.
Not that it matters.
I’d never take money from them, and certainly not as a payoff to make me leave Whitney.
Whatever our future holds, I’m ready, willing, and able to face it as long as she’s by my side. We’ll figure out the testing, genetics, kids, and whatever else life throws at us together.
That’s all there is to it.
I had a brief moment of insecurity, but there’s nothing that will keep me away from her.
“You’re a sneaky man,” Whitney whispers to me.
“Sometimes.” I squeeze her thigh under the table, briefly sliding my hand under her dress. “By the way, I really fucking love you in pink.”
