Page 17 of The Marriage Pact
Kaitlyn wasn’t trying to be provocative. He was the CEO of an enormous company. He had responsibilities she couldn’t possibly imagine having. But where was the challenge of living life? Of doing things for yourself? Kaitlyn couldn’t imagine her own life being managed in that way, though she feared it was about to be. Alex looked confused.
“Well… I suppose I didn’t always. But things got more complicated. I started having less time to make decisions and do all those little things that someone else could just do for me,” he said.
Kaitlyn smiled and shook her head. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to be critical. It’s just… our lives have been so different. You should see the size of my apartment in San Francisco. It’s a tiny little place, above a pizza restaurant. There’s hardly room for anyone but me,” she said, feeling somewhat embarrassed at the comparison.
“How do you feel about moving to New York?” he asked.
Kaitlyn smiled. She’d been curious about his life. Her questions weren’t meant to be critical. Her feelings were the same as they’d been the night before. She was ready for a change, a new challenge. San Francisco had been fun, but the idea of going back there wasn’t appealing. Her mom’s death had changed her.She’d clung to memories, rather than dreamed dreams about the future. Alex’s offer had come at just the right time.
“It’ll take some getting used to, and I certainly don’t need someone to clean up after me and do everything for me. But I’m ready,” she replied.
He smiled at her, leaning forward and kissing her gently on the lips.
“Why don’t you finish your breakfast? I have a few calls to make, then perhaps we could go for a walk? I’d better let my mom know what’s happening, too,” he said.
Kaitlyn had forgotten about his mom. What would she say when Alex announced his intention to marry? Her phone buzzed again. Another message from Rachel, this time a simple “?” Kaitlyn rolled her eyes. “I’d better call Rachel. Then I’ll shower and we can go out,” she replied. “I’ll let you tell your mom.”
“She’s always liked you. I remember her once saying that you brought out the best in me. I know she’ll be pleased.”
After kissing her again, Alex left the room. Kaitlyn could hear him on the phone with Hilary downstairs. Taking a deep breath, she picked up her own phone and called Rachel. The reaction was just as she’d expected…
“You didwhat?” Rachel exclaimed after Kaitlyn had briefly explained what had happened at the wedding.
“Why aren’t you out enjoying your honeymoon?” Kaitlyn asked. Rachel and Sean had caught a late-night flight to Palm Springs, where they’d spend the next two weeks staying in one of its fashionable hotels.
“We are, but it’s not like we haven’t been living together for the past ten years,” Rachel replied. “But what were you thinking? You can’t just agree to marry him like that.”
Kaitlyn didn’t think it was really any of Rachel’s business, though her friend’s reaction was hardly surprising. She wouldn’t be the only one to talk about rushing into things.
“We’ve been engaged since prom night,” Kaitlyn pointed out.
“And you’re going to move to New York just like that, are you? You don’t know him. It’s been twelve years since prom night. You said yourself you were nervous about seeing him again. I almost didn’t invite him,” Rachel said.
Kaitlyn could hear the exasperation in her voice. “I was, but then I wasn’t. We just… realized what was missing.”
It was difficult to explain. Kaitlyn knew it didn’t make sense. Rachel’s words were exactly as hers would’ve been if the situation were reversed. It was hardly a surprising reaction, and yet Kaitlyn knew she was doing the right thing. She’d lived in her own shadow for too long. Life was passing her by. She needed something more, something new.
“Is it because he’s a billionaire?” Rachel said.
Kaitlyn rolled her eyes.
“No, it isn’t that. Look, enjoy your honeymoon. I’ll call you later, all right?” she said, and before Rachel could respond, she hung up, sighing, as she tossed the phone onto the bed.
Doubt was inevitable, and rationality was only going to give one answer. But the breakfast tray with the pretty flowers, the lingering memory of the kiss, and the promise of a walk together were little signs that what she was doing was right. Alex hadgrown up. He was more serious, though Kaitlyn felt certain she could bring out his humor. She wanted to be with him. She’d always wanted to be with him.
“I’d forgotten how long it takes you to get ready,” Alex said, grinning when Kaitlyn came downstairs after her shower.
She laughed. “It’s a woman’s prerogative. Are you ready? Did you make your calls?”
He nodded. “Hilary’s sorting things out. There’s nothing much I can do from here. Shall we walk past the high school?”
Kaitlyn nodded. She’d walked past the high school dozens of times since returning to Cedarhurst to look after her mom, but doing so with Alex would certainly be a trip down memory lane.
“No Betsy to take us this time?” she asked as they stepped out onto the porch.
“I always wonder what became of her. I drove her to Harvard,” he said.
“I know,” Kaitlyn replied. “I came to wave you off. Remember?”
