Page 74 of One Pucking Secret
I nod, feeling a swell of pride. “Glad it all worked out.”
Mark glances at his watch. “I’ve got to head out, but I’ll catch up with you both soon.”
Zach turns to Wyatt with a grin. “Glad to see it was a success, man. You deserve it.”
Wyatt claps him on the shoulder. “Thanks, Zach. This whole thing would’ve been a lot harder without you.”
Just then, Lainey approaches, a warm smile on her face. She sidles up, giving me a quick hug. “Everything work out?”
“Everything’s perfect,” I say, beaming.
She grins, and the joy in her eyes mirrors my own. “Thank God. Ever since you texted me last night about the meeting, I’ve been on edge. This place wouldn’t be the same without you.”
“According to Janelle, I’m not going anywhere. And I might even become vice president after all.”
Lainey’s face lights up. “Vice president? Now that is the news I’ve been waiting for.”
I laugh. “Lainey, I haven’t introduced you to Zach yet. Meet Zachary Darling. Zach, this is Lainey Carrey—my best friend.”
Zach steps forward with a charming grin, extending his hand. “It’s a pleasure, Lainey. I can see why Chloe keeps you close.”
Lainey gives his hand a quick, playful shake. “Nice to meet you, Mr. Darling.”
“Please, call me Zach,” he replies smoothly, holding her gaze with a roguish smile.
Lainey laughs softly, her cheeks tinged with a touch of color. “Zach it is, then.”
“Zach’s my best friend,” Wyatt adds, his voice carrying a hint of pride.
Zach throws him a wink. “Best friend and occasional disaster control,” he quips, flashing a sideways grin at Lainey.
“Whatever, Zach,” Wyatt says with a smirk, rolling his eyes.
Lainey and I both laugh, the sound easing the last bit of tension from the day.
With a final, encouraging squeeze of my arm, Lainey steps back. “Alright, I’ll let you two get out of here. Text me later?”
“Absolutely,” I say, returning her squeeze.
Zach gives Wyatt a nod. “I’ll head out too. Catch you both soon. And Lainey, looks like I’ll be seeing you around more often.”
“I guess so. See you around, Zach.”
With a quick wave, Zach and Lainey head off in opposite directions, leaving Wyatt and me alone in the now-quiet hallway. We make our way to the exit and step through the revolving doors, emerging into the cool, fresh air. As the building’s shadow falls away, we’re met by a golden wash of sunlight, and the world feels suddenly brighter, lighter.
“We did good,” Wyatt says, his voice a low rumble of pride.
My heart swells. “We sure did. I’d even go as far as to say we make a great team.”
“Understatement.” He pulls me into his arms, his embrace warm and grounding.
Our lips meet in a kiss that speaks volumes, a silent seal on our victory, a vow between us.
“What do you say we grab some lunch, then go pick up our son?” Wyatt suggests, his blue eyes alight with plans for normalcy—a life reclaimed.
“I can’t think of a better way to spend the day.” The words come out wrapped in relief and a hint of excitement.
Together, we slide into the comfort of Wyatt’s SUV, the familiar leather seats welcoming us like old friends. He turns the key, and the engine hums to life, ready to carry us toward the simple joy of a shared meal and the infectious laughter of our child.
