Page 51 of Christmas with My Ruthless CEO
"Still." She studies me over the rim of her mug. "It's quite the whirlwind. Any doubts?"
"None," I answer without hesitation. "Which should probably worry me but somehow doesn't."
"When you know, you know," she says with the wisdom of her thirty-four happily married years. "And you two certainly know."
Across the room, as if sensing our conversation, Atticus looks up. Our eyes meet over the heads of gathered guests, and the smile that crosses his face, private, warm, meant only for me despite the crowd, sends a flutter through my chest that has nothing to do with holiday excitement.
"Yes," I agree softly. "We do."
Atticus excuses himself from his conversation, making his way toward me with that purposeful stride that somehow manages to appear less corporate and more eager with each passing day.
"There you are," he says, reaching my side. His hand finds the small of my back, a casual touch that still sends warmth spiraling through me. "I was beginning to think you'd been kidnapped by the decorating committee."
"Just finishing the final touches," I assure him, leaning into his warmth. "Everything looks perfect."
"It does," he agrees, though his eyes never leave my face. "Especially you."
"Smooth talker," I accuse, feeling warmth rise to my cheeks despite myself.
"Just honest." He glances at his watch, the one concession to his corporate identity in his otherwise casual Christmas attire of dark jeans and a forest green sweater. "Almost time. Are you ready?"
The question holds weight beyond the immediate moment. Am I ready for the announcement we're about to make? For thefuture we're building. For the life that stretches before us, full of both challenges and promise.
"Completely," I answer, meaning it with every fiber of my being.
His smile deepens, eyes crinkling at the corners in the way I've come to treasure. "Then let's gather everyone."
Atticus
The crowd quietsas I step to the center of the lobby, Sloane by my side where she belongs. Faces turn expectantly toward us; my team members and their families, Hope Peak locals who've become more than just community stakeholders, my mother resplendent in a festive red dress beside Sloane's father in his slightly rumpled but clean flannel shirt.
An unlikely gathering for Atticus Morgan's Christmas morning. Yet somehow, perfectly right.
"Thank you all for joining us today," I begin, my voice carrying easily through the space designed for both business and community. "When I arrived in Hope Peak over a month ago, I had a clear mission: establish Blackwood Industries' Winter Division with maximum efficiency and minimum fuss."
Knowing laughter ripples through the crowd.
"What I didn't anticipate," I continue, "was how completely this town, and its people, would change not just my business plan, but my entire perspective."
My gaze finds Levi Voss, who gives an approving nod. Beside him, Mindy wrangles their twins, both dressed in matching reindeer sweaters.
"In the corporate world, success is measured in quarterly profits and shareholder value. Important metrics, certainly." I glance at Marcus, who stands attentively near the edge of the gathering. "But Hope Peak has reminded me that true success encompasses something far greater, community, connection, and the relationships that give meaning to everything else."
My hand finds Sloane's, our fingers interlacing naturally. "Some of you may have heard that Sloane and I are engaged."
More laughter, along with a few good-natured calls of ‘Old news, Morgan!" and "About time!"
"While this might seem sudden to outsiders," I acknowledge, "those who know us understand it's been years in the making. Sometimes the best business decisions are the ones that recognize what's been right in front of you all along."
Sloane squeezes my hand, her smile brightening the room more effectively than all the twinkling lights combined.
"Today, on Christmas morning, we wanted to share two pieces of news with all of you, our extended family." The word feels right in a way it never has before, even when applied to the biological connections of my childhood. "First, I'm pleased to announce that the Blackwood board has officially approved the full launch of the Winter Division, with permanent headquarters here in Hope Peak."
Applause breaks out, especially from the local business owners who understand what this means for the town's economy.
"More importantly," I continue once the noise subsides, "they've approved my proposal for a hybrid leadership model that allows me to split my time between New York and Hope Peak. Which brings me to our second announcement."
I turn slightly to face Sloane, taking both her hands in mine. This part, while rehearsed, comes straight from my heart. "Sloane Parker has agreed not only to become my wife but topartner with me in creating something new, a life that bridges both our worlds without requiring either of us to abandon what matters."
