The Arrangement

Chapter 63

Work. This is what I live for. That may seem strange or like a limited way to live, but I love what I do. I thrive when I have a problem to solve. I need to not be focused on me. I need to focus on my mission or someone else.

I was back at it at the aquarium. I love it. I wouldn't have it any other way. I was back to my normal schedule of up at 4am then on to work then I'd pour over my research and if need be call Dr. Quinn or Dr. Ramsey then repeat. The days began to bleed for me and I was just trying to force the time to pass. I almost never saw the director at work, apparently Katrina had done or said something to scare him. Thank God.

When she showed up at my office two weeks later I was more than a little surprised.

"Paperwork," she winked.

I felt the smile spreading across my face. I sorted through the paperwork until I saw the envelope with an M on it.

Mikaela,

If you haven't noticed by now, I'm a hopeless romantic. I always have been and so long as you're in my life I will continue to be. Get over it. I am planning to spoil you for as long as you'll have me. And for me, if I get my way, that would last forever. I swear, once I get to hold you again, I'm never letting go.

For the record, I don't see how I could ever resent you. You have changed me. I don't deserve you, but I will spend the rest of my days trying to be the man you deserve. Misery is not being able to hold you. Misery was when all my lies and careful planning came undone and I was all but certain I'd lost you forever. Misery is waking up in my bed and there's a cold empty place where you belong. Misery is these women trying to offer themselves to me and all I can think about is the way your hair would fall in your face or the way you blush when you're angry or I push your buttons. Misery is knowing you aren't here with me. I can't see anyway that I could possibly be miserable with you. Misery is seeing the tabloids of you and Rory and the malicious lies they've written about you.

But trust you to never even see the tabloids. Only you. I love that about you. You really don't care what the world thinks. You care what your heart tells you and what your head tells you.

That money is yours. If you want to save it, save it, but that money is yours. Period end of story. Don't feel guilty about it. I purposely gave it to you. It may seem like a lot, and to most of the world it is, but it's just money. It's options for you, baby. If you need any of it, don't hesitate. That is yours and what's mine is yours. Don't even consider anything less.

I don't want you to struggle for anything, and I imagine that with the nonsense going on at the aquarium your paychecks have been affected. If that's the case, use it. Baby that money is there to protect you and give you everything you need and want and then some. While my ability to protect you right now is limited, at least that blanket can cover you.

I have been finding out bits and pieces of the fiasco of my father still trying to discredit you. Two more weeks and then all the pieces will have fallen and we'll pick up the ones we need and leave the rest on the floor.

Missing you more each day

Yours Forever,

T

I smiled at his letter. He was too much. His cast should be off now and we were almost finished.

"Looks like you got a good letter," Katrina teased and then I remembered she was here too.

"Yeah," I nodded. ", it was. He's something else." I laughed.

"Well, it's pretty late. I'm going to get going. Oh, and Nikki will be paying you a visit in the next day or so."