Maripolite

Untitled Part 30

Nathalie had moved about a month ago and Charles hadn't called and she hadn't changed her mind and decided to marry him. He'd wanted to but her rejection had hurt more than he was willing to admit.

It was harder to stay focused on work as he adjusted to a life without her and his hours were long as he tried to fill the void inside him. He sat in his office at Morgan Enterprises when an unexpected rumbling came from outside standing he went to check. His new assistant Mrs. Graves was arguing with Nathalie and the shock of seeing her caused him to focus on nothing else but her as his mind zoned out the rumble between them until they felt his presence and Nathalie turned to face him

"Hi, Charles"

His mouth was dry and the words crawled over his tongue "Nathalie"

"Can we talk?" He nodded stepping aside for her to enter

"Mr. Morgan you have meetings scheduled" Mrs. Graves rose to protest

"Cancel them," He said before closing the door behind them

"Can I get you something to drink?" Charles said walking behind her. She was just as beautiful as the last time he'd seen her and his palms became sweaty a problem he hadn't had in just over thirty days.

Nathalie shook him off and turned to face him "How have you been?"

"Not my best I admit, and you?"

She shrugged and looked to the floor briefly before looking back up and staring at him firmly with those maripolite eyes. She might not have needed a drink but he did and gestured for her to walk with him over to the trolley. "How's Diana she asked"

"I haven't seen Diana since the dinner party. Why do you ask?"

"I don't know"

"Has Ronald helped with everything you asked of him. I reassigned him to be there for you."

"He has. Thank you. He drove me here today"

"Great," He said taking a sip of his drink

"I've kept up with the psychologist and started taking the therapy for my ankle. Thanks a lot for organizing it"

"That's all Jennifer I can't take the credit" He smiled "How does the ankle feel?" he asked nervously

"Much better," she said stumbling over her next words "Is that job still available. The one at the studio"

"It is." He squinted at her questingly "Is that why you're here to ask for the job"

"Yes"

"You sure you don't mind working that close with me," Charles stuttered "'cause you... you don't want to get married. Seems like it might be an awkward thing for us to do"

"I know" she looked directly at him and remained as rigid as she was when she had walked through the door willingly into his space

"Well, it's yours if you want it. I never officially opened but I rent it out to artists who'd like to display their work. None of the back rooms are functional and Jenniffer works there full time now as the receptionist" he rattled

"Yes, I noticed you have a new secretary"

"A more competent secretary" they stood facing each other neither moving to break the silence "I've missed you" he blurted out

Nathalie did not answer but reached into her jacket pocket and pulled out the box with the ring he'd offered the night he'd asked her to marry him. She bit her lower lip opened the box and placing the empty box on the trolly she anchored the gold ring on her wedding finger.

He placed his drink down and asked "Are you sure this time. I can't do this with you all over again. Either we are in this for the long-haul or we're not."

"Well, I've had some weeks to think about it and I think I want to be in this for the long-haul"

"What'd your doctor say about it?"

"Good luck"

His lips rose at the corners "You really spoke to the doctor about it?"

"I really spoke to the doctor about it"

"You sure he isn't biased in my favor as I pay his bill"

"I'm sure"

Charles took her hand and kissed where the ring covered her finger then he drew her close a giddy smile covering his face, "Nathalie Blossom will you be my wife"

"Charles Morgan, I love you and yes I will be your wife."

His heart skipped a beat and he pursed his lips taken aback by her response happy that she'd finally said yes. He pulled her close and claimed his kiss long and slow.

"What changed your mind?" he asked pulling away

"Living the last month without you has been a million times scarier than I ever thought it would be. I've missed you so much"

"You're trembling"

"I'm nervous had to talk myself into this for a whole week"

"It took you a week to come over here why not come by the house, call, message or email"

"Not sure what kind of hours you're keeping these days with Diana gone and I needed to do this face to face"

"Ridiculous hours" he brushed her hair behind her ears "Good call then"

"I should go now and let you get back to work"

"Are you mad I'm never taking my eyes off of you ever again"

"That's impossible"

"Well at least until you say I do"

"Won't we have to plan a wedding"

Charles raised his eyes to the ceiling thinking of the best way forward then he took her hand and dragged her over to his desk dialing his secretary's extension. "Mrs. Graves can you have the pilot get my private jet ready for a trip to Las Vegas"

"Las Vegas. You own a private jet?" Nathalie asked raising her shoulders questioningly while he finished his conversation with Mrs. Graves.

"Yes, Las Vegas and we own a private jet." he said when he'd turned his attention back to her "We're getting married today!" he exclaimed

"Thought you were supposed to invite your mother?"

"She can come to the second wedding. The first wedding is happening today and it's too late to get the invites out"

"Today!" she exclaimed

"Yes, do you have a problem with that?"

"No," she said leaning her body into his.

He glided his hand over her back as their lips met lightly grazing each other she whispered "I love you"

He'd been waiting a lifetime to hear those words "I love you too Nathalie Blossom" Charles murmured before deepening his kiss.