Page 25 of The Work Wife

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“Okay everyone, so we know what we’re doing. Let’s go do it.” Rob dismissed the Monday morning meeting and everyone jumped up to leave.

Wes looked at the coward sitting next to him, otherwise known as his new fiancée. They’d only decided to go forward with the plan two hours ago, but they determined it would be better to announce it that morning since they would be getting married in only a few days. It made sense that he would make the announcement since she would either laugh or confess halfway through.

“Excuse me,” he called before anyone got to the door. Mixed looks of irritation, dismay, and curiosity gazed back at him as everyone moved back to the table. “Jamie and I have an announcement to make.” Boy, did they.

Jamie stood up and stepped closer to him. He reached for her hand at the same time she reached for his. As planned.

“Jamie and I are getting married.”

“Holy shit!” Rob said as Neil elbowed Duane and said, “You owe me twenty bucks. I told you they were together.”

Duane glared at Wes and shook his head. Wes thought seeing Duane’s disappointment would be a highlight of this whole plan, but his victory felt hollow since he knew it wasn’t real.

And because he knew Jamie didn’t want to be with Duane anyway.

“Congratulations,” Rob offered, looking around the room at the other stunned faces. “I’m quite shocked. I had no idea you were even dating. I mean I knew you were close, but I didn’t realize it had turned romantic. Good for you.”

“Thank you,” Jamie answered, her voice sounding small next to him. He squeezed her hand, feeling the ring he’d given her dig into his finger.

“When’s the big day?” Rob asked.

“Actually, it’s this Friday,” Wes offered.

All eyes moved down, as the group focused their gaze on Jamie’s stomach.

“We were going to wait to have a big wedding this summer, but we just finished a project and thought it was the best time in our schedule.” Jamie had rehearsed this twice, and while her delivery seemed a little stiff, she managed to convince them.

“We decided it was time to let the cat out of the bag.” Wes smiled and wrapped his arm around her shoulders. That felt odd, so he dropped his arm and took her hand again. They should have practiced.

“Well then”—Rob glanced around the group—“perfect timing. You won’t need to pass off any of your projects before you leave.”

“Leave?” Wes questioned.

“For your honeymoon. Surely you’re planning to take off next week for your honeymoon.” Jamie was already off next week to go to her father’s for vacation. Wes could take a vacation as well. He had plenty of time to take.

“Oh, right. Yes. Our honeymoon.” Jamie looked up at him, guilt evident on her face. Was she already rethinking the plan? He gave her hand another squeeze and she snapped out of it.

“We all wish you the best.”

There was a moment of silence before everyone collectively moved for the door and the deed was done.

He let go of her hand as they walked back to their office. Cindy, their assistant, was waiting outside their office when they arrived, her hands clasped in front of her and a big smile on her face.

“I just heard the news. I’m so happy for you two,” she said, grabbing Jamie up in a hug before turning her affections on Wes. Cindy was very touchy, which made Wes nervous when she first came on board. He’d never been hugged much as a child. Now, he was used to her. And maybe even liked it. A little.

“They asked me if I had any clue and I told them I didn’t, but of course I heard that comment the other week, and deep down I was hoping the two of you would fall in love. You’re so perfect for each other. So respectful of one another, and you get along so well. It makes sense that your relationship would have grown.” She was all aflutter with excitement.

“We have a lot of stuff to get ready before the wedding on Friday.”

“I just love weddings. Please let me know if there’s anything I can do to help. I’d be more than happy to call a florist or schedule a dress fitting.”

“We’re not having that kind of wedding. We’re just going to go to the justice of the peace.”

“My Carl and I went to the JP too, but that doesn’t make it any less of a wedding. Do you have a pretty dress?”

“I don’t—”