The Arrangement

Chapter 20

I wake up on Sunday morning to a delightful smell. I make my way into the kitchen to find Michael making breakfast; I lean in the doorway watching him move around, he looks up and throws me his sexy smile. Oh my.

“You’re making breakfast.” I smile.

“Trying. Just hope I don’t poison us.” He frowns.

“I’m stronger than I look.” I wink at him.

“That I know.” He grins. “You are also tougher than anyone I’ve ever met not to mention you’re very flexible.”

I blush; he did have me in all sorts of positions. I’m not complaining I enjoyed every single one.

My phone rings to my new favourite song. If I ever saw heaven by Roan Ash.

“Hello?”

“Hi Jennifer. Will you and Michael come by the office?” Mrs Jones says.

“Sure. When would you like us to be there?”

“Now.” She says, “If it’s possible.”

“Okay. See you in a few.” I say and hang up.   

Michael frowns at me.

“It’s Sonny, he wants to see us ASAP.”

“Why? It’s Sunday.”

I shrug, “Probably just more paperwork for us to sign.”

I’m surprised to see Sarah and Harry in Sonny’s office when Michael and I walk in hand in hand.

“How are you, dear?” Sonny asks as we walk in.

“I’m okay, thanks. What’s going on here?”

“I thought it best to have all of you here at the same time.” Sonny replies.

This doesn’t sound good. I squeeze Michael’s hand tighter. We sit down on the couch and Sonny sits on his chair. “I’ve figured out the arrangement the four of you have made and I’m sorry to say but I won’t allow it.”

Shit! “But…” I try and Sonny holds his hand up to let me know he is speaking now.

“Jennifer, I can see where you’re coming from and I understand. I know if Jason and Rebecca were here they would have helped but to get married is not the answer. You should have come to me, there is over three hundred million I can get loose in the next hour should you so desire.”  Sonny says.

All our jaws drop in unison. What the hell?

“I’m sure none of you realized that the Henderson family was so wealthy. I blame myself for not telling you Jennifer. I should have.” Sonny apologizes.

“Are we in trouble?” I manage.

“Of course not sweetheart. I will never get you in trouble. Your father was my only client, he is the only reason I am able to do so much pro-bono work. I owe him a lot. So tell me how much you want and we can write a check right now.”

“We’re only left with about nine million; we got the rest from the trust.”

“Okay.” He nods, “What was the total?”

“Twenty four million.” I reply.

“I’ll replace the money in the trust then get the balance transferred but I have one condition.” Sonny replies after scribbling on a note pad.

“What?” I ask.

“You become a shareholder at Wellington’s.” Sonny says looking at Harry.

“No.” I say shaking my head.

“Yes.” Harry speaks for the first time since I came into Sonny’s office.

“Harry.” I whisper.

“No, it’s the right to do, I been thinking about doing it anyway.”  Harry replies. “It’s a family business and you are family so you should be a shareholder, it will be the four of us.”

I look up at Michael, he gives me a smile. Sarah smiles and nods too.

“Great then I’ll consider the twenty four million the buy in fee. There will be no need to pay it back. Right then I’ll get in touch with your lawyers and we’ll get together and get all the paperwork ready for signatures.” Sonny says and everyone nods in agreement except me. I’m overwhelmed.

“Jennifer a moment please.” Sonny says as we all stand. Everyone leaves. Michael kisses my hand before he leaves.

“Are you okay?” Sonny asks.

“Yes. Just surprised by all the money.” I say. I had no idea.

“I meant are you okay? We’re you forced in any way to do anything that you didn’t want to do.”

“God no! It was my idea.”

“What about Michael?”

“What about him?” I frown.

“Did he?”

“No. He would never.” I reply shaking my head. How could Sonny even think that?

“You know how I worry. I’ve seen you grow into this amazing woman and with all that happened.”

“That wasn’t the Wellington’s fault besides you know I can take care of myself, mom and dad made sure of it.” I smile.

Sonny grins. “As long as you’re okay?”

“I’m happy, truly happy for the first time in years, despite all the drama.”

Sonny nods and I hug him.

Michael is waiting for me outside the building. He looks worried.

“Are we breaking up? He asks.

Crap! “Do you want to?” I ask him bracing myself.

“No of course not, I love you but…”

He loves me! I’ll never get tired of hearing that.

“Nothing’s changed for me maybe just the marriage part. I can wait a little while to do that.”

“Thank God.” He says pulling me into his embrace. The only man I’ve ever wanted to be with. We stroll down the street hand in hand.

“Do you want me to move out?” He asks.

“No. Not if you don’t want you, I like having you there.” I smile. He relaxes. “Besides it’s more convenient if you’re next to me in bed.” I wink.

He stops, “Is that all I am to you? A piece of meat ready and able to fulfill all your desires.”

I giggle. “Catch on quickly don’t you.” I lift my eyebrow at him.

“You drive me crazy.” He says pulling me into his embrace.

“I think you have that backwards, you’ve been driving me crazy for years.” I say looking up into his eyes.

“I love you.” He says.

“I love you too.” I reply and he kisses me right there in the middle of the walkway. He is mine.