Epilogue

Isabelle

Three years later

"No, no, no…" I stare down at the spreading coffee stain on my favorite dark gray yoga pants with abject horror. " Nooooo. "

This is what I get for trying to cram too much into a child-free morning. I wanted to bring Mack a coffee from Bright Books when I surprise him and the kids at the office.

But now I'm wearing my coffee and his is on the concrete at my feet.

The pants don't say anything back. No apologies for attracting the coffee.

I do have a change of clothes in my bag, but after two kids, the outfit isn't going to fit the same way it used to.

I'm hippier than I was when I first wore the kilt into the foyer of Emerson Industries.

Mack still likes to see me in it, though. Which is why I brought it with me. I thought maybe I would put it on in his office.

But up ahead is his limo, waiting at the curb. That's as good as a change room.

I scoop up the takeaway cups and toss them in a nearby recycling bin. Then I march straight ahead and quickly slide into the back of the car, hiding inside the tinted windows.

"I'm just leaving my bag here," I tell the driver through the partition. "When is Mr. Emerson expected to come downstairs?"

"In five minutes, miss."

Just enough time to change.

Quickly, I shimmy out of my coffee-soaked pants and put on the kilt. It's not that bad. It comes down mid-thigh, and it looks really cute with my blouse.

I'm definitely hippier than I once was, but as long as I don't bend over, we're fine.

Taking a deep breath, I open the door and step out into the sunshine.

Three years ago, I hopped off a bus and made this exact same walk into Emerson Industries, hoping to get a job.

I got so much more.

The glittering glass tower is a second home now. And inside is my family. I walk through the front doors, déjà vu rolling over me in waves.

Just ahead, the elevator doors open and Mack strides out, as fierce and tall as ever. His hair is more silver than black now, and his beard is too.

Other than the tactical baby carrier on his chest, he's still the same bespoke titan of a man I fell in love with that fateful day. Tailored suit, pristine in every detail.

My heart swells, and like always when I first catch sight of him in a crowd, I'm spellbound by his power and energy.

Today, that is aimed at our toddler, who is running alongside him. Mack is barking information at Tower at double speed, and he's gobbling it up.

Suddenly, Mack stops and his gaze shifts, searching for the energy disturbance. Me.

Tower keeps running a few yards ahead, and then slows down, realizing he's left Daddy in his dust.

I smile and wave when Mack finds me. Hi , I mouth.

He rakes his gaze over my outfit, and one fierce eyebrow arches up.

I blush.

"There's your mother," he says, his voice a rough, rich baritone that still makes my thighs quiver.

Tower races over. "Papa says I get an assistant next week."

I choke on a laugh. "You're giving him staff already, Mr. Emerson?"

He joins us, his gaze still lingering on my bare legs. "I like to reward initiative, Mrs. Emerson."

"I have an initiative I'd like to discuss in a private meeting," I whisper as he leans in to kiss me.

His mouth covers mine and his whole body tightens up against me. "Have a presentation ready by nap time," he murmurs before turning us all around and pointing the family to the elevator. "Change of plans, my son. We're staying here for the afternoon. Mommy and Daddy have important business to discuss."