For a second, I think I’ve misheard him. “He threatened to…quit? But he loves his job.”
He lets out a sigh. “His exact words were,I’ve spent years waiting for her. I won’t spend another day working for you if you can’t accept her as family.”
I stare at him in stunned silence. “He was willing to give up everything he’d worked for?”
“Yes,” he says, his shoulders dropping.
While I was agonizing over Rafael’s ultimatum, Brendan was fighting for me, willing to give up the thing he loves most.
It took him almost walking away for Rafael to realize his mistake.
“I see,” I say quietly. “Is Brendan the reason you’re apologizing?”
He shakes his head. “I’m apologizing because I was wrong. Brendan made me realize that I was mistaken about more than just your motives. I was wrong about what my nephew needs. He deserves someone who shows up for him, the same way he did for you.”
Something softens in my chest, thinking of Brendan standing up to his uncle on my behalf.
“Well, I appreciate the apology.” I square my shoulders. “But I’ve already made my choice. I’m not taking the vendor contract, and I just thought you deserved to hear it from me first.”
“I’m not surprised, actually.” He pulls out a folder and opens it. “Which is why I’d like to make it up to you.” He spreads out a contract in front of me. “I’m offering you the vendor contractofficiallythis time—no strings attached. You’ve already passed the first test, proving that you really care about my nephew. This time, there’s no catch, and I’m giving you better terms and full creative control.” Then he pulls out a pen. “I just hope this will make up for the trouble I’ve caused.” He holds the pen toward me, offering the chance of a lifetime.
The vendor contract is mine if I want it. For a moment, I just stare at the numbers on the paper. The amounts are mind-blowing.
If he’d offered it to me only a few days ago, I would’ve signed without a second’s hesitation. But that was before I learned that the right people are worth more than any contract.
“The offer is impressive,” I say in a steady voice. “But I have to decline.”
His eyebrows rise. “You’re turning it down?”
“I am.” I lay the pen on the table, leaving the contract unsigned. “I’ve accepted another offer.”
He frowns. “Who made you another offer?”
I pull out my phone and show him the selfie of me with the Marco women. “With business partners who believed in me without requiring me to prove anything first.”
He stares at the photo as the realization dawns on him.
“What do any of them know about running a business?” There’s skepticism in his voice, the unmistakable sting of being beaten at his own game.
“They may not own a hockey team. But they know about love and loyalty and showing up.” I put my phone down. “They offered me a partnership because they see potential in me and want to help. Not because I passed some test.”
“I don’t understand,” he says, shaking his head. “You’re turning down the contract after what Brendan was willing to do for you?”
“No, I’m turning it downbecauseof what Brendan did for me.” I lean toward him, one hand on the table. “He chose me without conditions.”
I head for the exit, then stop with my hand on the door.
“And just so we’re clear, Mr. Marco, when you see me at family events from now on, you can always call me Scarlett. Because I won’t be there as your vendor. I’ll be there as the woman who loves your nephew. He chose me and I chose him right back. That’s how love works. Maybe you could learn a thing or two.”
Then I walk out before he can respond, my head held high.
As soon as I’m in the hallway where he can’t see me, I sag against the wall—from adrenaline and the mind-boggling realization that Brendan Marco was willing to give up his dream job.
For me.
Tears burn behind my eyes as I pull out my phone. I send one sentence—we need to talk—then push offthe wall and walk straight into something solid, just like I did the day he asked me to be his wedding date.
Strong hands latch on to me before I stumble backwards. “Didn’t I warn you before about texting and walking?”