Chapter 158: Let's Get Married

Justin

My sister’s call infuriated me, so much so that I didn’t realize Donald had gently pushed Amelia against the wall. I didn’t realize anything until I was almost to the top floor; I couldn’t think of anything else. I stormed into the office where Taylor and Deborah were waiting.

“You want to leave? And you’re telling me this right before I’m about to be gone for months? What the hell, Deborah?” I yelled. Taylor bristled and took a step toward me, but Deborah placed a hand on his arm. I instantly regretted my outburst and took a deep breath.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to yell,” I said, looking at Taylor.

He relaxed a little, but he was still on guard. I loved that he protected my sister, even from her brothers. She’s my twin, but I know they were closer than…

“We want to start a family, and my doctor told me I need to choose between work or trying to get pregnant. I wanted to get the treatment, but I can’t do that if I’m here more than I’m home. I love this job, and I already know someone who would be perfect for this position, but I want this, Justin,” she said, her voice cracking and her eyes glazing over. There was a knock on the door, and Griffin entered. They had just returned from their extended honeymoon.

“Respect your decision,” he said immediately, and I rolled my eyes.

He’s become so mellow since he met Joanna. I used to be the sullen one, but then again, he was going to be a father. I know I should be her biggest supporter, but I was shocked. I had no idea this is what she wanted. I had always been the sibling who wanted the family, and they always wanted a career.

“I think you’re having a hard time with this because this is the part you always wanted. But being CEO, you can’t take a step back like I can,” she said softly, coming around her desk and standing in front of me.

“He thought he couldn’t,” Griffin said, turning to me.

“Hold the fuck up! This isn’t about me!” I snapped, my eyebrows raised. She looked at Griffin, who returned the same look. I wasn’t one to lose my cool.

“Taylor isn’t leaving, just me, and I wouldn’t leave until I know you have a wonderful replacement. We’re all about to start this amazing stage of life, and so are you. Things are going to change, this place runs itself to an extent, and you’re also delegating more than you did. Griffin’s here now; you both have worked so hard to have this legacy, and you should take some time to enjoy it,” she said, placing a hand on my shoulder. I sighed. I honestly couldn’t believe this. I always thought it would be the three of us…

“Why is this so hard for you?” Griffin asked, crossing his arms.

I sighed and ran a hand through my hair, which, when I thought about it, was dangerously close to being as long as Griffin’s.

“I just never saw this coming. I thought it was going to be the three of us until we passed it onto our children,” I said softly, and she gave me a knowing smile.

“If you don’t let me do this, I won’t have any children to pass it onto. Who knows, these treatments may not work, but I have to try,” she said, tears rolling down her cheeks, and I pulled her into me. I hated to see her cry, and even worse when I was the cause.

“Deborah, I’m sorry. I will support you. I never want you to regret any of your choices,” I said. She held onto me tight and cried into my chest.

I looked over to her husband, who had a tear sliding down his cheek. I know I want children, and I would hate for him to hate me for her leaving.

“Please, let me know if I can help in any way. I know those treatments are expensive,” I said to her. She laughed, wiping her snotty nose on my shirt, and I grimaced.

“Justin, Taylor and I have made enough money to never work another day in our lives and still be millionaires multiple lifetimes over. Just be glad Taylor is here, or I would have made him leave too,” she said, and I gave her a stern look.

“Don’t push it,” I said through gritted teeth, and she laughed. Taylor came over and took her in his arms.

“You need a haircut,” he said, and I gave him a dirty look.

“You’re starting to look like Griffin,” he added, and I looked at Griffin, who burst into laughter.

“Oh hell, no,” I said, and they all began laughing.

I shook my head, having to smile. I couldn’t stay upset with my family, especially over something that wasn’t bad. I sighed again. I need to find Donald and go home.

Chapter 150: Let's Get Married

“Fuck off,” I groaned before leaving the room, followed by their laughter.

Donald was standing in the hallway, waiting. He looked worried, but when he heard the laughter, his face softened somewhat.

“Is everything okay?” he asked, pushing off the wall.

I love the way he waits, and I knew Amelia would be too if she wasn’t working. I took his hand and led him to my office and closed the door.

“I swear, things change so fast sometimes,” I said softly, grabbing water for both of us before sitting on the couch. He sat next to me and draped an arm around my shoulder. He sat there silently, waiting for me to elaborate.

“I always wanted to have a family, and I guess I lost sight of what I wanted and focused more on what I could control. Now I feel like everyone has this family and is making sure nothing gets in the way of what they want, and it’s sort of making me jealous,” I said to him. He grazed his fingers up and down my arms as I talked, and it brought me so much comfort.

“I know I have you and Amelia now, but is it too soon to start a family? We have Emily, but I know I asked Amelia if she was ready, but am I rushing it?” I asked, looking up at him and smiling.

“You know when we talked this morning about having more children? I picture her walking barefoot and pregnant in a villa on the sea in Australia. We have a perfect life, and I’m all for taking advantage of the fact that we can be together and not worry about anything. We’re all on board for this life; there really is nothing stopping us,” he said, and I laid my head on his shoulder.

He was right. Amelia agreed that she wanted more children, and I had everything I always wanted. I sat up and turned to him.

“Let’s get married,” I said abruptly, and he sat up and stared at me, his lips parted.

“I don’t want to have more children without making this commitment to each other, and I know you don’t either, and Amelia as well. I want her to make a commitment to us as well, and we are to her…”

“Are you proposing to me?” he asked, one eyebrow raised, and I nodded.

“I don’t have rings, but we can go get them. We can get married in Asaba with Emily there with us before we leave,” I blurted out. I could tell he was thinking about…

“What about your family?”

“We will have a reception or party when we return. I love my family, but you both are my family now, and I don’t want anything to take that away.” He bit his lip and stood up.

He began to pace back and forth, and it made me nervous that he was so quiet about this. I checked my watch; Amelia would be working for another few hours.

“I know Amelia is okay with not being legally married, but I feel like that is the best way to protect her. You should marry her, and we will build our family that way. We will both have a legacy regardless, but I never wanted her to doubt our love or her part in our lives,” he finally said, and I thought about it.

He wanted to be married; I was excited to fill that role. I know that was what he really wanted. But I really wanted a family, and I have one. Emily needed a mother, and I know Amelia was so…

“You and Amelia should get married as long as I have you both in my life; I am not complaining. I don’t want you to be in another relationship where you don’t have that commitment you have always craved. I know what Carol did scared you; I don’t have those scars; I just want to be with you both,” I said. He stopped pacing and stared at me.

I knew he was thinking of another angel, but this was it. The legal stuff doesn’t matter to me, but I know deep down if he didn’t have legal papers saying he was…

“I know I can’t fight you on this,” he said, coming to me and kneeling between my legs.

“But you will be just as much my husband as Amelia will be my wife regardless of what the paper…”

“Let’s go get the perfect ring for our future wife,” I said, feeling the happiest I have ever been.

“says,” I smiled and placed my hands on his shoulder.