All In (Casino Nights #2) (24 page)

“I know they’re deeply connected. I’ve seen them in a business setting, and today as family. I hope they can always have that level of love for one another, but she can’t keep up this pace at work.” He watched Rose circle her wedding set around her finger.

“How are you going to fix that?” Her voice was low.

“We’re going to figure out a plan. One that is structured, so Francesca can do what she does best and also let her people do their part. We’re going to meet with your husband and present the plan. She can’t keep this pace up. It’s killing her.”

Rose nodded. “I like that you’ve thought this through. It won’t be easy. I can pledge to you that I’ll do my part with Jimmy. He’s so used to her being there to take care of whatever he needs done, it’s going to take some time. I’ll talk to Lorraine, too. We can all help.”

She nodded again, and he knew that Rose would keep her word. “Thank you, for that, and well, for everything. Francesca’s an amazing woman.”

Rose’s smile was huge. “Well, Jimmy had a big hand in that.”

“To be sure, but I think she gets her strong sense of loyalty from you. Plus, you’ve shown her how to love.” He watched Rose’s eyes turn shiny with unshed tears.

“Remy, I know you’re going to make her so happy. You two are going to live a life filled with love.” Rose took his face into her hands and kissed him lightly on the cheek. “I’m so lucky to get a good son.”

“No, I’m the lucky one to have found Francesca. There’s no doubt that I’m all in.”

***

Jimmy joined Francesca and Hadley by the bar. Each of the ladies was holding champagne flutes. “Hadley, can I borrow my daughter for a moment?”

Hadley stood straighter, “Certainly, sir.”

Jimmy shook his head and grinned, “Hadley, how long have we known each other? I remember the day Francesca introduced us. You were rushing to the library to work on some paper, and you had six bags of crap hanging from your shoulders. Don’t you think it’s time you called me by my name?”

“Well all right, Jimmy.” Hadley flashed her killer cheerleader smile.

Francesca placed her nearly empty glass on the bar. “I’ll catch up with you later.”

Hadley reached out and gave her hand one hard squeeze.

Francesca returned the squeeze. “Love you, Hads.”

Jimmy’s warm palm rested against her elbow, gently guiding her along the garden path. “I saw your mom steal Remy away. So, I’m doing the same.”

She matched her steps with his. “Thanks for all of this.” She circled her hand in the air. “I didn’t intend to have a party.”

“I wanted to. It’s not every day my daughter gets engaged.” Jimmy stopped their walk by a wrought iron bench. “Take a seat.”

She did as he asked, she then looked up at him. “It’s the second time I’ve been engaged.”

“But this time it’s to the right man.” Jimmy’s expression had turned serious; his smile had disappeared. His voice was now gruff.

She waited. Jimmy obviously had something to say, and she wanted—no needed—to hear it. As silence continued, she couldn’t hold onto her curiosity any longer. “Why do you think that?”

He grinned. “There’s my smart girl, always asking the right question.”

She felt the warmth of his praise flow through her system.

“I say that because Cooper is a man who knows who he is. He’s not looking for you to complete him. He wants you to complement the person he is. He knows his strengths and weaknesses and accepts them.” He paused.

Francesca bit her lip to make sure that she didn’t speak.

“He also knows yours, and that’s good. He doesn’t want a princess; he wants a partner. That’s why this marriage will work.”

“You know all of this from one meeting with him?” She couldn’t keep the sarcastic tone out of her voice.

“Yeah, I do. Plus, I know I’m going to do my best not to get in the way of your marriage. I’m going to try to use all of my people and not burden you with all of the extra work.”

“It has never been a burden,” she rushed to correct him.

He held up his hand in a stop motion. “Honey, I’ve taken advantage of you. I see that now. I’m spoiled. I’m so used to having you available whenever, that I’ve overused you, and I didn’t even notice. For that, I’m sorry, damn sorry.” He dropped to the space next to her.

“I love my job and working with you, don’t ever doubt that.” Francesca leaned into his side, resting her head on his shoulder. “But now, I want more from life. I want to be able to go home to Remy, and maybe, someday, our child.”

“Then it’ll happen. I’ll make sure it happens.” He kissed the top of her head.

They sat like that for a few minutes.

Rose and Remy rounded a corner, nearing them.

Rose let go of Remy’s arm and held out her hand, “Let’s go check on our guests, Jimmy, and give these two a quiet moment.” She smiled at Francesca as Jimmy stood and took her outstretched hand.

Remy sat beside her and took her hand. “Everything all right?”

She studied their entwined hands. His was so big compared to hers. “Yeah, I think so.” She moved closer to his body. “They like you.”

“That’s good news, because I love you.” He kissed her cheek.

“Excellent news, because we’re getting married.” She still felt a little dazed at the thought. However there was no panic. Instead, a sense of well-being settled over her.

“It’s beautiful out here.”

“I was thinking maybe we could say our vows here?” Her heart rate picked up.

His smile was huge. “I think that’d be perfect. Well, as long as it doesn’t put too much work on your mother’s plate.”

“Are you kidding? She will be in heaven. I’m thinking something small.” She glanced at him, not sure how much he would want to be involved.

“And soon,” he added, his voice was firm.

She rolled her eyes.

“Why don’t we practice right now?” He pulled her to her feet. Once she was standing in front of him, he held their hands between their bodies. “I love you, Francesca. I promise to love you forever.”

She stared at him. He made her speechless. Recovering, she said, “I, too, love you, Mr. Cooper. I can’t wait to be married to you.”

“Now, I’m going to kiss you.” His voice had deepened.

“I should hope so,” she giggled. She felt so light and happy. “What are you waiting for? We need to practice this part, a lot.”

“Do we now?”

He pulled her close and their lips met.

The End.

I appreciate the services of the following vendors, who helped me with this book

(Melanie Jayne, May 2016)

Professional Services Used:

Publicist: http://rockstarlit.com/

Cover Art:
http://pandngraphics.com

Editor: http://www.delilahdevlin.com/editorial-services/

Proofreaders: Fedora Chen and David Panak

Table of Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen