Page 152 of Sinclair Duet

“Do you want me to go into the building with you?” Deidra asked.

I looked at the building where I’d worked for the last two-plus years. “I’m good on my own. Should I call or text you when I’m ready to leave?” I shook my head. “This is new and a bit odd.”

Deidra smiled. “Your husband is obviously concerned. In my line of work, if someone is concerned, there’s a reason. Text is fine. You have my number.”

My husband.

I didn’t have it in me to correct her. I was saving up my energy for the discussion with Millie. “I do,” I said, getting out of the car.

“Ella,” Niles called from a few rows away in the parking lot.

I waited for him to get to me.

“A driver? What is happening? You didn’t pick up last night.”

“Oh, it’s a bit unbelievable. Sorry about last night. There was a major catastrophe.”

“A major one,” he replied. “I need all the details.”

I lifted my left hand. “I’m engaged.”

Niles stopped walking and reached for my hand. Slowly, he looked up at me, squinting his eyes and studying my face. “You’re still here.”

A smile lifted my cheeks. “Thanks for checking.”

“Mr. Handsome?”

I nodded. “Yes, there’s a bit more to the story, but Millie is waiting for me.”

“I can’t wait to hear how a weekend business trip turned into a proposal.”

A weekend trip.

It felt more like six months.

“I’ll fill you in. By the way, you may be getting the coalition campaign. If you do, I’ll fill you in on everything.”

The doors to the elevator opened and we stepped in.

Niles reached for my arm. “What’s happening? Why are you giving up the campaign?”

“I’m not,” I said softly as more people joined us. “I’m fighting for it, and the best way to proceed may be without me—at least without me as the campaign manager.”

Niles shook his head as the doors opened. “Come to my office after your meeting.”

“I will.”

Securing the strap of my satchel, I took a deep breath and headed toward Millie’s office. With each step, I considered what I had in store and how I’d explain the debacle of my marriage announcement.

It was the beginning of the workday, and friendly faces were hurrying from here to there. I was greeted by welcoming smiles and familiar addresses.

“Ella, what are you doing here?” Rosemary asked, coming to a stop.

“I’m here to see Millie.”

She lifted her hand to her chest. “I was afraid she called you about me. It wasn’t about me, was it?”

“No, I’m sure you’re doing great.”