“I’m so excited for Christmas in Connecticut. Everyone in my family goes all out with the decorations.”
We were headed back to the US after spending the last six months in London. When I’d come back to chambers after Columbia, I’d found I was more able to walk away in the evenings and at the weekend. A connection had been snapped while I’d been in New York, and I was no longer pushing myself to do more and work harder. It was ironic that the quality of work I was getting now was far beyond what I could have expected before I’d adjusted my priorities. Lance had been right—introducing variety in my life had made me approach the law in a different way. I spotted issues earlier, worked more efficiently, was more creative in finding solutions. Even better than that, I was enjoying it more.
I spun on my stool to face her. “We’re going to have to find a place in New York as well.”
Violet slid her arm around my shoulders. “I know. But can we buy something new that doesn’t need decorating? I don’t want to live with the smell of paint any longer. And I want to travel. Get away.”
“Where do you want to go?” I asked.
She shrugged. “Anywhere I’m with you. Maybe South Africa? Or Thailand. Is there any place you’d like to visit?”
“When I was younger I wanted to go to Sri Lanka.” It was difficult to remember what came before the relentless decade I’d spent at the bar.
She froze, her eyes wide. “Are you kidding me? I really want to go there. Let’s book it for the spring after Columbia?”
“Sounds good to me.” Who would have thought that I’d be living and working on two continents, and travelling with the love of my life?
She turned in my arms, her back to my front. “And we’ll have to think about a honeymoon at some point.”
She held her hand out and glanced at the engagement ring we’d picked out last week.
“You’re not having buyer’s remorse, are you?” The ring was unusual—three thin bands, all different styles, with a central diamond that looked more like a flower than a stone. It suited her perfectly—it was delicate, beautiful and precious.
She laughed and I couldn’t help but smile at such a beautiful sound. I’d take it over a nightingale any day of the week. “Not likely. You’re worth marrying for a ring like this,” she said, still admiring it.
I pulled her between my legs. “Good to know. Are you going to tell your family when we’re over there?”
She grimaced. “Which bit?”
“Any of it.”
She huffed out a breath. “Maybe just as we’re leaving. I can say it really fast ‘Mom, Dad, Scarlett, Max, Alexander and I are getting married but we’re going to do it in London and there’s going to be twenty people, max.’”
“I think they’ll be fine about it.” Violet’s family adored her, and from what I knew of them would be happy so long as she was happy. “They’re not going to force you to have a big wedding.”
“And then I’ll tell them I have no intention of getting pregnant any time soon.” She shook her head. “It might just kill my mother.”
“Your mother has plenty of grandchildren keeping her busy.” I pressed a kiss to her forehead and she smoothed her hands over my shoulders.
“And you’re sure you don’t mind waiting for a few years?” she asked. “I just want to spend some time with you. I want to travel and start my business and then see where we are.”
“I want to do all those things too. I’m not sure I’m ready to be responsible for a tiny human quite yet.”
“I think you’d make an excellent father,” she said, tracing my eyebrow with her fingertip.
I pulled her closer. “Let’s just take each day as it comes.”
“Excuse me?” She pulled back. “Who are you and what have you done with my fiancé?”
I chuckled. “I told you. You’ve changed me.”
She tilted her head. “Maybe just brought you to the center a little more.”
I nodded. “Yes, that’s right. I’m still more of a planner than you.”
“But I’m more of a planner than I was. You’ve changed me as well.”
“We’ve met in the middle.”
She bit back a smile. “Exactly. And I like where I’m standing.”
“Me too.” I’d gone from knowing exactly how my life would be until I retired to looking forward to change. It had taken adjustment, but I was getting there. Being with Violet made everything worth it. She was the very center of my world. “As long as we’re side by side then everything else will fall into place.”
Violet was the only woman in my life I’d ever fought for and I’d keep fighting, keep loving her, keep doing whatever it took to stay by her side for the rest of our lives.
Acknowledgments
Dear readers, I do hope you enjoyed being back in London for this book as much as I did. I really enjoyed showing Violet around! This couple were fantastic to write and I enjoyed hanging out with them. I wish it had lasted for longer. I’ve just met many of you at FBBF 2017 and it was a complete thrill! Chatting to you about your favorite characters and hearing about your love of reading is always simply wonderful! I appreciate all the love and support from all of you, whether or not I’ve met you! I wish I could hug you all!
Thank you to my mini pupil-master, Lance Ashworth, who guided me through my first experience at the bar. It’s been twenty years since we first met on that train, not knowing what each other looked like! Are we really that old? It’s been so rewarding to watch your career flourish—all that hard work has paid off. Your namesake in this book is indeed a kindly mentor. It’s what I know of the Lances I’ve met … thank you for your kindness toward me.
A tip from the author, if you ever find yourself at one of the award ceremonies as described in the book—drink plenty of alcohol and find the clerks to hang out with. They are so much fun and I’ve found myself in plenty of trouble with that particular combination—the good kind of course.
Elizabeth—thank you is never enough. Your commitment to my writing is beyond what I could hope for and I will be forever grateful. Like Jessica said, meeting you was like winning the lottery. I feel the same, even when you’re collecting my author tears for your collection. In just a few days Defenseless will be kicking ass and you’ll have the success you deserve.
Nina—thank you for all your help and support. It’s always appreciated.
Stevie—I’ve said it before and I will always say that you really are one of the best people I know. I’m so incredibly lucky to have you in my life again. While you were guarding the legal department stationery cabinet did you ever think you’d be heading up #TeamBay ? We need to get Neillette on board and the dream team would be back! Next year!
Najla—I say it every time but I think this cover is my favorite! Hehe. You’re so talented and I love working with you!
To Charity, Davina and Ruth—thank you for your help at the last minute of course! And Jules—Love you babycakes!