Laura
I woke up to the early morning light streaming through the curtains, casting a gentle glow over the room. Jake lay beside me, his face softened in sleep, his chest rising and falling in a steady rhythm. Watching him like this, so calm and unguarded, a wave of warmth and affection washed over me.
I couldn't believe it. After everything, after all the twists and trials and pain. Just yesterday, I had thought I was going to die, never going to see the light of day again. Especially when Moira shot Kurt and I watched him bleed to death. All my hope was lost at that moment, I knew I was going to die. Jackson wasn't going to spare me, and in a way, dying was better than going back to him. I couldn't imagine going through the trauma again… but then, my true Prince Charming found me. Jake found me and rescued me.
Now, I am finally here, beside the man I'd dreamed of loving, the man who somehow loved me back despite it all. My fingers traced lightly over the sheets, remembering the events of last night, our unspoken promises wrapped in every kiss, every touch.
My mind wandered back to the intense passion we'd shared. Flashes of last night, his whispered words, the way he held me close as if I were his entire world, filled my thoughts. I felt a blush creep up as I remembered, and I was so lost in that memory that I didn't even notice when Jake stirred awake.
"Good morning, beautiful," he murmured, his voice rough with sleep as he pulled me closer. The warmth of his body enveloped me, and I felt his lips press against my forehead, a simple gesture that sent a shiver down my spine.
"Good morning, handsome," I whispered back, a soft smile playing on my lips as I looked into his eyes. The depth in his gaze was so full of love and tenderness that it nearly overwhelmed me.
He pulled back just slightly to study my face, a mischievous smirk creeping onto his lips. "What were you thinking about just now?" he asked, a spark of curiosity in his eyes. "I've been watching you for a while and you looked like you were a million miles away."
I hesitated, my cheeks warming as I thought about the memories I'd just been lost in. "Oh...nothing," I lied, feeling a little bashful. But he saw right through me, his smirk widening as he raised an eyebrow.
"Nothing, huh?" he teased, leaning in close. "Judging by the look on your face, I'm guessing it's something I might want to hear about." He pressed further.
I laughed, tucking my head against his shoulder, feeling the laughter vibrate through his chest as he held me. "Maybe I'll tell you... someday," I teased back, earning a playful nudge from him.
After a moment, he pulled back to look at me, his expression shifting from playful to serious. He reached out and gently tucked a strand of hair behind my ear, his fingers lingering on my cheek.
"Laura," he began, his tone soft but intent, "I don't want us to waste any more time. I think we've both waited long enough, don't you?" He quizzed while I stared deep in his eyes.
The sincerity in his eyes took my breath away. I nodded slowly, my heart pounding as his words sank in.
"I don't want us to wait either," I replied, my voice barely a whisper, but he heard every word.
His eyes lit up as he took my hands in his, his thumb gently stroking over my knuckles. "Then let's make this official as soon as we can. I don't want there to be any more distance between us, no more waiting. How does next week sound?"
"Next week?" I echoed, a thrill running through me at the thought. Everything felt like a dream, a beautiful, surreal dream I never wanted to wake from.
"Yes, next week," he confirmed with a grin, as if there were no obstacle in the world that could stop him now. "We'll get everything arranged. I just... I don't want to spend another day wondering. I want you to be my wife, Laura, and I want the world to know it."
"But don't you think that's too fast. I mean, what will people think? They won't understand the need for the rush." I chimed in while he pulled me closer.
"Who cares what people say? Certainly not me! You shouldn't either. People will always talk so as long as we are doing it for our happiness, then let them talk!" He countered.
I swallowed, the weight of his words settling over me. "Okay then," I managed to say, my voice thick with emotion. "Let's do it. Let's get married next week."
He pulled me close then, his lips meeting mine in a kiss that felt like the beginning of forever. We moved together, lost in each other, as if sealing our promise in every embrace.
A little while later, Jake glanced at the clock with a groan. "I have a meeting today, but you're coming with me," he said with a playful smile, brushing his fingers down my arm.
"Oh?" I raised an eyebrow, amused. "I thought you said it wasn't time to resume work? Isn't that why I stayed behind last time?" I teased him.
He chuckled, shaking his head. "You're not just my assistant anymore, Laura. There's been a change of plans."
I tilted my head, intrigued. "What kind of change?"
His eyes softened, his fingers intertwining with mine. "I want you by my side, not as my assistant but as an official part of the company. I've already arranged for you to have a stake, a significant one." He let out.
"Jake..." I breathed, shocked. "You want me to be a shareholder?"
He nodded. "More than that. You'll be one of the highest shareholders, right after me. You're more than just my partner in life. You're my partner in every way that matters. And once we're are married, we will have equal shares. That means everything I own, you own too." He explained.
The gravity of what he was offering me left me speechless. I stared at him, overwhelmed by the gesture. "I don't know what to say. Are you sure this is what you want?"
He laughed, his fingers trailing down my arm. "Laura, of course. I want you to be as involved as you want to be. You've already done so much for me, both personally and professionally. I want to share every part of my life with you. And this is the least of the things I intend to share with you." There was a way about something the words flowed out of him that made it so romantic.
A sense of pride welled up in me, mingling with my love for him. "Thank you, Jake," I whispered, reaching out to cup his face. "I'll be by your side, in whatever way you need."
Our gazes held, and I felt a warmth fill me as I realized this was really happening. All the hardship, all the struggles. they had all led us to this moment, and I was ready to embrace whatever lay ahead with him.
We got dressed together, sharing quiet smiles and soft touches, and when we were ready, Jake held my hand as he led me out the door. The drive to his office felt surreal, and I could feel a slight nervousness prickling at the back of my mind as I thought about the meeting ahead.
Jake must have noticed, because he squeezed my hand reassuringly. "You'll be amazing. They'll respect you as much as I do."
I smiled, drawing strength from his confidence in me. When we arrived, he led me into the conference room, where the board members were already seated, murmuring to one another as they waited. As soon as Jake stepped in, the room fell silent.
"Good morning, everyone," Jake greeted them, his voice steady and commanding. "I'd like to start today's meeting with an important announcement."
He pulled me forward gently, positioning me at his side, and I could feel the weight of everyone's curious gaze on me. "I'm pleased to announce that Laura and I are engaged," he said, and I felt a thrill as murmurs of surprise and congratulations echoed around the room.
He glanced down at me, pride and warmth in his eyes. "Laura will no longer be serving as my assistant. Instead, she'll be stepping into a new role as a shareholder with significant stakes in the company. Effective immediately, she's one of the highest shareholders, second only to myself."
The board members seemed taken aback, exchanging glances before they began nodding in approval. I couldn't help but feel a wave of pride and gratitude as I looked around, realizing that this was now part of my life, part of my future with Jake.
When the meeting concluded, Jake turned to me, a soft smile on his lips. "You did great," he murmured, pulling me into a quick hug before we left the room…