Chapter 26–Past Problems
(Gabriella)
I glanced over at Jamie as his hand slid down my back, resting there gently as he chatted away on the phone. I couldn’t help but gaze up at him longingly..man was he handsome…
We had just gotten into his office and I couldn’t wipe this goofy grin off of my face. We might’ve gotten a few shocked stares on the way up here, but Jamie just held his head up high and walked me through the office proudly.
Today has been incredible though.. Not only did I meet one of Jamie’s friends finally, but he also knew ASL..I couldn’t believe it. I think Jamie felt a little left out, so I tried to make up for it by being extra cute and clingy which seemed to do the trick.
Then during our little shopping spree, Jamie bought me so many clothes..I was shocked. I told him I didn’t need that much but he insisted and is having it all sent to the apartment later.
I didn’t even try on most of them..I swear if my hand touched the fabric, the store clerk would have it off the rack and in my size within seconds. He really is spoiling me rotten.
I was wearing a cute plaid dress with a white long–sleeved shirt underneath and black flats. Jamie kept kissing me and telling me I looked beautiful the whole way up the elevator, making my stomach fill with butterflies.
He is so sweet and kind..and I was grateful he explained everything about Rylan’s sister, Jolie. I am a little nervous though..maybe she won’t like me because Jamie and I are together if she had a crush on him for that long..I hope that isn’t the case.
Jamie hung up his phone before turning in his chair and facing me.
We started with me on the other side of the desk, but somehow I ended up right next to him in
my own office chair.
“Are you getting hungry yet princess?” He asked, making me blush as I nodded my head yes.
Yeah..he started calling me that after we went shopping…it makes my heart flutter every time.
I saw the dozens of bags filled with clothes being carried out and I typed out a message to
him.
“Jamie..this is too much..you make me feel like a spoiled princess or something.” I wrote before flashing him my text and making him laugh.
“Well..you are my princess..and you think this is spoiling you? I haven’t even started yet.” He
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grumbled against me before giving me a tender kiss.
Then he started calling me princess for the rest of the day. I love it..and if I am Jamie’s princess, he really is my prince. I can’t help but think of the story about Cinderella and how the prince fell in love with her the moment he saw her..that’s how I feel, like this is all some type
of fairytale.
“Okay, let me just tell Destiny, she usually puts the orders in for lunch around this time. Do you like steak?” He asked and I nodded up and down eagerly. I liked all food..
“Of course you do.” He grumbled, making me elbow him in the ribs and causing him to laugh.
Destiny was Jamie’s secretary. She seemed like a nice older woman who had worked with the company for about seven years he said.
I watched as Jamie pressed some buttons on his desk phone and told Destiny what we
wanted, that’s when there was a soft knock at the door, making my gaze shoot up.
“I should’ve guessed Jamie wouldn’t be able to leave you home.” Mr. Sinclair, Jamie’s dad
chimed in as a wide smile filled my face before I got up from the chair.
Jamie shot up instantly as well, watching hesitantly as I went and gave his dad a hug.
After spending that time with him the other night, I felt like we really got to know one
another..to be honest, he kind of reminded me of my own dad.
“So, what do you think of the place?” Robert asked, making me nod and give him a thumbs up as I started to pull away, only to bump into Jamie who was hovering behind us.
“We just ordered some lunch, did you need something?” Jamie asked curtly, making his dad
slip his hands into his pockets while glancing between us.
“I see, I was going to ask if you wanted to go out but that’s okay, we can eat in here.” He added before walking to Jamie’s desk and sitting down.
“I thought you had that meeting at noon..” Jamie muttered, looking at his dad with confusion.
“I scheduled it for later. After hearing the buzz about your fiancee being here, I thought I could
join you for lunch. We can go over the wedding stuff while we are at it.”
Jamie stepped closer to me before wrapping his arm around my waist.
“Well, I already sent you all of the details, what else do you need to know? The venue was
booked and I am having the dresses brought over on Sunday for her to try on.” Jamie stated,
making me blink my eyes rapidly.
This was all news to me..
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“I was going to show you everything tonight.” He whispered against my ear as I nodded.
I could feel the tension between Jamie and his dad growing, it was the same as the other
night at dinner. I could tell Jamie wasn’t comfortable and I didn’t want to push him and make
things worse.
I’m not sure exactly what their relationship is like, but from what I have seen, it seemed
strained and serious.
Then why was his dad so nice around me?
“I just wanted to make sure the guest list was up to date. I also called your mother, I think we should do a family dinner soon.” Mr. Sinclair stated as Jamie’s mouth dropped open.
“You called my mom..” He asked, seeming dumbfounded as Robert nodding his head up and
down.
“Listen..I know things got..ugly..before, but I think it’s time we came together as a family. I know I haven’t been the perfect father and have asked a lot of you..but now that you and Gabriella are getting married..and the idea of grandchildren seems more plausible than ever..well, I think it’s time we move on..” Robert began as I peered up at Jamie.
He looked mad..really mad.
“What is this really about? What’s the hidden agenda here? The only thing you have cared about for the past 26 years is your company..and now that I’m going to get married, that all changes over night? You expect me to believe that?” Jamie scoffed while glaring at his father
angrily.
I wrapped my arms around Jamie’s waist before leaning into his side, my touch seeming to calm him slightly as his dad slowly stood and let out a long breath.
“I understand how it may look son. But I’ve come to realize that money isn’t everything..and our time here..it can’t be bought. Perhaps we can have lunch another day..” He trailed off before heading towards the door and stopping suddenly right beside Jamie.
Robert reached his hand out, hesitating briefly before placing it on Jamie’s shoulder as he
looked at him.
“I know it will take time, but I meant every word I just said, and I will prove it.”
And with that, he left the office, leaving me staring up at a baffled Jamie as I pressed my cheek against his chest and hugged him.
My eyes must have said a lot because I didn’t even have to try and express my concern as Jamie let out a sigh before tucking my head beneath his chin.
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“I just don’t get it..he has never cared before..so why now?” He whispered, a sadness filling his
tone as I hugged him even tighter.
“Gabriella..I’m sorry for brining you into this stuff..with my family. But I feel like I need to
explain..we were never really close, my dad always put his job and money first, even above his
wife and child. The only way he would ever pay attention to me was if I succeeded at
something. Then he would finally come around..so you can see why him trying to get close is
concerning right? You don’t think I’m being cold do you?” He asked me worriedly as I pulled
back and shook my head no.
I would never judge Jamie for something like that..I can understand completely..my father was away for most of my life..but the chances I did get with him were warm and loving..at least I
had that much.
I quickly reached down and grabbed my phone before typing out a message.
“I understand, and you don’t have to force anything for me..I’m here for you and only you. All the other stuff doesn’t matter..only your happiness does.” I typed out, watching as Jamie read it before his eyes widened and then he quickly pulled me onto a hug, squeezing so tight I almost couldn’t breathe.
“Thank you for saying that..you have no idea now much that means to me Gabriella..really.” He rushed out and began kissing me fervently, making me melt beneath his touch as that sadness he had seemed to simply disappear.
