Augustus said nothing for several seconds. I waited for the counteroffer, the revised terms, the helpful appendix.
"All right," he said.
I blinked. "All right?"
"You said no. I'm not going to argue with you."
"That's unusually reasonable of you."
"I do occasionally surprise people." He didn't smile. "I'm still here, Juliette. That hasn't changed."
"I know."
He didn't try again. No speech, no second declaration. I walked out of the boardroom relieved that he'd listened, and annoyed with myself for minding how easily he'd let go.
Back at my desk, I fixed my lipstick, answered nineteen emails, and carefully avoided looking through the glass wall.
Jane looked at me instead.
"You're pale. Are you okay?"
"Perfectly. I've just interrupted a board meeting, rejected a proposal, and discovered I'm going to be a mother."
Her eyes widened. "You what?"
"I said I'm looking forward to the afternoon."
