The Ammendment

RichardIt was late when I finally pulled into the driveway, sighing with relief at being home. I used to love traveling for work, but now, I found I dreaded going. I hated leaving Katy and my girls.My flight had been delayed leaving Toronto, then again departing Calgary, and it had been a long day. I reminded myself to speak to our travel specialist who handled our bookings. I wanted direct flights—no more stops.I noticed although the house was dark, two lights shone in the night. The one over the front door for me and the muted glow coming from the nursery window. That meant Katy was awake with Heather, no doubt feeding her.I pushed open my car door and stretched. The streetlamp glinted off something white, catching my eye, and I glanced toward it with a frown. I jogged down the driveway, confused at the half-dozen campaign signs on my lawn. All the political parties were represented. With a curse, I yanked them all out of the grass and carried them to the garage, tossing them i

“That would work.”“What would?”“Richard VanRyan. I’m not running for anything. I just wanted a damn sign. We could print them and put them everywhere.”I started to snicker at her silliness. “Maybe I will. I need to come up with a better slogan, though.”She giggled. “Richard VanRyan. Panty exploder.”I had to turn my head into the pillow to stop the loud peals of laughter. Only Katy could make me laugh this way. She was the first and the only one to be able to do so.“I don’t think that’s exactly PC.”“You have something better?”I thought about it, then grinned.“Sure. Richard VanRyan—I’m kind of a big deal.”It was her turn to be amused. “Whatever.” She rolled over, still laughing. “Such ego.”I wrapped my arm around her waist, dragging her back to my chest. I nibbled on her earlobe. “But I am, Katy.” I thrust my hips into her, letting her feel how big a deal I was.“Oh, go fuck yourself, VanRyan.”I snickered at her favorite expression. “I would rather fuck you.” I lifted her le

The noise level was intense, the lights too bright, and the dinner, as usual, ho-hum. Looking at the two awards, however, sitting on the table and knowing it was my efforts that brought them to The Gavin Group was an incredible high. Graham had been lavish in his praise, accepting the awards and making sure the entire room knew who made them possible, even making me stand up and take a bow. Katy was so proud, she wept—silent drops of joy that told me how she was feeling. I kissed them away, then kissed her mouth.“Does this cinch the lucky part at the end?” I asked against the softness of her lips. I felt her wide smile.“Definitely.”“Win for me.”I waited in line at the bar, accepting congratulations. I ordered a round of drinks for the table and waited patiently for them to be ready, glad for a quiet moment to myself.“How does it feel?”I stiffened at the voice and turned my head slightly. David Anderson stood beside me. He looked older, the deep furrows on his forehead more pron

Her eyes widened as she picked up the box and opened the lid. She lifted her gaze to mine then back to the box. “Richard…”She removed the diamond and sapphire bracelet from the box, the gems glinting in the light. “It’s lovely!”I reached across the table and fastened the clasp around her wrist.“The blue reminded me of your eyes, Katy. I love how they look at me—the way they see me.” I held her hand, staring at the glittering jewels. “I wanted to give you something to mark today.”She blinked at the tears forming in her eyes. “Thank you, my darling. I will treasure it always.”I leaned close and kissed the tender, thin skin of her wrist. “I’ll treasure you.”Her gaze was luminous as she regarded me. “Take me home, Richard. I need to be alone with you.”“I got a room here, and I told Mrs. Thomas we’d be really late. She said she’d sleep in the guestroom.” I winked. “I want you loud tonight.”“Take me upstairs.”I signaled for the check.We barely made it into the room. Katy was all

He swallowed, suddenly still in the chair. “Of course. I apologize.”“Better,” I acknowledged. “Now, I have work to do. Go find Graham or Laura, and they’ll direct you to HR. Get your paperwork done, and come back and see me—knock this time before you come in. We’ll talk about my expectations.”With another hair flip, he headed for the door.“One last thing,” I called.He turned.“Get a damn haircut.”He left, pulling the door shut behind him. I sat down, staring at the closed door. I was somewhat amused, a little annoyed, and mostly confused.What the hell was Graham thinking?It wasn’t long before I had my answer. Graham appeared, pausing in my doorway, lifting his hand to knock.“May I come in?” he asked, his eyes dancing.I waved my hand. “Funny.”He sat across from me, still grinning. His wife, Laura, followed him in as he sat down.I stood and greeted her, accepting her kiss on my cheek and smiling at her. You had to smile at Laura—it was impossible not to do so. She projected