unconditionally. **completed**

#21 take charge

the next morning came way too early. I was feeling a little nauseous but better than I had in weeks. today we would be having contracts signed with Mr Stanton and this time I would be steering clear of him so I did not have a repeat. I was still just barely into my old clothes. soon I would be needing some different clothes but my boots were huge now. it was definitely going to be a difference. I don't remember showing this fast with joseline. heading down to the archives room to grab some other files I stopped to talk with Stephanie. " hey there stranger."

" it's my bride to be! I got my dress finally in and it is ready. I can't believe in less than a week you will be Mrs stone!"

" want to help me today with this board meeting? I kind of don't want to vomit on poor Mr Stanton again."

she busted out laughing at me. " oh man I am sorry I missed it! I still laugh at it!" she was bursting so hard I thought she was going to pee her pants." yes I will be up in ten minutes does that work? I have to get the clearance and also let my direct boss know I am needed there."

" sounds good. I will call HR to get you a permanent clearance because I think you might be helping out more. Josh said he was really impressed last time. see you up there. " I waved goodbye and made the call. I was hanging up when I ran into a brick wall of a man. I fell to the ground hitting my ass. looking up there stood Mr Stanton. he brought his hand up to help me. " I'm so sorry. seems like I'm always doing something to you. about the last time..."

" no miss strong. there is no need to apologize. my ex wife and I have two kids. trust me I have seen some things. " he chuckled at me. " hey if you are free maybe we can get some lunch later?"

" are you asking me on a date?" I hadn't realized Josh was right behind him staring at him. " I'm sorry but I have a boy....."

" Mr Stanton are you hitting on my fiancé?" Mr stantons eyes grew wide in shock.

" Mr stone I didn't realize I'm sorry." I shook my head at Josh and his jealousy.

" josh you are hopeless." I left both of the men standing there staring after me as i walked towards the elevator.

" I can't help it!" he yelled after me. " in less than a week Mr Stanton that woman will be my wife. she is right I am hopeless." if I were to be honest I kind of like his little jealous streak. he didn't need to be jealous. I was head over heals for him but it was kind of Bice knowing I was pregnant and feeling gross but he still was making sure everyone else knew I was taken. him and Mr Stanton got behind me in the elevator to ride upstairs. Stephanie wasn't there yet. I knew I had a lot of work to get all the contracts finished to be signed so I sat at my desk finishing the final contract when Stephanie came up.

" hey Emma. I'm here for your working pleasure!" we laughed out loud and began talking. we must have been really loud because we hadn't realized that both Mr Stanton and Josh were at the conference room door watching us. " so you really forced Josh to sign a prenup in his favor in order to marry him emma?"

" I didn't want him thinking it was his money that was attractive. I'm not attracted to money but that man was so stubborn. I allowed him to make sure the kids were taken care of but I refused anything for myself. it's not mine I'm not out tobtake anything from him. don't tell me I'm stupid I know you and you are exactly the same way!"

" I know. I think I would be the same way if I were in your shoes. I wouldn't want someone thinking that I only like the. for their money. I'm not a gold digger. I can't stand the women around here trying to get with the bosses. I had a boss hitting on me and saying he was going to marry me and make me rich blah blah blah."

" oh steph I'm sorry! what did you do?"

" he cornered me in the copy room and I accidentally slammed his hand in the copier and then kicked him in the balls. he had to take a week off work. I was able to get a transfer. I'm pretty sure he won't be having babies." she shrugged and we both started laughing.

" I have no doubt the man you decide to settle down with will have to know how to handle a strong willed woman. come on let's get all this in the conference room amdnoray I don't throw up on anyone today."

" I still can't stop laughing at that! that poor ma...." it was then that we turned around and realized they were listening to our entire conversation.

it was Josh who spoke up first. " Brock did that to you? I will have him taken care. he will never do that again. you are practically my sister in law and I wont let any one treat my family like that. plus I don't want Emma kicking his ass while pregnant."

" josh no. I can take care of it. I did take care of it. " Stephanie was turning red. I think she was embarrassed by having Mr Stanton hearing what happened to her. Mr stantonnwas laughing and nodded towards josh.

      " Stephanie is it? I'm sorry I'm on his side. I might help him take care of Brock." the way Mr Stanton said his name was kind of comical. definitely a hint of anger mixed with amusement.  " I like how you handled him though that's for sure." we quickly got the papers together and entered the room full of businessmen.  it was nice working with Stephanie and I made sure to steer clear of Mr Thornton so I didn't vomit all over him this time. finally the contracts were signed and everyone was filling out of the conference room. Stephanie and I were hanging back cleaning up. Mr Thornton popped his head back in. " hey Stephanie?"

" yes Mr Thornton what can I do for you?"

" I was just wondering. if you're free that is..." holy crap that man was asking her out! actually I really think there could be something there. " would you want to go to dinner sometime? with me?" I was grinning from ear to ear waiting for Stephanie to answer. " maybe I can just leave my number with you and you can decide later?"

she put her hand out for his phone and that fool handed it to her even unlocking it for her. she typed in her number and texted herself from his phone and then handed it back to him. she grabbed her phone and sent him a text as soon as the doors closed on the elevator. " steph what did you text him?" she handed me her phone and I couldn't help but laugh hard before grabbing a garbage can and throwing up in it.

      pick me up at 6 tonight. dress casual.  walk in the park picnic kind of s**t. and no favors. sorry I'm not that kind of girl.

his response was perfect. I really think there could be something that comes out of this. fingers crossed this man can keep up with her.

      I like a woman who can take charge. no favors. wouldn't think of it. I'm not that kind of guy.