Mallory Stone, a graduate of Northwestern University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies and an MBA from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, serves as the Director of Public Relations for AV Industries.

Carson Bennett, III, a distinguished alumnus of DePaul University with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism, currently holds the position of Executive Director at the Bennett Media Group Foundation.

The couple, who met at the wedding of mutual friends a year ago this past summer, will exchange vows in a romantic destination wedding in Hawaii in December. Following their nuptials, they will continue to reside in their beloved city of Chicago.

Please join us in congratulating Mallory and Carson as they embark on this exciting new chapter together.

“It was a year ago today that Carson held the press conference,” I explain. “Time has flown so quickly, and we’ve both been so busy with work and the wedding details I’m not sure he even realizes it, but I want to surprise him with this tonight.”

“That picture of the two of you is gorgeous. Is it from the gala Carson’s foundation hosted in February?” she asks, pointing to the full-color photo.

“Yes,” I reply, with a wide smile. “The inaugural charity gala raised over a hundred thousand dollars. His team is already planning for next year.”

“When you’ll be Mrs. Carson Bennett, III.”

Before I can correct her, a figure appears in the doorway, startling the bejeezus out of me.

“Who’ll be Mrs. Carson Bennett, III.?” Carson asks, wrinkles criss-crossing his forehead as he enters. “Because I know it’s not either of you.”

Unsettled, I try, inconspicuously, to tuck the paper away under the sports section as he approaches and leans in for a kiss, handing me a bouquet of my favorite flowers, pink peonies, and setting down a delicious-smelling bag of takeout on my desk.

I offer him a smile and smell the beautiful flowers, wondering if maybe he remembers what today is after all. Otherwise, why would he turn up in the middle of the day at my office on a Tuesday?

But first, I turn to my assistant to explain. “I won’t be changing my name. I’ll still be Mallory Stone after the wedding. It’s what I’m known as professionally, and it makes sense to keep it.”

She wrinkles her nose. “Sounds practical, but this one?” she adds, pointing to Carson as she heads out of my office. “He’s a romantic.”

“That he is,” I agree as she pulls the door closed behind her.

“Glad to hear you think so.” Carson draws me into his arms, “Especially because I couldn’t let today, of all days, pass without acknowledging it.”

“Why? What’s today?” I avert my eyes and feign ignorance. “Something special?”

“Something extra special, but it seems you already knew that.”

His amused tone makes it clear he’s onto me, but two can play this game. “I have no idea what you’re talking about, but is that why you brought lunch?”

He doesn’t fall for my distraction. Rather, he releases me with a wink and flips through the paper, tugging out the Lifestyle section and holding it up.

I can’t help but scowl at my foiled plans. “How’d you get the scoop?”

He lifts a shoulder. “I may not be press anymore, but I still follow the news, you know.”

“But this morning, you said you had a busy day. I thought I’d be able to surprise you tonight.”

“I do have a busy day, including lunch with my beautiful, thoughtful fiancée to celebrate. The announcement was a pleasant surprise.”

“Well,” I say, wrapping my arms around his waist, “you have Henry to thank for helping me make it happen. And if lunch with me is all you have going on today, then maybe, we should play hooky this afternoon, and I can show you what else I had in mind for tonight.”

“Mmm,” he hums, pressing a kiss to my lips. “As tempting as you make that sound, I’m going to have to take a rain check. After this, I’m heading over to Edison to meet with Penny and Jada to discuss some funding I’ve been able to secure to expand their afterschool program to reach more students.”

I return his kiss and release him, spinning to inspect the takeout he brought. “I suppose I can wait until later, as long as you promise to continue the celebration.”

“Scout’s Honor.”

I bite back a smile and turn to shoot him a look because, of course, he’s holding up the shocker. His wide grin is too much, and I dissolve into laughter. He slaps me gently on the ass as I shake my head. “Hey, you knew from day one what you were getting into with me.”

“That I did,” I assure him, remembering that first sunny summer day we met. “Sweet talking mixed with a panty-melting smile and a dose of sparkling, crystal-blue eyes for good measure. And I still wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Source: www.seynovel.com