He clicks a remote and a photograph of Wade and me comes up onto the large screen. We are young, early twenties, and sitting at a desk with a typewriter in front of us. I frown as I stare at it, where did he get this photo?
“Anderson Media is the brainchild of Wade Anderson.” He gestures to Fletch. “Fletcher’s father, who along with his wife, our beloved Claire Anderson, started this company from a one-room office. They worked hard with blood, sweat and tears to create the wonderful company that is here and still standing today.” He paces back and forth across the stage as he talks, he clicks the remote and photos from the early Anderson Media days come up on the screen.
“As you all know, tragedy struck six years ago when Wade Anderson was killed in a bike accident.” He walks around as he talks. “Since that time, Anderson Media has suffered a chain of serious losses. Though none as great as the personal loss of Wade.”
My eyes well with tears as I watch Fletcher sitting on the stage, his back is straight as he crosses his legs, he’s detached from the situation. It’s obvious to me that Tristan has read him this speech before, it’s not the first time he’s heard it.
“So why am I here?” He continues to pace. “The company is floundering.”
The room is silent, hanging off his every word.
“I have an invested interest in protecting it for Wade’s sons.” He gestures to Fletcher on the stage. “Who, one day, will inherit this company.”
He clicks the remote and a photograph of my three boys comes up onto the screen.
“Anderson Media is returning to the forefront of where it should be. I have resigned from Miles Media and will be taking over as the new CEO.”
The room gasps.
“Why, you ask?
“I am engaged to Claire Anderson, and her boys…will soon be my stepsons.”
Louder gasps.
Marley elbows me and I smirk, they don’t know how the hell I managed to snag this guy…neither do I, actually. It’s a shock to me too, people.
“Anyone who knows me, knows one thing. Family is everything.” He continues to pace. “Anderson Media belongs to my sons, therefore I am going to do everything in my power to protect and grow it.” He looks out over the crowd. “It’s not going to be easy, many of you will not make it. You will not be able to cope with the transition and I understand that. Change is uncomfortable.” He continues to pace, “Tomorrow you are all going to apply for a new role within the company. Nobody is staying in their current position. You are all too comfortable and set in your ways.”
The room is silent, hanging on his every word.
“You will have new KPIs, budgets and targets, and yes there will be pressure to perform.”
Hushed whispers of horror sound throughout the audience.
“But along with that, there will be a pay increase, an incentive bonus structure and many opportunities to shine.”
The audience is getting noisy now.
He holds up his hands to quieten everyone down, and once they finally quieten, he continues.
“I ask one thing of you all. Do not waste my time. Go home tonight and make a decision. Do you want to work harder than you ever have before, or do you want to resign immediately? We don’t have time to train those who don’t want to be here, and we completely understand if you don’t.” He continues to pace. “Some of you may already know your decision and I will be accepting email resignations. You don’t even have to come back tomorrow; all severance pay will be honored in full.”
“If you stay, know one thing.” He stops and looks out into the audience, “I do not accept laziness, I have high expectations and demand the best. Because that’s what I give.”
My heart swells with pride. I love this man.
“I will now call on our new GM, Fletcher Anderson, to address you.”
It’s me who gasps this time, he’s named Fletcher as the General Manager.
What the fuck?
“Thank you, Tristan.” Fletcher takes the microphone from him. “Hello.” He smiles out to the audience. “Thank you all for coming.”
I sit back in my chair as I listen to Fletcher talk with such an easy confidence with tears in my eyes, knowing that Wade is looking down on this day with so much pride for his son.
I’m blown away.
It’s 5 p.m. and I make my way into the CEO’s office.
“Knock, knock.”
“Come in,” Tristan calls without looking up.
“Hi.”
He glances up and then smiles warmly. “Hey.”
I slide an envelope over the desk to him. “I came to bring you this.”
He raises his eyebrow.
“It’s my resignation.”
“Why?” He frowns.
“Because you and Fletch have everything handled here.” I put my hand over my stomach. “Because I want to concentrate on our baby and being a mom.”
His eyes search mine.
“It’s better this way, Tris. You handle work.” I put his hand over my stomach. “And let me handle this.”
He pulls me down onto his lap and I kiss him softly. “I love you.”
“I don’t want to push you out.” He sighs.
“You haven’t, sweetheart. You’ve set me free.”
“Claire,” Marley calls in her singsong voice, “someone’s at the door for you.”
I come around the corner to the hugest bunch of red roses I’ve ever seen, my mouth falls open in surprise. “My god.”
“Sign here.” The delivery man smiles as he leans up onto his toes. “Somebody sure loves you.”
I sign his delivery pad as I beam with happiness.
“She’s getting married today,” Marley announces proudly. “To a god.”
“Well.” The delivery man laughs. “Lucky you.”
“I am.” I take the flowers from him. “Thank you. Have a nice day.”
“Good luck today.” He smiles.
“Thanks.” Suddenly I’m all emotional and I kiss him on the cheek. “And thanks for my flowers.”
“You’re welcome, but I have to tell you. They aren’t from me.”
I laugh, embarrassed, why did I just kiss him on the cheek?
“Bye.” Marley closes the door and I breeze through my house. “I don’t think I’ve got a vase big enough for these.” I lay them onto the kitchen counter and unpin the card.
I can’t wait to marry you today
Forever mine.
Tristan.
XO
I swoon as I hold the card to my chest.
This man.
“Give me that.” Marley snatches the card from me and reads it out loud. “I can’t wait to marry you today. Forever mine. Tristan.” She rolls her eyes in a dramatic fashion. “Oh my god, could he be any more fucking perfect?” She sighs dreamily.
I smile as I continue to look for a vase.
“Seriously?” Marley continues. “Forever his. Fuck my life.” She looks up at the sky and shakes her fist. “Where is my Tristan, God? How come Claire gets one and I don’t?”
I inhale their deep perfume. I know exactly how I have a Tristan and nobody else does. Wade sent him, there isn’t a doubt in my mind that the stars had already been aligned in heaven.