Starting Now (Blossom Street #9)(107)

She loved hearing it, but his rare praise wasn’t enough to convince her to change her mind.

“We can’t take the chance of losing the Reed account. Would you be willing to continue working with her? She’s difficult to please, and she’s obviously attached to you.”

Libby was fond of the older woman and she welcomed the opportunity to work with Mrs. Reed, but not if it would cost her everything that was important.

“And the Buckleys, if you wish, since you brought them into the firm,” he added. “And the new clients, if you want.”

“I’m not sure I understand,” Libby said, confused but eager to hear what he had to say.

“I come in at nine and leave at six every night,” Hershel said. “I had to make myself leave the office because my marriage was at risk. My children didn’t know me. I thought it was more important to work hard and give them the material goods they wanted than spend time with them. In the process I nearly lost everything I valued. I could see the same thing happening to you, Libby.”

“But I don’t know if I can slow down.”

“You can and you will. I’ll help you. From this point forward you aren’t to arrive at the office before nine and you are to leave at six. Your workload will be cut in half and you’ll still be a partner.”

“What about bringing in new clients?”

“You already have your client load.”

“Mrs. Reed, the Buckleys, and the new clients I brought in, but only if I want?”

“Exactly.”

“What will the other partners say?”

Hershel smiled. “They’ll be fine; I’ll make sure of it. I didn’t fight hard enough for you the first time around and I won’t make that mistake again. Besides, you’ve proven your worth. Go talk to your young man, have the family you want and your career, too. I’ll help you find the balance the same way a good friend helped me years ago.”

Libby sat in the wingback leather chair too stunned to respond.

“Oh, and Libby, congratulations, you’re a partner in the firm now.” With that he tore her letter of resignation in half and tossed it in the wastebasket.

He rose out of his high-backed leather chair and came around to the front of his desk. He stood directly in front of Libby and placed his hands on her shoulders.

“I wish you nothing but happiness.”

Too stunned to react, Libby thanked him and then headed into her office. The first person she phoned was Robin.

“Did you do it?”

“Hershel talked me into staying. The firm is cutting my hours and responsibilities. Basically I only have Mrs. Reed and a few other accounts.” It made sense that he’d want her to stay on for the Reed account alone. Martha Reed had already made her opinions clear. She preferred to work with Libby. If she left, then it was highly probable that the older woman would as well, and the firm couldn’t risk that happening. Not again.

“You’ll handle just a handful of accounts?” Robin made it sound too good to be true.

“Oh, and that’s not all.”

“You mean there’s more?”

Libby couldn’t have held back a smile for a million bucks. Her face actually ached with the joy that flooded her. “I was made partner.”

Robin laughed outright. “Talk about having your cake and eating it, too. Congratulations, Libby.”

“Don’t congratulate me yet. I’ve still got to win back Phillip.”

“You will,” her friend said with utter confidence.

Libby sincerely hoped Robin was right.

Her next call was to Abby.

After Libby delivered her news, Abby said, “A little birdie told me Phillip Stone will be returning to the hospital on Wednesday.”

“Tell the little birdie that I appreciate the information.”

Wednesday afternoon, Libby stopped by the hospital to rock the newborns. Sharon Jennings did a double take and then greeted her with a warm hug.

“The babies have missed you,” the head nurse said. “And so have I.”

Libby donned a gown and entered the nursery, opting for the infant who was crying the loudest. Gently picking him up, she settled into the rocking chair and looked down at the baby with the deep red face.

“Now, now,” she whispered soothingly. “What has gotten you so upset?” She started singing to him as she gently rocked back and forth.

A little more than twenty minutes later, Phillip stepped out of the elevator. He walked directly past the nursery, glanced inside, and continued on for another couple of steps before he stopped abruptly and did a double take. He paused, continuing to stare at her and then after a couple of seconds, continued on his way as if he hadn’t seen her.

Ten minutes later he was back. This time he stepped into the nursery and his gaze went straight to Libby.

“What are you doing here?” he demanded, sounding none too friendly.

Libby placed one hand on her hip. “Rocking the babies. In case you’ve forgotten I was here two or three times a week for several months.”

“That was before you went back to the firm,” he argued. “What happened? Did they lay you off again?”

“No,” she said. “I made partner.”

He frowned as though he wasn’t sure he’d heard her correctly. “Partner?”