There are candles on every available surface, every outdoor table on the deck, their gentle light flickering, seemingly becoming brighter as the sun slowly sets behind us. Accompanying the candles are low, sleek vases filled with perfectly blooming red roses. There’s a table prepared for two in the center near the railing, with red rose petals scattered all over the white tablecloth.
“It’s so romantic.” I glance up at him, wondering what he’s got up his sleeve. Ever since he was drafted in April, he’s been on the go. Busy, busy, busy. Making plans. Meeting with his new coaches and staff. Obtaining an agent. Leaning on my father for advice, which he’s given freely. They’ve become closer since everything happened, and…I love it.
Jake’s been leaning on Dad a lot as well. He was drafted too—in the first round. Eli in the third. Diego, in the sixth.
They’re all in the big leagues now. I couldn’t be prouder of all three of them.
“Come with me.” He moves to my side and takes my hand, leading me over to the table. I realize there’s a couple of people standing close to the house on the other side of the deck, which is near the kitchen. They look ready to serve us. “I had dinner catered.”
“Just for us?”
“Just for you.” He drops a kiss on my cheek before pulling my chair out for me.
I settle into the chair, watching as he sits down across from me, devastatingly handsome in the black button-down shirt that fits him to perfection, emphasizing his broad chest and shoulders, and his muscular arms.
That’s my man, I think as I blatantly admire him. He’s all mine.
A woman dressed in black pants and a white shirt comes over, pouring us each a glass of champagne. I note the label, impressed with Eli’s choice, and a little worried because that must’ve cost a fortune.
But then I remember the contract he was offered and I tell myself to calm down. My man is going to be making a lot of money as long as he keeps up his end of the deal.
“Champagne already? What are we celebrating?” I’m teasing him and notice the shaky smile on his face. The way his leg bounces.
He’s nervous.
Hmm.
“You. And me.” He lifts his glass and I do the same, meeting in the middle of the table and clinking them together. “We did it, Princess.”
“You did it,” I remind him, just before I take a sip. The champagne is cool and crisp and the bubbles tickle my throat as it goes down.
“Couldn’t have done it without you.” His gaze is intense as he stares at me. “I love you.”
“I love you, too,” I murmur with a little smile.
He says it a lot. More than he ever did before. After everything that happened before Christmas, he told me he looks at me as his gift. The one thing he was given that he’ll cherish above everything else.
I feel the same way about him.
These last six months, after everything we’ve experienced, have only brought us closer. We’ve been through a lot together, and we’ve learned so much about each other, too. It’s almost as if we have a renewed purpose within our relationship—and our love. The hardships have only made us stronger, and now our life together…
It’s amazing—and it’s only going to get better.
I just know it.
We eat the best meal I think l I’ve ever had. We drink more champagne. He jokes with me, being his typical Eli self and I laugh. He says something dirty and I laugh even more.
But he’s still nervous. I can sense it. And after our plates are taken away and it becomes quiet, I glance around to see that the catering staff is gone.
We’re the only ones left out here.
“You look beautiful tonight.” He reaches across the table to take my hand in his.
I smile at him. “So do you.”
“I can’t wait to take that dress off of you later.” He smirks.
The promise in his deep voice makes my toes curl. “We’re staying the night here, right?”