He's the Man (The Alexanders 3)

She was half in and half out of the dress when the doorbell rang, causing her to jump. “Crap. He’s early for once.” She quickly finished dressing, rushing to put on her heels and earrings before racing down the stairs. He’d used his key and stood in the foyer, adjusting his tie in the hall mirror.

“You look beautiful,” he commented without turning around. Their eyes met in the mirror. “But then again, you look lovely in a pair of scrubs, too.”

There it was. That was the guy she cared about. The one who went out of his way to make her feel good about herself. Just because they didn’t have the kind of passionate relationship portrayed in books and movies didn’t mean their marriage wasn’t going to be awesome. Everything in life wasn’t going to be exciting. Some things were just steady and reliable and good. Scott was a good guy. Getting married was the sensible next step.

“Thanks. I’d say the same to you, but you always look perfectly polished.”

He kissed her cheek lightly and then opened the door for her. “It’s just part of the job. After you, my lady.”

They rode through downtown Alexandria until they turned into a parking garage. As they walked out of the parking structure and onto King Street, she turned suspicious eyes to Scott.

“I’m guessing we’re close. Do I get a hint?”

He didn’t respond, just tugged on her hand until they stopped in front of a small awning. Penny turned to Scott in surprise when she saw the name written across the fabric in fancy lettering.

“The Tasting Room? How did you get reservations? I’m pretty sure they’re wait-listed into next year!” She didn’t add that she also knew he didn’t care for seafood, which was the main thing on the menu. Now she really felt guilty for her earlier thoughts. The guy was willing to eat seafood just to make her happy. That ought to carry more weight than sizzle and excitement.

“I know a guy who knows a guy who took pity on me. That’s all I’ll admit to.” He held the door for her again and then gave his name to the hostess.

Within minutes they were seated and she almost bounced in her seat looking at the menu. She’d been reading raves about their crab cakes ever since the restaurant had opened a year ago. They placed their orders with an extremely bored-looking waitress and then Scott surprised her by ordering a bottle of champagne.

He winked at her. “Let’s go all out.”

The champagne was brought by a different waiter and presented and poured with more pomp and circumstance than she could have imagined. Once they were alone again, she raised her glass of the bubbling golden liquid. “Here’s to a night to remember.”

“I’ll toast to that.” Scott tapped his glass against hers.

Their food was brought ten minutes later and Penny grinned at Scott over the plate. “This is amazing. Thank you.” She took her first bite and hummed with pleasure. She was so absorbed in her food that she didn’t look up until Scott reached across the table and took her hand.

“I brought you here to celebrate more than just our anniversary, babe.” Scott leaned closer. “I’ve been thinking a lot about the future lately.”

Oh my god, this is it.

Penny took a long, bracing gulp of her champagne, then moved her chair slightly closer. “I have, too. Just today I was thinking how well we get on together.”

“Yes, we do. You complement me perfectly. I need a partner I can rely on. One who’ll understand and support my goals. You’ve always pushed me to reach the next level. To be a crusader for justice.”

Her brow furrowed at the last part. Crusader for justice?

“I suppose so. Of course, I’m all for… justice.” She could only hope her face didn’t look as awkward as it felt.

“Well, I did it. Babe, I’m going to be the district attorney in Atlanta. I always thought I’d be district attorney already so I could be running for office soon, but this is exactly the kind of step up I’ve been working toward. It’s a little late, but I’ll take it.” He chuckled at his own joke.

She hesitated a beat too long before her manners kicked in. “Congratulations. Scott, that’s wonderful.” She meant it. Scott was a brilliant attorney and he deserved a promotion. Although, considering that she’d been expecting a heartfelt declaration of love, she wasn’t sure if she was insulted or relieved that he was only thinking about work.

“Wait, you’re going to be the new district attorney? Not, they offered you the job or you’re thinking about it, but you’re going to be.” She sat back in her seat, the champagne turning a little sour in her stomach. Scott wouldn’t meet her eyes and without a word she knew. “You’ve already accepted it, haven’t you?”

He finally lifted his eyes to hers. “Well, yes. This is my dream job! It’s a huge step up for me.”

“It’s in Atlanta. It’s a big move,” Penny added.

“I know. I do know that.” Scott looked contrite. “I want to marry you, Penny. Let’s be crazy and just do it. I know it’s a big move, but coming from a military family I figured you’d be up for the challenge. We make a great team.”

Hearing her own thoughts echoed back to her was like a glass of ice water to the face. She smiled automatically, but it felt like it was pasted on her face. It must have looked normal though, because Scott’s shoulders dropped and he let out a sudden breath, his easy smile back in place.

Despite their many conversations about family and her experiences growing up, it hadn’t occurred to him that she might not want to move. Or worse, it had occurred to him and he hadn’t cared. In essence, he hadn’t said would you consider moving to Atlanta with me at all. It was I’m moving to Atlanta with or without you.

How was it possible to spend so much time with someone and not have them see you at all? She was one more box to check off on his list of things to take care of before the move. She might as well have been a piece of furniture he was deciding whether to take with him or put into storage.