“Come on. Dinner is ready.”
“When did you have time to cook?”
“I didn’t. I brought in a private chef for the evening. I thought it would be a nice way to celebrate.”
I shake my head in disbelief. “A private chef? This place is unreal…”
Nate laughs. “Well, it’s all for you, baby. What’s mine is yours now. I hope you make yourself at home here. I don’t want you to feel like a guest. This place is for me and you to enjoy every day. Don’t be shy about using any of it.”
I blush. I can barely believe he’s making me feel so welcome. But he’s right, I was nervous to come here, to invade his space, to try and find a home here, but I already know that we’re going to be just fine. It’s me and him against the world, starting today.
But he’s got yet another surprise for me. As we walk into the dining room, I find that it’s been set up for the perfect romantic meal.
There are plates of elegant pasta waiting for us, and sparkling water in two wine glasses. There are candles lit on every surface, giving the room a warm glow. I glance at Nate with a smile.
“You planned this?”
“I told you. I wanted your first day here to be special.”
He helps me into my chair and for a minute, I forget about my desire to be proposed to. I don’t need to worry about that. It’ll happen when it happens. I should stay in this moment, right here, right now. Because this is pretty incredible when I think about it.
I should be grateful, and I am so much.
CHAPTER TWENTY
Nate
I don’t think Tara has any idea what I have planned for this evening. I’ve been planning it out for some time now, waiting for the right moment to do it, and tonight seemed like the perfect night. I hope that I can take her by surprise, that she hasn’t picked up any signs but I guess I’ll see when I get down on one knee.
I knew I wanted to marry Tara right from the start. And with every passing moment, it feels like more of a strain on me, knowing that she isn't yet my wife. I want to commit my entire life to her. I want to spend the rest of my days loving her, and I want that to be inside a marriage. I’m a traditional guy, and I want to get up in front of all of our friends and family and declare our love for one another.
I know that’s what she wants, too.
I know she’s dreamed of being someone’s wife since she was a little girl, it was one of the things we talked about. She never got to watch her mother and father’s love unfold, and I guess she’s scared that she might miss out. But I’m not going to allow that to happen. I’m going to propose tonight so we can finally begin the rest of our lives together.
“This pasta looks amazing,” Tara says as she digs into the plate in front of her. I smile to myself. I know pasta is her favorite dish, which is why I had the chef prepare it for tonight. I want every detail of the day to be perfect so that she remembers it forever.
I’m sure that I’m getting it right, with the sparkling water - a perfect alternative for my pregnant soon-to-be wife - the candles, the food…
And just wait until she sees the ring.
I had it picked out the day after we returned from the cruise. It called to me from the moment I saw it, and I knew it would be perfect on my woman’s finger. I know the diamond encrusted band is fit for a queen like mine. And when I pictured getting down on one knee with it, all I could hear was her saying yes.
“God, this is so good,” Tara moans as she takes another bite of pasta. She glances over at me, frowning. “Everything okay? You’re very quiet.”
“I’m fine,” I tell her, reaching for her hand. “I’m very good, in fact. I just…I have some things that I want to talk to you about.”
Tara looks concerned as she puts down her fork. “Is it something I should be worried about?”
“Absolutely not. Don’t get yourself stressed out. It’s all good things, I promise. I’ll just cut to the chase. I’m quitting my job.”
She looks shell-shocked. “What? But, why would you do that? You love your job.”
I smile at her. “I do enjoy it, yes. But as much as I’ve loved my life aboard a cruise liner, it doesn’t work for my life anymore. I have you to consider, and our baby. It’s not like I need the money, the business is mine, and it’ll continue bringing in money for us. We’ll never have to work again or worry about anything. I’m stepping back because it’s time I made my family a priority.”