The interior of the theater was old-world elegance. A chandelier hung from the ceiling. Red velvet drapes tied with gold added a dramatic flair to the place. Crimson carpeting and bronze fixtures allowed Morgan to feel as if she’d stepped back in time to another era.
“What time is the movie?” she asked, noticing that there weren’t a lot of people waiting around. The theater was pretty empty.
Luke looked at his wrist. “Not for another hour. We have time to catch dinner first.”
Morgan tilted her head back to look at the ornate ceiling. “This place is stunning.”
“It is,” Luke agreed. “It’s been around since nineteen twenty-one, so I’m glad they’ve restored it so that future generations can come here and enjoy classic films.”
“I used to come here as a kid.” Emotion was riding right on the surface. Coming to this theater had been a treat she’d cherished unlike any other. “My father used to bring me here when I was small. I used to love Shirley Temple movies. And he would take me to see all of her films. We’d sit in the darkened theater and drink grape soda with our big bucket of popcorn and a bag of licorice. Those moments are really cherished memories because we don’t really have a relationship now. Oh, he sends the occasional card on my birthday and sometimes remembers to call, but that’s pretty much it. There’s nothing solid between us.”
Luke clenched his jaw. “I’m sorry, Morgan. You deserve a lot better than that from him.”
Morgan scoffed. “It’s funny. That’s one of the only positive legacies he’s left me with. A love of classic films. Everything I know about them was taught to me by him.”
Luke reached for her hand and pressed it to his lips. “You are who you are despite him. Despite him walking away. You are a wonderful woman, Morgan Lucas. Be proud of that.”
Just as she was about to respond, something caught her eye in the theater. A red and white flashing marquee was showcasing her name along with his. MORGAN and LUKE. A LOVE STORY. She let out a gasp and looked up at Luke. A huge grin was etched on his face. He seemed extremely pleased with himself.
This over-the-top gesture meant the world to her. It was sweet and romantic and clever. She could feel tears pooling in her eyes. Luke always made her feel so incredibly special, as if she was the most important person in his orbit. She hoped in some small way she made him feel the same.
“Luke! How did you make that happen?”
He winked at her. “I’ve got my ways. I hope this doesn’t sound arrogant, but sometimes it pays to bear the Duvall name. My family donated pretty generously to the restoration of this theater. My mother actually chaired the efforts and raised a small fortune.”
Morgan let out a low whistle of approval. “I’m happy to be reaping the benefits.”
“Why don’t we go sit down for dinner.” Luke directed her down a hallway.
“Here at the theater?” she asked, marveling at all the surprises Luke had managed to pull off.
He nodded. “I hope you’re hungry. I arranged for a table to be set up for us with the meal being prepared and served by one of Savannah’s finest chefs. He said he’d love to talk to you about the life of a chef.”
“Who is it?” she asked, excitement pulsing in her veins. What an honor it would be to be served dinner by one of Savannah’s best chefs.
“Andre DeSoto.”
Morgan reached out and gripped Luke’s wrist. “Are you serious? Andre DeSoto is preparing a meal for us? And he’s willing to talk to me about being a chef?”
“Yes to both questions.”
“Luke!” Morgan gasped. “This night cannot get any more spectacular. Andre is one of the premier chefs in the country. His new restaurant here in Savannah is booked for months in advance.”
“Now you’ve given me a challenge,” Luke said with a wink. “I’m going to have to try and get us reservations.”
Luke guided Morgan toward a room off to the side. A man dressed in a tuxedo held the door open for them. Once inside, Morgan saw that an intimate table had been set up for them on a stage. Luke held her hand tightly and led her toward their table. He pulled her chair out for her and once she was seated, he made his way to his own seat. There was a bouquet of white roses gracing the table, along with a candle glowing from a glass vase.
“It won’t always be like this,” he said, reaching out across the table for her hand. ?
?I’m looking forward to some quiet nights at home.”
“Me too. That will give me the chance to cook you a five course meal.” A heavenly scent emanated toward her nostrils. “Speaking of food, something smells incredible. I wonder what it is.”
Luke nodded at a spot behind her. “I think we’re about to find out.”
Andre DeSoto arrived at their table pushing a dinner cart. Two covered dishes sat on the tray. With his jet black hair streaked with white stripes, DeSoto was well-known for his striking appearance and eclectic wardrobe. He often wore brightly patterned chef’s hats and aprons. To borrow one of Miss Hattie’s expressions, Andre was a “character.”
Luke stood up and shook Andre’s hand. “Nice to see you again, Andre. Thanks for doing this tonight.”