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Our relationship seemed to be shifting ever since I chose to stand with him in hopes of creating a proper marriage between us, and it made me realize my guilt over how difficult I had been initially. Of course, it was easier to point out in hindsight, and while I didn’t regret trying to put up a fight for my autonomy, I was able to see how it didn’t help.
With the knowledge I had then of Nik’s intentions, and how he only wanted us to be together, I wanted to try and make it up to him. I wouldn’t, and couldn’t, change the past, but at the very least, I could try to make things easier moving forward.
Things were nice between us, and with that in mind, I felt more willing to cooperate and be sweeter to him.
Plus, it didn’t hurt that I had some important practical training coming up, which I couldn’t miss without risking my education as a whole.
Not only did I want to try and prove to Nik that he could trust me with leaving the house, but I also wanted us to have some special bonding time.
With a plan and Catherine’s help, I spent part of the day orchestrating the surprise for him. I had no idea if he would even like it, but at the very least, I hoped my effort would shine through.
When everything was in place and en route, I spent some time getting myself ready.
Feeling more feminine, I went for a white knit dress with cut-off shoulders that hugged my curves, pairing it with a small black heel. I loosely curled my hair and brushed it out to give it a more relaxed look, and I kept my makeup light.
My access to a nicer wardrobe was all thanks to Catherine. Nik had supplied me with some of her old clothes, but when his sister decided I should have some new stuff of my own, he had no choice but to comply. I felt fortunate to have her.
After I was prepared to go, I found myself with more time than I knew what to do with, and I waited around for Nik to get home.
Eventually, the door unlocked, and Nik emerged. I tried to not be too obvious with my enthusiasm since I wanted everything to go well, but I couldn’t wait any longer as I entered the room.
“I have a surprise, but we need to go to it,” I announced, feeling vague butterflies in my stomach.
Nik looked tired as he walked in, giving me a satisfied once-over before he put a hand on my waist opposite to him and pulled me closer. Entertaining it anyway, he pressed a kiss to my forehead and murmured, “Can’t say I was expecting that first thing, but I’ll bite.”
I softened at the contact, finding myself silently swooning for him all over again. “I’ll give you the directions, then.”
***
When Nik was ready, we headed out, and I just hoped everything would work out according to plan.
Despite how tired he had been when he first arrived home, his spirits seemed to lift the moment we got on the road with the windows cracked and the radio on. Wearing his black sunglasses and his usual dark-fitted tee as he drove, I couldn’t help but find him incredibly attractive.
There was something so perfect about his dark hair paired with his maintained stubble and that strong jaw of his. Matched with his incredible physique, Nik was a walking dream.
It was hard to believe he hadn’t been taken by anyone else before. But luckily for me, he was not only my husband, but devoted enough to keep me in his life despite all odds. I was beginning to see it less as a life sentence and more as a pleasure.
Lost in my daydreams of him, I hardly noticed as we pulled up to the fairly empty park. Nik found a place for the car, and before long, we were heading toward my surprise.
As the car was turned off and we got out, Nik lifted his brows in anticipation. “Lead the way.”
The excitement bubbled up within me as I walked around the car, reached for his hand, and guided him through the park. He seemed pleasantly surprised by the affection, which made my heart squeeze.
The park was beautiful at that hour as the sun’s golden light gleamed through the trees and made everything glow. The freshly green leaves rustled as we walked beneath them, and the air was beyond refreshing.
Even before coming across the scene I'd asked Cat to lay out for me, I was already giving myself a pat on the back.
That sentiment only deepened as we reached the big blanket spread out in the grass with two pillows, a large picnic basket, glass flutes, and a bottle of champagne on ice. For an added touch, a beautiful bouquet sat in the middle of it all.
Glancing over my shoulder, I found a familiar vehicle not too far away and spotted Catherine inside. She flashed me a knowing smile as she waved before sneaking her way out of the parking lot.
I had to hand it to her, she was good.
“Wow,” Nik said, visibly surprised by the spread. “How did you manage all of this from home?”
Trying to reserve an air of mystery around me, I sat on the blanket as Nik did the same across from me. “I have my ways. And by that, I mean I asked Catherine for help, and she did most of the actual work.”
“Delegating is an important role, don’t sell yourself short,” he joked with a playful smile.
