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She pulled the paper off a black box. Tiffany opened it. Her mouth dropped open as she stared at a white-gold and ruby necklace. It was a three-stone setting with each ruby bigger than the last. She touched it lightly with her fingers.
“It’s…stunning,” she said in a choked voice. “I love it, but it’s way too much, Ivan.”
He took the necklace out of its case and secured it for her. When it slid down her neck, he settled the rubies into place. “No, it’s not. It’s your birthday, Tiffany, and I want to spoil you. Do you know how much I’d love to shower you with gifts if you’d let me?”
“Which I won’t,” she added. “This is too expensive, Ivan.”
Ivan dug his heels in. “I’m not taking it back. I should be entitled to splurge on you whenever I want.”
Tiffany walked to the hall mirror. He was right; it was perfect. It took considerable effort not to become overwhelmed at the beautiful pendant.
She went back to the couch and sat on his lap. “Thank you for such a special gift, Ivan. It’s perfect. My birthday is, too. It’s the best one I’ve had since I don’t remember when.” Her voice caught in her throat.
He kissed her. “I’m glad, but it’s not over yet.”
“No? You’ve already made it a birthday I’ll never forget. What else is there?”
“A while ago I was thinking about what I’d like to do for your birthday. Let’s just say it involves you and some leftover icing.” A wicked gleam entered his eyes. “And it appears we’ve got plenty of cake to spare.”
Tiffany jumped up. “Oh, no, you don’t, Ivan Mangum.” She screamed when he tried to grab her arm. She yanked it free and took off up the stairs.
“Wait.” He laughed. “You haven’t seen the best part.” He grabbed a spatula and raced after her.
Chapter 17
“I feel bad that we never made it to Lake Geneva,” Ivan said when Friday rolled around.
“I’m not.” Tiffany smiled, remembering how they’d spent their few days. “I had plenty to keep me occupied.”
Their getaway in the trees of Wisconsin gave them a true respite from their busy lives. She coveted those few days alone with Ivan. Nothing else mattered. As if the world sensed their need for privacy, not one of them received a phone call, text or even an email while they were at Windmere. They were completely isolated, and content.
The drive to Tiffany’s house was solemn. Both were wrapped up in their own thoughts.
In front of her building, they got out of the car and took her things inside. Ivan still needed to go home and get ready for his driver to pick him up later that evening.
Ivan gathered her up in his arms and kissed her soundly. Tiffany threw her arms around his neck and molded herself to him.
When they broke apart, her eyes were wet.
“Hey, I’ll be back before you know it.”
She could feel his heart beating against her temple. “Trust me. I’ll know every second that you’re not here.”
“I know, sweetheart. I’ll miss you like crazy, too. We’ve got all sorts of stuff to keep us connected— phones, email, video conferencing,” he pointed out.
Tiffany tried to put up a happy front, but it was difficult. “None of which will ever replace the real thing.”
“Not for me, either, but we’ll make the best of it. This time next week I’ll be home, and five minutes after that, we’ll be in bed making up for lost time.”
A genuine smile etched her face. Now that was a picture she could definitely hold on to while he was gone.
“I like the sound of that.”
“I thought you might. I’ve got a surprise for you,” he informed her.
“Seriously?”
Ivan sauntered over to one of the bags and retrieved a small, decorative box. He walked back to Tiffany and handed it to her. “Indulge me.”
