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She had been asking about their date since he picked her up. But Mars remained tightlipped, simply smiling.
And as they drove, Rhiannon couldn’t help but remember the questions Ellyn had asked her. She knew that Ellyn had not wanted to sow doubt in her mind.
But Ellyn had asked good questions. Rhiannon couldn’t deny that. How would dating a shifter work if their relationship became serious?
And would a billionaire multiple times over truly care about charity work? Would he devote his life to it as she had? Could she even expect him to do that if their relationship became serious?
Rhiannon realized where they were when Mars turned off the highway.
The Myriad Botanical Gardens was one of the most beautiful places in Oklahoma City. The gardens were one of the most loved places.
Among the many attractions, there was a skating rink, a carousel, and a conservatory.
“I hope you enjoy tonight,” Mars said as he opened her door for her.
He instantly slid an arm around her waist, pulling her closer to him. Then he led her to the Crystal Bridge Conservatory.
It was newly renovated, but when they stepped inside, it was deserted.
“I rented the place out for the night,” Mars confessed when Rhiannon pulled away to look around her. She couldn’t stop the gasp that escaped her.
“I know you don’t like me spending a lot of money on you. But just because I’m spending this money doesn’t mean your charity is losing anything, Rhi.” Mars spoke earnestly before Rhiannon could admonish him for the expense. She bit her lip and nodded.
He was right. As much as she wanted to argue with him, Mars was right. He could probably spend ten times the rent of the conservatory.
His wallet wouldn’t even break a sweat.
“It is so beautiful here,” she said as she allowed herself to relax. Mars laughed, and she could hear the relief in his voice.
He pulled her back into his embrace, and their lips met quickly. The kiss was soft and gentle. They were both exhausted from a hard week. Rhiannon could almost feel his fatigue through the kiss.
Just then, the evening lights flickered on, and Rhiannon pulled away as dozens of fairy lights burst into the air.
A table with a vase of white roses and two chairs sat in the center of the conservatory. Around the table were short pillars which held bunches of white flowers that were bound with baby’s breath.
“Don’t worry,” he whispered in a low voice. “They’re being donated after this.”
“It is so beautiful,” she breathed the words, aware that she was repeating herself. “I can’t believe you did this.”
Mars blushed, and she reached up to stroke his cheek. Then she planted a kiss on his lips.
“All for you, sweetheart,” he said, smiling broadly.
“I do want us to talk, though.” The words slipped from her involuntarily. Ellyn’s questions were clearly still on her mind. Mars sensed the solemnity in her words, and he led her quietly to the table.
“Sit down, and let’s talk,” he said earnestly. A waiter appeared from nowhere, carrying a bottle of water and a bottle of wine. “I am an open book,” he continued after the waiter left.
“Well,” she began, though she struggled to get her thoughts in a straight line. “You’re a shifter. Wouldn’t you rather be with a shifter? Wouldn’t that be easier?”
Mars was silent for a minute and poured wine into both their glasses.
“Compared to you …” he said, his voice was as serious as hers had been, “another shifter would be the worst thing in the world.”
“Why?” she asked frankly and curiously.
“Because you’re my fated mate. My partner chosen for me by something greater than either of us. It isn’t something I can explain.”
Mars looked at her directly and reached for her hand. His icy blue eyes were warm and comforting.
