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Since he appeared in town and confessed his feelings, we’ve been inseparable. Whether in Idaho or New York, we’re never far apart. I’m finally using all that vacation I banked, which makes my boss and Margo happy. We haven’t yet decided what our future looks like, but I’m spending all my free days in New York.
The benefits of dating a wealthy man are tempting: gorgeous hotels for getaways, delicious meals eaten at five-star restaurants, and tickets to plays and concerts. When Elliott asked me what kind of life I wanted to have with him, he said that money was no object, and if there was anything he could do to make me happy, I simply had to name it.
At first, it was a tad overwhelming; how often does someone offer you the world on a silver platter? But as time passed, I realized it’s not about things or experiences. It’s about enjoying each other’s company and making memories.
My heart swells whenever he surprises me with something special or sends me flowers out of the blue. But nothing beats picking up the phone and hearing his voice or knowing that every day is a new adventure with him by my side.
“Have I told you yet today how stunning you look?”
I glance down at my dress. I’m a tad overdressed for this wedding, but I couldn’t resist wearing it for Elliott. I remember when I first spotted this gown in the shop window in New York. The layers of tulle on the skirt, the elegant V-neck with spaghetti straps, and the slate blue color took my breath away. How it flows when I twirl makes me feel like a princess. And isn’t that what every girl dreams of?
Before we get into the limo, Elliott reaches into his pocket and pulls out a small red box with a white bow.
“Kaitlyn,” he begins, “I know today has been difficult for you and I don’t want to make it any harder, but I thought this might make it better.”
I shake my head. “You being here has made today bearable. You didn’t need to get me anything.” I take the box from him and open it to find a gorgeous diamond necklace. The stones are perfectly matched and set in a delicate pattern.
“Elliott, it’s beautiful.”
“I wanted something special that you could treasure forever,” he says, touching my cheek softly.
“Thank you so much.” I throw my arms around him and plant a big wet kiss on his lips. I don’t care who’s looking. I don’t care what they think. I don’t care that they’re probably focusing on me and my date and not the couple getting married today.
Elliott wipes tears from my cheeks—I cry so many happy tears with this man. “It’s my pleasure. Just so it’s clear, though, I plan to spoil you. It’s something I can do and I like to do it. You’ll just have to get used to it.” He drops a quick kiss on the tip of my nose. “Now let’s go. We have a plane to catch.”
We make our way to the airport. I can hardly believe what Elliott has done for me. He has pulled out all the stops.
Once we are settled into the soft leather seats on the plane, I realize that what’s happened in my past has led me here. Call it whatever you want, but things happened, and if they hadn’t of the way they did, I wouldn’t be sitting here today. I’d be heading to the community hall to celebrate my marriage to a man I can now admit I never loved. Not like I love the man sitting across from me.
I can’t take my eyes off Elliott. He looks so handsome in his suit. The luxurious fabric is cut and tailored to fit his body perfectly, accentuating his broad shoulders and trim waist. The white shirt brightens his complexion. Even his shoes are polished to a glossy shine.
More than a few women in town gave him a second, third, and fourth look.
My heart flutters as I recall Margo’s earlier words when she pulled me aside before we sat down to dinner.
“Honey, I have never seen you look happier. You are glowing like a star.”
“I am, happy, that is. I didn’t know that I could come here today. I didn’t think I had the courage. But I didn’t want everyone pitying me either. If I had stayed away, I would have been forced to deal with the looks and the whispers. Now, they can see that I’m okay. In fact, I’m more than okay.”
“You deserve this, Kaitlyn. That man of yours is to die for. If he has a friend, I’m available.” We laughed. “I’m going to miss you though,” she’d said, a catch in her voice, a shine in her eyes.
“What do you mean? I’m not going anywhere.”
“Oh, please, if I were you, I’d pack all my belongings and catch the next chartered plane to New York.”
We chuckled so hard; I snorted because that’s precisely what I’m doing. Though I haven’t made an official move yet. For now, we plan to go back and forth.
Eventually, the plane touches down in New York, and we disembark. Elliott takes my hand and leads me to where his car is waiting. I look up at the night sky and can’t help but be filled with joy. I’m finally back in New York with the man I love.
We take the elevator up to the penthouse when we arrive at the hotel. The doors open, and Elliott takes my hand and leads me into the expansive penthouse.
I am speechless when I see it.
It is decorated with what looks like hundreds of flowers—roses, lilies, tulips—all in full bloom and arranged in the most beautiful patterns. The sweet scent of them fills the air. The curtains are pulled back on the huge window. All around us are twinkling skyline lights that give the room a magical glow.
Elliott takes my hand and leads me through the flowers to a table set for two next to the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Central Park. He pulls out my chair and helps me get comfortable before sitting across from me. I admire the view as Elliott lights the candles and pours us each a glass of champagne.
“How did you do this?” I can’t help but feel like I’m in a dream world.
