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We’ve been there several times over the past year, and though we both love it, we’ve kept it for particularly special occasions, though when I’m sick, Blake brings home takeout and we have a picnic in bed. Who knew under all that workaholic behavior beat the heart of a romantic? And he’s all mine.
“We are. How could we not? This is where I wanted to take you on our first date.” He kisses me softly on the nose. “Though I’m just as happy it ended up being at the conservatory. As far as first dates go, it was perfect.”
The car pulls to a stop and Frank gets out, coming around to get Blake’s door. Blake slides out then offers me his hand, helping me exit the car. He does this every time, and it never fails to make me feel beautiful and incredibly special. Blake tucks my hand into the crook of his arm and we walk toward the front of the restaurant. A valet opens the thick oak door and we step inside the elegant foyer. The decor is understated elegance, with dark wood and glass accents which give the dining room a cozy but modern feel.
Themaître d’is a handsome man in his mid-thirties with dark wavy hair cut close on the sides, and lovely blue eyes. He’s no Blake, but I’ll bet he does alright. He greets us like old friends, and it might be how he greets everyone, but it does make me feel special. “Bonne soirée mes amis.Blake, so good to see you.” His French accent is lovely and adds to his charm. He takes Blake’s offered hand and shakes it before turning to me. “Stef, you look lovely this evening.” He kisses both of my cheeks, and I have to admit, it isn’t awful. “Your table is ready. If you’ll follow me, please?”
“Thank you, Mathieu.” Blake tucks my arm through his as we stroll through the restaurant to a quiet table for two near the windows overlooking Elliott Bay. Mathieu pulls out my chair for me, laying my napkin across my lap, and once Blake sits, he offers to pour the champagne chilling next to the table. Blake nods and a few minutes later we’re alone, sipping our lovely sparkling wine, perusing our menus. “They have theCanard braisé aux Montmorencytonight. And theCarne de porco à Alentejana.”
“You called ahead?” I take a sip of my champagne and set down my menu. With Blake around, there’s no reason for me to even look. He knows more about food than anyone I know. “Why don’t you order for us, darling? You know what I like. I trust you.”
That earns me a huge smile. Like I said, he enjoys taking care of the people he loves, especially when it involves food. Blake pours us more champagne and raises his glass. “To us. I hope our future years are as wonderful as the last one has been with you. I love you, sweetheart.”
I wave my hand in front of my eyes to stop the tears threatening to ruin my makeup. “Blake! I love you too.” I blow him a kiss over the table and he dutifully catches it and presses it to his lips. He is such a keeper. We clink glasses and sip our wine, then the server appears and rattles off the evening specials and asks if we’re ready to order. Blake nods and orders what sounds like more delicious food than either of us can eat in one sitting, but we do our best.
Two bottles of champagne and four courses of food later, we’re sipping coffees, and I’m feeling full and slightly floaty. Blake raises my hand to his lips and kisses my fingertips. “Sweetheart, I have something for you.”
I waggle my eyebrows at him and grin. “Yes. I know you do. And I plan to unwrap it later.”
Blake winks at me. “That too.” He motions for the server who brings a silver dome covered platter to the table and presents it to me. “Maybe settle for this right now.” The server removes the lid with a flourish, revealing a box wrapped in shimmering cream-colored paper with a sheer gold ribbon tied in an elegant bow. They place the platter in front of me and quickly disappear.
I glance at Blake, who gestures for me to open it, but I shake my head. “It’s so lovely I don’t want to ruin it.”
“I think you won’t mind once you see inside.” He’s awfully sure of himself.
Carefully, I pull on the sparkly gold ribbon, undoing the bow and setting it aside so I can keep it. With barely contained excitement, I lift the lid and pull aside the soft gold tissue paper. “Oh, Blake!” My hand flies to my mouth and I have to swallow a few times to clear the lump in my throat. “Darling, it’s stunning.” Nestled in the tissue is the most exquisite Venetian mask I’ve ever seen. It’s cream-coloredpapier-mâchéwith gold, copper and brass colored filigree accents, and a smattering of clear crystals. I carefully lift it up, and the candlelight makes the whole mask sparkle. “Blake.” I look into his eyes, wanting him to see just how much I love it. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome, sweetheart. But that’s not all. Check in the box.”
At the bottom is a small card with a note in gold filigree lettering. As I read the message, my hands shake.
Sweetheart,
You’ve made this past year the best one of my life,
And I’m not sure how I can ever repay you.
But maybe this will be a start.
I.O.U.
One kiss under the Bridge of Sighs
Venice
October
All of my love, forever,
Blake
I stare at him, confused. “Blake?”
His smile dims. “We don’t have to go if you’d rather not.”
I shake my head, not wanting him to misunderstand. “No. Blake. What does this mean?” I show him the card as if he hadn’t written it. “Venice? But that’s in—”
“Italy. Yes. I know.” His smile is back, and this time it’s cheeky and his eyes sparkle with laughter. “You have three months to rearrange your calendar. At the end of October I’m taking you to Venice for two weeks. Can you swing that?”
