This man. I should have known he would find a way to surprise me for our first Valentine’s Day together. I quickly pull the pink ribbon off, tossing it on the couch beside me. I take a breath before I open the lid and separate the tissue paper, a gasp leaving my lips at what sits in front of me.
You’ve heard of the little black dress? Well, this is the perfect little pink dress. It’s the most feminine shade of blush fitted with a gorgeous lace overlay. The shoes are a piece of artwork, matching the dress perfectly with a heel suitable for my pregnant feet. Then I squeal when I unwrap the purse. It’s a classic Chanel bag, also light pink.
My mind drifts back to age sixteen when Reagan and I were planning my sweet sixteen party. We decided to have it in her backyard because it had a pool and plenty of room.
“Hey Mack, if you could get one present for your sweet sixteen, besides a car, what would it be? No matter the cost.”
“Easy. A light pink classic Chanel bag.”
“Mackenzie, is that what I think it is?” My mom’s voice pulls me out of the memory as she stands in front of me, pointing at the bag.
“A light-pink classic Chanel bag.” I meet her eyes and they’re watering. This sweet woman can’t help but sob at any sort of romantic gesture.
“That Jordan—he’s one of a kind.”
Nodding, I see that even my dad has a soft smile on his face as he takes in the extravagant gifts I’m holding.
“Well, you and Jordan have a great night. We’re off!”
My plans to leave a permanent imprint on the couch are thrown out the window and I can’t help but giggle as I walk upstairs to get ready for the night with Jordan.
CHAPTER
THIRTY
JORDAN
Iadjust the collar of my black dress shirt as I step out of my car in the familiar Banks driveway. It’s taken eight years to walk up these porch steps and knock on the door, knowing the girl who grew up here is waiting for me.
I told Mackenzie we wouldn’t be back in time for our Valentine’s date, but only so I could surprise her. The texts she sent after opening the box had me doubled over laughing. To say the dress and shoes were a hit is a huge understatement. But that bag, the one she talked about when she was sixteen, it did exactly what I hoped it would. It showed her how well I know her—and that I want to give her the world.
Knocking on the black front door, sporting a wreath wrapped in red-and-pink heart ribbon, I feel the excitement build. Nothing could have prepared me for what was waiting for me on the other side of that door.
Mackenzie Banks is a vision—looking like all my dreams come true in that pink lace dress. The perfect mix of sophisticated and sexy. It’s tight, showing off every fantastic curve on her body and hits right at mid-thigh. She’s wearing the matching heels that make her legs look a mile long. Paired with a light pink lipstick, those blue eyes, and herblonde curls, she’s glowing. Pregnancy looks good on her. I never thought she could be more beautiful—but I was wrong.
“Mack, you look incredible. That dress is doing things to me.” I can’t help biting down on my knuckle as I slowly look her up and down.
“Not so bad yourself, J.” She gives me a once-over and it feels good having her eyes on me. I have a stylist who helps me plan outfits for games and going out. Right now, it’s the black button-down shirt, with the sleeves rolled and charcoal grey pants that are a little tighter than I’d normally pick. With the way Mack is looking at me, I’m happy to wear them.
“Are you ready to go?” She nods, and I offer her my arm to hold on to as we make our way back to my truck. I hold the passenger door open, giving her my hand as she gets in. I close the door and hustle around to my side. Once we’re settled, I take a moment to soak it all in before turning the ignition.
“You know, I’ve wanted you in my truck like this forever.”
“I’m glad we made it, Jordan.”
I pick up her hand, I place a kiss in the center of her palm, before answering.
“Me, too, baby.”
Bella Italiano sits right between our hometowns and it’s the one local restaurant I know she loves, but never went to with Trey. Dressing up and going out is something Mack loves to do. What she doesn’t want is a place where she has to google the menu options.
A smile lights her face as I pull the truck into the parking lot. Her face shifts to confusion once she realizes that we’re the only vehicle here. “Are they closed? I figured it would be packed on Valentine’s Day.”
“Since this is our first official date, I wanted to make it special. So, I called the owner and we have the restaurant to ourselves tonight.” I wish I could freeze her face right now. Her mouth hangs open and her eyes are as wide as I’ve ever seen them.
“You’re joking, right?” I shake my head and she covers her mouth with her hand.
“Jordan, this is…”
