We arrive at the restaurant, and Abby’s eyes widen as we step out of the elevator onto the top floor. Walls of floor-to-ceiling windows give us a view of the east side lights.
“John.” She sounds breathless. “This is incredible.”
Pride surges at her reaction. I want tonight to be unforgettable. Who am I kidding? I want every day and night to be that way for her. She deserves it. “Only the best for you.”
The hostess leads us to our table. We sit, and she hands us thick, heavy menus. “Enjoy your dinner with us.”
She glances at the menu and then looks at me. “There aren’t any prices.”
“This is a celebration. No need to worry about prices.”
Abby’s mouth slants, and then she shrugs. “Whatever you say, boss man.”
At least she’s going along with it.
Our server brings each of us a glass of iced tea a few minutes later. Wine would have been an excellent addition, and I joked about it, but we both decided we were too tired after the long week. Plus, I have to work tomorrow. All our employee meetings put me behind, but they were worth it.
Abby stares out the window and sighs. “It’s strange. I keep thinking I’ll wake up and realize I’ve been dreaming this entire time.”
I reach across the table and hold her hand. “This is very real. Though, I’d never want to wake up if it were a dream.”
She rolls her eyes, and a blush creeps up to her cheeks. “Smooth talker.”
“At times, but that’s new,” I admit. “I usually tripped over my tongue whenever I was around you.”
Abby winks. “Carry on.”
I groan. “Please, don’t remind me.”
She laughs. “It was funny.”
“Humiliating, but I’m glad you found humor in my faux pas.” I love how we joke with each other.
“We’ll have many more of those in the future.”
Hearing her say “future” makes me want to whip out her surprise right now.
As we enjoy our delicious meal, we talk between bites. The conversation flows easily and is comfortable, as if we’ve been doing this for years instead of days. We share a chocolate soufflé because what’s a celebration without dessert? The meal was one of the best I’ve eaten, but that might be as much Abby as the food.
Now, it’s time for Abby’s surprise. I purchased this gift after Abby told me she wanted to stay and fight.
My heart rate picks up. “Remember how I said I had a little something to celebrate how far we’ve come?”
Abby nods, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. “I’ve been dying to know what the surprise is all night. I thought it would be dessert.”
Thought so. I’m glad I did something a tad extra for her. I pull the velvet box out of my pocket. “It’s not exactly little and not exactly big, but…”
I open the box. Inside sits a delicate silver bracelet with sapphires. Abby’s eyes widen, her hand flying to her mouth.
Her eyes gleam. “John, it’s beautiful.”
“Not as beautiful as you.” The sentiment might sound cheesy, but it’s true. “I would’ve gotten you a necklace—”
She touches Grandma’s necklace around her neck. I haven’t seen Abby without it since she received it. “I have this one.”
“I didn’t want to compete. But the sapphires remind me of your eyes.”
Abby laughs softly, wiping her eyes. “I thought you couldn’t get any cheesier.”
