“Don’t be late,” he whispers before leaving me to contemplate what he’s got planned now.
30
FIERO
I’m sweating buckets in my gray suit as I wait in the rear garden of the guesthouse for Dino to escort Valentina here. I chose this setting as it’s the most private on the grounds. This area is bordered by pretty flowering shrubs and trees, yet we still have a view of the dock. String lights crisscrossing through the trees illuminate the space, along with the multitude of lit candles dotted all over the stone ground. Red roses wind around the base of the golden candelabra sitting on the dressed table. Inside, the chef and waiter I hired for tonight are hiding in the laundry room under strict instructions not to come out until I get them.
If anyone knew I was doing this, they’d have me committed. But it feels right, and I’m going with my instinct. I don’t care what anyone else will think when they find out. They don’t matter. All that matters is us, and I hope Valentina agrees.
She steps out of the house and onto the patio looking like a goddess in a gorgeous pink strapless chiffon dress that drapes to her ankles. A large fake flower rests to the left of her waist, and there’s a high split up one side of the dress, revealing one long toned, tan leg. My cock immediately springs to life, like always when she’s near. Strappy silver slingbacks adorn her feet, and she’s wearing her usual locket and a bunch of thin silver bracelets on one wrist and the new Rolex I bought her on the other. Diamante earrings glisten in her ears, and her hair is hanging in soft waves down her back. She’s not wearing much makeup, but she doesn’t need it. She’s magnificent. Definitely a sight to behold.
“You look stunning,” I say, walking to where she has stopped. Her gaze darts around the space, her eyes growing wide.
“What is all this?”
“Dinner.” Taking her hand, I lift it to my lips.
She visibly shudders when my mouth brushes her skin, and I love how responsive she is to every touch from me.
“This is spectacular, and the view is to die for.”
“I agree,” I say, eyeballing her so the message is clear.
Two pink dots stain her cheeks, and I’m partial to that color on her.
“I love you.” I slowly pull her into my body.
Her eyes glisten with emotion as her hands land on my shoulders. “I love you too,” she whispers, and I almost lose the ability to breathe.
“You mean it?”
“Yes.” The biggest smile materializes on her gorgeous face. “It’s crazy insanity but no less true.”
I crash my lips to hers, dipping her back a little as I kiss her deeply. We’re both panting when we come up for air.
“You’ve just made me the happiest man alive,” I say even though I haven’t even proposed yet and there’s still a strong chance she’ll say no.
But this has got to increase the odds, right?
I help her into her chair and pour her a glass of champagne before heading inside to tell the chef and waiter we’re good to begin.
We enjoy a sumptuous dinner of lobster ravioli to start, then the most delicious filet steak with accompaniments, and a rich chocolate mousse for dessert. Conversation is flowing naturally, and we’re trading stories of our childhoods and steering clear of awkward topics. She manages to adequately distract me, and waylay my nerves, until I let the waiter and chef go and the moment is upon me.
It’s now or never. No turning back.
The box in my pocket feels like a lead weight as I return from the bathroom having splashed water on my face and washed my clammy hands. My heart is skipping around my rib cage like an out-of-control racecar, and my collar feels tight around my neck. Most days, I hate wearing suits, but tonight is an important night, and it demanded I be as impeccably dressed as she is.
She turns slightly in her chair when I step outside, smiling expansively as she holds her flute, looking happy and relaxed, and I want to freeze-frame the way she looks tonight for eternity.
Taking her glass, I set it aside before dropping to one knee. She emits a shocked gasp when I take her hand, pull the box from my pocket, and clear my throat. “Valentina. We haven’t known one another long, but I’ve waited what feels like an eternity to find you. I know what I’m feeling is the real deal, and I don’t want to waste another day living my life without you by my side. I love you. I will love you every day for the rest of my life. I will make you happy and give you the family you’ve always dreamed of.”
Tears stream down her face, but I can’t work out how she’s feeling because her face is displaying so many differing emotions. I forge on anyway. “Be my wife.” I pop open the lid, revealing the three-carat princess-cut diamond ring I purchased yesterday from Harry Winston’s. “Will you marry me?”
Her lower lip wobbles as she stares at me, and the longer she says nothing, the more agitated I become. “Say something,” I plead.
“This is too much,” she whispers, yanking her hand away and hopping up, running off before I can stop her.
I’m rooted to the spot, my heart pulverized in my chest, as pain slays me on the inside. Acting on autopilot, I clear the table, leaving the dishes piled in the sink. I switch off the lights outside and lock up the guest house before making my way back into the house. The lights are off downstairs, so I remove my shoes and head up to our bedroom. Valentina is in bed, but she’s not sleeping. She’s staring numbly at the wall, looking so young and lost it breaks my heart all over again.
