After a month’s delay, it’s finally our housewarming party, and Jack surprised me this morning with Chef Odette’s arrival from Paris.
It was a lovely surprise. Jack set it up so we could finish our cooking class, and then he hired her to stay for tonight’s party. He was excited to cook tonight, but there was no way he would be able to cater to all the guests. He’s taken it more seriously since Paris, but he’s still learning.
Even with knowing Jack all these years, it’s been a welcomed surprise finding out what a romantic he is.
Placing the knife down, he tugs me by the waist and kisses me hard against my lips. “Hi.” He kisses me again. “How was your call?”
I push back a few strands of his dark hair as we sway to the music. “It went brilliantly. I’m set to leave for California next month with the DeLuca family.”
His face drops, and he returns to the food he’s been preparing.
I furrow my brows in concern. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.” He shrugs sheepishly. “I don’t particularly love the idea of you being away for a whole month. I’m going to miss you. But I know it’s selfish after all the work you put into building this client relationship.”
The bell rings, breaking up our conversation. I rub Jack’s shoulder and promise it’ll be okay as I go to open the door. A delivery man stands there holding a large box and a clipboard for me to sign. “Hello, what do we have here?”
“No idea, love. I’ve only been hired to deliver the parcel.”
I sign the paperwork then check the label, my eyes widening in excitement when I see it’s something I bought Jack two months ago.
Talk about perfect timing. I have a special surprise for him tonight, and this will be the icing on the cake.
God, I’m so bloody happy this came.
“Hey!” Sadie yells. “Help a girl out.” I laugh and grab the flowers from her hand.
“Darling, we have no more room in the house. It’s like the bloody botanical gardens.”
She waves me off. “No such thing. What’s that?” She looks down at the box.
“I was just calling Wills to help with it. Can you ask him to bring it downstairs for me without Jack seeing it? It’s part of his surprise.”
“On it.” She follows me into the house, and I place the flowers on the table.
“I’m going to finish my makeup since everyone will arrive soon. Do you need anything else from me?” I ask.
“No, go get pretty, and I’ll come get you when people start arriving.”
“Please.” I flip back my hair. “I’m already pretty. No more help is needed.” I laugh playfully.
She rolls her eyes. “You’ve been hanging out with my brother a little too much.”
“Truth.” I blow her a kiss and get ready for our party.
If I weren’t already pathetic enough about the two of us, I’d be skipping two by two up the steps.
But I’m keeping my cool…or at least trying.
* * *
“There the lass is, my favorite troublemaker.” Declan kisses both my cheeks.
“I’ve been a good girl lately. No trouble from me.” I wink.
“What kind of good girl?” Nora waggles her brows.
Declan grumbles something, walking away, and we both laugh. “Hi.” I kiss her hello, then take Aoife in my arms. “They’re getting so big, soon they’ll be walking.”
