Total pages in book: 90
Estimated words: 84670 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 423(@200wpm)___ 339(@250wpm)___ 282(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 84670 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 423(@200wpm)___ 339(@250wpm)___ 282(@300wpm)
“Yes, please, Franks,” I said. Rome just looked speechless.
“You’re telling me you got Donovan and Carol to help? They’re in my kitchen right now?”
I nodded. “I was talking to Parker about wanting to create a special date, and Franks happened to overhear. He volunteered his and Donovan’s services for the night. Word spread through the grapevine, and Carol offered to make dessert.”
Rome picked up his champagne flute and wiggled a little in his seat. “See if Declan and Sebastian get their employees back now. I’m going to offer them even more money, and they’ll come work for me. Bet you’ll be happy to move in with me then.”
Ridiculous.
Of course, if this meal was half as delicious as it sounded, I would be very tempted. Unfortunately, I doubted Chef Donovan and Franks would be tempted.
“Without Joy, I don’t think you’ve got much bargaining power,” I pointed out.
He tipped his glass toward me. “That is very true.”
I picked up my flute and held it in front of me. “To my very handsome boyfriend and very best friend in the world. Thank you for your love and patience. Thank you for making me happier than I have ever been. I want a thousand more dates with you.”
Rome’s eyes shone in the flickering candlelight, and I had to suddenly swallow against the knot in my throat that had grown while I was speaking.
“A thousand dates isn’t nearly enough. We need a lifetime. Whether it’s video games and pizza or exploring the world, I don’t care so long as I’m with you.”
We clinked our glasses together.
As we took our first sip of the excellent champagne, gentle violin music poured through the room. But it was too crisp and clear to be any kind of a recording.
Rome gasped and turned just as Simon strolled into the room ahead of Franks with our first course. My final surprise of the night. Simon had also volunteered to play for a little while as we ate our meal. The idea of a world-class violinist playing while we ate was just too decadent, but the man had insisted.
“This is just amazing. I love it!” Rome shouted as we dug into the delicious melon prosciutto skewers.
And yes, Declan and Parker were endlessly spoiled by having Chef Donovan cooking for them. Oh my God, the food. Everything was perfect. I wasn’t even a fan of soup, but I almost licked the bowl clean.
Just before Franks brought out the main entrée, I stood and stepped over to Rome’s seat. “Would you dance with me?” I asked, holding out my hand to him.
Rome took it immediately, and we moved to an open area for a slow dance that was just us rocking in place as Simon played his violin. The shadows and candlelight folded around us to create an intimate atmosphere that shot straight to my heart. I wanted to remember everything about this night, but in the end, I knew the only thing I would recall was the feel of Rome in my arms, the smell of his cologne, the beat of his heart against mine.
This was the romance I’d secretly ached for all my life but had never believed was possible. I had been content with my ex and my life, but with Rome, I was incandescently happy. I couldn’t wait to start each day, to see what new craziness he would bring into my life. Yes, it was scary and nerve-racking at times, but I also didn’t want to miss any of it.
“I love you,” I whispered in Rome’s ear, happy that I had a chance to even say those words to him.
Rome’s arms tightened. “I love you, Liam. I’m so glad I’ve been given this second chance with you. It never crossed my mind that it could work out like this. Best-case scenario was that we parted and never saw each other. But this…this is…”
“Happily ever after.” I sighed.
Rome lifted his head and smirked at me. “Even without a fairy godmother and singing mice?”
“You’re all the magic I need, baby.”