Total pages in book: 110
Estimated words: 107803 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 539(@200wpm)___ 431(@250wpm)___ 359(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 107803 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 539(@200wpm)___ 431(@250wpm)___ 359(@300wpm)
“This is…it’s…it’s so beautiful,” I said, as Vivianne stood there with a huge smile on her face. It was in that moment that I saw so much of Vivianne in Caden. The only difference was that she had light-colored hair, while Caden’s was brown.
“Let me get your coat,” he said, helping me out of it and then handing it to his mother, who quickly rushed off. My shawl was tucked through my purse which Caden had set to the side.
“Your seat,” Caden said, as he pulled the chair out for me to slide onto.
“I didn’t trust anyone else to make sure this was the perfect evening, hence why I’m here,” Vivianne said, taking my napkin, opening it, and placing it on my lap.
I looked up at her, positive I still wore a stunned expression.
“I used to be a waitress, and this is bringing back so many memories!” she laughed.
Glancing down at the table, I got a better look at the beautiful china and silverware. “You did all of this today?” I asked, as I looked back at Caden.
“With help from my family. Once I got the idea, things moved quickly. Emeline handled the logistics of getting everything set up. My mother arranged for all the food, and my father took care of the movie.”
My mouth dropped open. “We’re watching a movie too?”
Caden nodded. “Don’t ask which one, it’s a surprise.”
I slowly shook my head and let out a disbelieving laugh. “Caden, this isn’t a typical first date. You know that, right?”
Vivianne appeared with a bottle I thought was wine, and for a moment, I wondered if she’d forgotten I was pregnant. But it turned out to be sparkling water.
As she poured, she said, “The Wilde men do not know how to do small.”
Smiling, I glanced across the table at Caden, who was beaming at his mother.
“Taking into account your…delicate condition…Nellie prepared the menu for this evening,” Vivianne said.
“Nellie’s in on this as well?”
Caden shrugged. “The whole family, like I said.”
Tears threatened to spill, so I blinked rapidly to contain them. I’d never felt so cherished.
“The first thing we’ve prepared for you is…” Vivianne announced.
Then Ensley suddenly appeared, with a tray and a smile so big, I couldn’t help but smile back.
“Deviled eggs.”
My eyes widened. “How did you know I’ve been craving deviled eggs now that my morning sickness has mostly gone?”
Vivianne laughed. “You mentioned it when you stopped by last week, and Nellie remembered.”
Ensley set the tray down. “This is so fun! I’ve always wanted to try waitressing when I was younger, but the thought of working for the Millers kept that from happening.”
I laughed.
“After your appetizer, we have butternut squash ravioli with sage butter. Nellie’s very own recipe. And a garden salad with a lemon and garlic dressing.”
My gaze snapped to Caden. “You remembered what dressing I liked?”
He winked, and my stomach fluttered.
Vivianne went on. “And for dessert, a chocolate mousse, with homemade whipped cream on top.”
I let out a soft chuckle. “Who’s actually making all of this, and where?”
“There’s actually a kitchen in the back of the theater, and Moreen’s making it. That’s the recipes she wanted to work on tonight.”
Sitting back in shock, I asked, “Moreen?”
“I called her earlier this morning,” Caden replied, the corner of his mouth lifting into a slight smirk. “Asked if she wanted to do some practical work on that dream of hers.”
Closing my eyes, I shook my head. “Wait, how did you even know?”
“I listen. I heard her talking to Emeline about it, and you mentioned it as well, when you stayed with me during the storm.”
I just stared at him. For a hot second, I wanted to pinch myself to make sure I wasn’t dreaming. Talk about green flags.
“Don’t look so surprised. I pay attention when you tell me things.”
“I don’t know if I should pinch myself or splash cold water on my face.”
Caden let out a bark of laughter. “Eat those deviled eggs you’ve been craving.”
I picked one up and took a bite. Closing my eyes, I moaned. “Ohhh…these are heavenly. Mmm, so good.”
“Lilibeth.”
My eyes snapped open, and I looked at Caden. “Yes?”
He looked around and lowered his voice. “If you keep moaning like that, we’re going to have to skip the movie.”
My face instantly heated, and I reached for my water, drinking nearly all of it. I set it down, wiped my mouth, and whispered, “Sorry.” Then I glanced around. “Where did everyone go?” I asked.
“It’s a date. Do you really want my mother and sister hanging over us the entire time?”
Laughing, I shook my head. “No, I guess not.”
Once the eggs were gone—which I ate most of—Ensley appeared again, along with Vivianne. They set the pasta down in front of us, and Ensley leaned in and whispered, “I had some. It’s so damn good, I think I had an orgasm.”