Earlier that day, Will had called me, informing me we were going out on a date tonight.
As I looked through my closet, I realized I didn’t have anything to wear. I called reinforcements to help me go shopping and find something.
Between Lauren, Juliet, and me, we were ready to find the perfect outfit. I ended up buying a red cocktail dress that fit me like a glove.
The saleswoman told me that the dress was made for me. I was sure she said that to all her customers who walked through the door, which was why I’d called my girls.
With them, I knew I wouldn’t be disappointed with the result.
I decided to leave my brown hair down. I put on some light makeup and black strappy heels. I wasn’t too fond of jewelry. Earrings would be enough with what I’m wearing.
“Mom, I’m going out. Will will be here soon to pick me up.” I grabbed my purse as I got ready to head outside.
Even after my father broke her heart, Mom had never tried to find love again. It was rare to see my mother smile.
That was one of the reasons I’d decided to move back home after college. I’d wanted to make sure she was okay.
“You’re so beautiful, darling. Just like your prom night. Where does the time go?” My mother looked at me with admiration.
I frowned. “Is something wrong, Mama?”
She shook her head. “Don’t be silly, I’m fine. Have fun tonight, and stop worrying about your mother.”
I kissed her cheek. “Bye, Mama. I’ll be back tomorrow.”
Stepping outside, I waited for Will. Usually, he’s never late. I wondered where he was.
“Hello?”
“Will?” I looked around, but I didn’t see his Jeep anywhere. “Where are you?”
My eyes widened and I almost dropped my phone as I saw my boyfriend sitting in a limo.
My mother was right. It was like my prom night.
Will smirked as he stepped out of the limo. He opened the door, waiting for me to climb inside.
I couldn’t believe how lucky I was to have ended up with a man like Will.
“What’s the occasion?” I put my hand in his.
He intertwined our fingers together, leaving a kiss on my skin. “Do I need a reason to spoil my girl?”
I chuckled. “No. In fact, keep doing it in the future.”
Will brushed a lock of hair behind my ear. “You know I would do anything for you. If I could, I would shout at the moon and put out the sun if that would make you happy.”
I believed him. This man would do anything for me.
“So, where are you taking me?” I asked, curious to know.
“Patience, cricket. Patience,” Will smiled.
I rolled my eyes. “I hate when you call me that. You made me a promise never to use that nickname when we’re in public.” I looked toward the driver.
“Randy doesn’t count. Right, Randy?” Will asked the man.
Randy cleared his throat without saying anything. He pressed a button to lift the window that separated us from him.
“See, I told you he didn’t hear me.”
I snorted. “Okay, if you say so.”
I gasped when I felt Will’s hand on my knees, traveling up north.
I took his wrist to remove his hand from my thigh. “Oh, no, mister. You promised me a night out. Besides, we’ll have time for that later tonight.”
Will leaned his body toward mine. “You should feel lucky that I don’t want to risk Randy having a peek while I have my way with you. Tonight, you won’t be able to escape me.”
My body shivered with excitement at his words.
Once the limo had stopped moving, Randy climbed out and opened my door. Will was already there, offering his hand to help me step out of the limo.
“Thank you, baby.” I couldn’t stop smiling.
Then my eyes widened when I saw where Will had brought me. “How on earth did you manage to get a table here? You have to call at least a month in advance for a reservation.”
“Don’t worry about the details, gorgeous. Enjoy your night.” He pressed his lips to mine.
Then Will placed his hand on the small of my back, guiding me inside the restaurant.
I wondered what was so special that he brought me here tonight. I’m not complaining, just curious.
“Hello, I have a reservation under the name of Will Harrison,” he informed the hostess.
“Your table is ready. Follow me.” She took two menus and guided us to our table. “The waitress will be with you in a moment.”
I opened the menu to choose my meal and gasped when I saw the prices. I knew it was a four-star restaurant, but this was too much.
“Is something wrong, Kristen?” Will asked as he saw the expression on my face.
I bit my lip. “Can you afford all this? First the limo, now this. I’m not complaining. I’m just…”
Will took my hand in his. “I don’t want you to worry about that tonight. Okay? We wouldn’t be here if I couldn’t handle all this.”
I sighed. “Okay.”
Someone put two glasses on the table, but I was too caught up in the menu to pay any attention.
“Take your time. I’ll be back,” the waitress informed us.
As I put down my menu, I realized that she hadn’t brought us water. She’d brought two glasses of wine.
“We didn’t order any wine. Did she make a mistake?” I asked Will.
“I won’t complain about free drinks,” Will chuckled as he took a sip.
As I was about to drink mine, I frowned as I saw something in the bottom of the glass. Without thinking, I reached in to take whatever was lying there.
I gasped as I realized it was an engagement ring in the palm of my hand. I looked at Will, but he wasn’t in his seat. My man was on his knees beside me.
My mouth opened as I covered it with my free hand. “Will?”
“Kristen Shepherd, I love you like nothing else in this world. You make me the happiest man on this earth. I can’t imagine my life without you. Would you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”
I looked at the ring that was now between his fingers.
My heart skipped a beat. I was too emotional. Nothing could be as perfect as this, nothing.
I didn’t care if everyone inside the restaurant had their eyes on us.
“Yes, you fool. I will.”
Will put the ring on my finger. He wasted no time pulling me up from my seat and kissing me on the lips.
What a wonderful man I have, indeed.
