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Several guys nearby laugh. We know all about working under pressure, but designing a wedding dress with no guidelines? No, thank you.
“You’ll do great. Just look at this masterpiece you made.” I spin Alexandra around. Her laugh goes straight to my heart, making it feel whole again.
“Pictures. We need to take pictures.” Francesca yells to everyone.
“And a video call to Dad. He insisted on seeing you ladies.”
After way too many pictures and a video call that lasted longer than an entire period, we head outside to our cars.
Everyone drives across the street, but I turn right and head to the main road. I have other plans for the two of us that don’t include a dinner under the spotlight that feels more like an interview.
Since we are already dressed to the nines, I’m taking her to an upscale restaurant.
She turns around to look through the back window. “I thought we were supposed to go to the arena for the event.”
I grin. “I want to bring you somewhere special. Trust me, the food will be infinitely better than what they are serving in the arena.”
I drive a few miles and pull up to the golf resort’s main gate.
“How can I help you?” The attendant asks, peering into my car.
“I have dinner reservations in, uh,” I glance at my watch. “Five minutes.”
“Name?” He asks dryly.
“Joseph Marino.”
The attendant’s eyes widen, as if he immediately recognizes my name. “Of course, sir. Enjoy your dinner.”
The gate opens, giving us entry. I follow the signs to the restaurant and park right at the door for the valet to park my car for us. I grab the ticket from the valet and lead Alexandra inside with my hand on the small of her back.
We are immediately shown to our intimate table. The tables are all set the same way, with a white tablecloth and a candle burning in a vase in the middle of the table. The lights are dimmed, giving off the very romantic vibe.
Alexandra glances around the restaurant in awe before turning her gaze on me. Her eyes shine with adoration and astonishment. “I’ve always wanted to come here. It’s been a dream since I saw it in a magazine almost two years ago. How did you know?”
A small smile forms on my face. “I had a little help.”
“A little help from Francesca?” She asks with a grin stretching across her face.
“Yeah. Do I lose brownie points for not guessing it on my own?”
She leans forward and stretches her hand across the table. “No. I love how you asked for recommendations. This is seriously the sweetest thing you could have done.”
Her expression changes, and she snatches her hand back.
Clearing my throat, I pick up my menu and say, “Let’s see what’s on the menu.”
I need the distraction, or else I might blow it. I’ve never felt this unsure before.
The waiter spends time talking about the restaurant’s specials and the different wines they have before pouring us a glass of ice water and taking our dinner order.
When we are alone, I lean forward and whisper, “I am eternally grateful that you agreed to dinner tonight. I know I have a lot to apologize for, and I will spend the rest of my life trying to make it up to you. If you give me a chance.”
She sighs. “Joseph, I have been doing a lot of thinking. I’ve been weighing every option in my head. When that wasn’t helpful, I took a page out of Savannah’s handbook and made a pro/con list. I’ve listened to Francesca and Savannah for hours on end, as well as Rhett and Spencer.”
The guys talked to her? They never mentioned that. They only said Alexandra talked to Francesca and Savannah, and the women talked to them. Not once did they say they talked to Alexandra.
She pauses to take a sip of water. “The fact of the matter is that we are having a child together, and while you said you didn’t want anything to do with me or my child, everyone has assured me you don’t feel that way anymore.”