Page 59

Recalling the flash mob dance makes me smile again. My heart leaps with joy at the memory, and a warm flush fills me.
When we arrive at the restaurant, it looks empty. I realized Ethan reserved the entire space when a waiter leads me to the rooftop, and I also find it empty. It’s unusual for a place this popular to be empty at night. Most of L.A.’s elite love to eat here.
There’s a trail of red petals leading me towards a table set for two, and a violinist in sight, poised and ready to play.
There’s another card on the table, and once I pick it up, the violinist plays a slow R&B groove by Chaka Khan and Marvin Gaye.
Our first dance was five years ago, at a charity fundraiser we attended because of your parents. Tom and Robyn were so engrossed in their own things that they barely noticed us. I first felt my heart beat for you that night, Nelly.
A swoon nearly sweeps me off my feet.Oh Boy.This grand, romantic gesture on display could only mean one thing.
He’s going to propose.
I nearly squeal with excitement at the thought. Ethan and I are married, yes, but a grand proposal and a church wedding has always been my dream.
Tears fill my eyes as I glance around the dimly lit rooftop, then I lift my gaze to the skies when I notice it’s starry. Fireworks explode right then, and I gasp from shock because I didn’t expect it.
It’s a lovely sight … A blend of gold and silver sparkles in the sky as I look at the stars.
A waiter approaches me with another card after that, and I’m eager to read what’s in it as I tear it open.
BelAir is where our love leads, Nelly. I hope you find your way to me just like I did to you.
The only thing in BelAir that is of importance to Ethan is his grandfather’s mansion, so I instantly know that’s where he’ll be. The driver’s still waiting by the Audi outside when I get there.
I pick up the skirts of my dress and get into the back seat again.
“We’re going to BelAir,” I tell the driver, then proceed to give him the address.
By the time I arrive, there’s music playing around the house, and the live-in maid leads me to the garden where every person dear to me already is.
Josie, Tom, and Robyn rush forward to greet me first, and I hug them all with tears in my eyes, holding on because they threaten to fall any moment.
Julia and her grandfather are present too, and she walks over to me slowly, a smile on her face as she greets me. “Hey, Nelly.” There’s a hint of sadness in her eyes as she smiles at me. “I’m sorry for everything that happened to you. Everything …”
I hug Julia, unable to hold any grudge against her. We’re still in that embrace when I finally spot Ethan walking into the garden slowly, a wide grin on his face.
“You’re in so much trouble,” I say after pulling away from Julia and rushing towards him.
“This is where we begin, Nelly,” he whispers to me, before taking both my hands.
“Five years ago, I fell in love with you … Maybe even earlier … Your charm, your wits, and your dedication. I was a fool, so caught up with my fears that I didn’t realize I was missing out on the best part of my life … I didn’t realize I was missing out on you, Nelly. Not anymore.”
He goes down on his knees after that, takes out the shiny diamond ring from his tux’s breast pocket, and holds it out in front of me.
“Marry me, Nelly … For real this time.”
“You’re so …” I trail off before extending my left hand for him to take out my previous ring and slide on another.
“Yes,” I blurt out with tears and laughter all mingled into one. “For real this time,” I murmur, too, admiring the ring on my finger as the tears rush down my cheeks.
“Am I still in trouble?” he asks as he gets on his feet and flashes me that sheepish grin that melts my heart every time.
“No, not anymore,” I whisper as we come together for the perfect kiss. One that seals the promise of our love in front of our friends and family. One that sparks hope for an amazing future with him.
Epilogue
Nelly