Page 63

“I’m finally what Kingsman Enterprises needs. Preston Clarke, a real goddamn leader.”
The sun started to set over the Manhattan skyline, the clouds thick amongst the purple, pink, and orange hues as I got dinner ready. I rolled up my sleeves, chopping vegetables on my wooden cutting board, preparing the perfect Italian dinner. I set the table, lighting the candles I had Claire purchase because I didn’t have any of my own, heading to my liquor cabinet for the perfect bottle. 1996 Chateau Latour. The bottle that started it all. I thought.
I had just set out the bread and salad to start when my home phone started to ring. I answered it quickly, wiping my wet hands on a dishtowel.
“Hello, Mr. Clarke. Ms. Hollis is here to see you,” said the concierge.
“Thank you. Please send her up.”
I rushed to the door the moment I heard the sound of her heels come down the small hallway, and when I opened it up, I took in just how absolutely stunning she looked. I didn’t waste another second, pulling her into my arms, tossing her purse over on the chaise lounge so I could kiss her. I felt her soft lips on mine, the warmth of her glistening skin on my fingertips, and I didn’t want to let go.
Everything was just as it was that night a few months ago. The fire burned brightly in the living room, the light jazz music played in the background, and she looked up at me, with a smile I’d never quite seen before. I saw the tears gloss over her eyes, but she quickly blinked them away before they could fall.
“You did all of this? It’s just like -”
“Like the night I nearly lost you forever. I will never make that mistake again, Katherine.”
I took her hands in mine, brushing along her knuckles as she smiled warmly at me.
“I love you.”
The words came spilling out so fast I just couldn’t stop them. Once I realized what I’d said, I stood there with my eyes wide, wondering how she’d react. She must’ve noticed because she looked at me, chuckling.
“What?”
“You’ve really never said that before to anyone else, have you?” she asked, her voice low and soft.
“No, I haven’t. I’ve never felt like this about anyone before, Kat. You’re the only woman I’ve ever truly loved, and the only one I ever will. I love you, and I trust you,” I said again, so she heard me loud and clear.
She reached up to caress my face, the smile on her face was one that set my whole world on fire, and mine followed so strongly it made my cheeks hurt.
“I love you too, Preston.”
It was the kind of relief I didn’t expect to feel, because even though I didn’t think there was a question about it, it still felt so strange to hear. I pulled her close, outstretching my hand so we could dance to the jazz playing over in the record player. It was much more perfect than I could’ve ever imagined. It was a night I certainly would never forget.
The End