Page 133 of My Destiny

All the worry and pressure I’ve been under for the past few weeks vanishes in an instant. The huge smile on her face as she unlocks the door to her future makes it all worth it. “Wait here,” I say, as I rush in and turn on the lights. I only hope this validates just how much she means to me. She’s my future.

The foyer lights up, and so does her face. “Hot Stuff,” she whispers.

She goes to take a step inside, but I hold out my hand to stop her. “Hold on.”

Returning to her side, I scoop her into my arms. “What are you doing?” she asks, laughing.

“Carrying you over the threshold.”

“Isn’t that something you’re supposed to do when you get married?”

“I know, but I’m just getting in practice for the day that happens.” My expression turns serious as my eyes lock with hers. “Just so you know, I am going to marry you one day, Miss Ryan.” She doesn’t say anything, but I can see the love reflecting in her eyes as she caresses the side of my face. My mouth captures hers. I can’t wait until the day she becomes my wife.

I take a few steps into the room before placing her down on her feet. “What do you think?”

Her eyes move around the room before returning to me. “You did all of this on your own?”

“No, I hired contractors. Plus I had some outside help from our family and friends.”

“They were all in on this?”

“Yes. My parents, John, Michelle, Craig, Chris, Jill, even Ellen.”

“Ellen knew about this?”

“She helped me tremendously, especially with the layout.”

“Wow,” I say. “I can’t believe you all did this for me.”

I drape my arm over her shoulders. “You’re well loved, and they all wanted to help make this possible for you.”

“You’re going to make me cry again,” she says, swiping her finger under her eyes. “I bet my makeup is ruined.”

I place my forefinger under her chin, turning her face towards mine. “No, you’re still breathtaking.”

She places her hand on my abdomen as her head rests on my shoulder. “I can’t even find the words to do this place justice. This would’ve cost you a fortune.”

“I can afford it,” I say, placing a kiss on the side of her head. “I’ll never be able to spend what money I have in my lifetime. Our children, even our children’s children, will be set for life.”

“Our children?”

The corners of my lips curve up, when I see her eyes widen. “Yes, our children.” I reach for her hand. One day we’ll have a family together, when she’s ready, of course. “As you can see, you’re all set to go. You have a front desk, and over here is a place for you to display all of your merchandise.”

“It’s perfect.”

I move her further into the room. “There’s a sofa for parents to sit while they wait. There’s even a coffee bar set up in the corner. I couldn’t put in any glass viewing windows like Ellen has because this is a load bearing wall, but all these monitors along here,” I say, gesturing towards them, “are wired to a series of cameras inside the studio.”

“You’ve thought of everything.”

“Only the best for you, my love.”

“That must be why I have you then, Hot Stuff. You’re the best boyfriend a girl could ever ask for.”

“You better believe I am.” She laughs at my comment. “There’s more.”

“I’m not sure if I can take any more.”

“Come.” I lead her towards the back of the foyer. “Through there are the toilets and change rooms.”