Page 106 of Saving His Heart

We listen to her excuses for the entire elevator ride. As we step outside, words fail her. Hell, they fail me. There is a life-size version of Cinderella’s pumpkin carriage, horses, and all in front of us.

How the hell did Dexter pull this off?

“What? How … what?” she repeats.

“Come on, miss. Stroke of midnight and all,” Colton says with a wink.

“But … Why? Who?”

“Let’s go, Goldie, you heard the man.” I gently nudge her forward, and she climbs into the carriage.

Clapping Colton on the back, I whisper, “Thanks, brother.”

“You’ve got a second chance, Pres. We all want to help make sure you live it to the fullest. She’s good for you.”

Swallowing the emotion, I finally choke out, “She is. Love you.”

“Luvs.”

Damn, Lanie is getting to everyone around here.

As soon as I climb aboard, the horses take off at a slow clip. Nuzzling in next to Emory, I wrap my arm around her.

“What did you do, Preston?”

Glancing down into her watery eyes, I kiss her forehead. “We missed a lot of firsts, so this, my dear, is our first date of many.”

After an hour, the horse and carriage drop us off at my favorite Italian restaurant, but I’m antsy for the next part of our date, and barely focus on what we’re served. When we’re finished, we step outside to find Colton talking to a bunch of co-eds.Jesus, this kid.Catching my eye, he slyly sends them on their way.

Taking Emory’s arm, he helps her into the carriage. “Milady! Good to have you back. Are you ready for your next destination?”

Glancing over her shoulder, she says, “I don’t know, I’m a little nervous.”

Stepping in beside her, I promise, “Nothing to be nervous about, Ems. Now, or ever. I’ve always got you.”

She nods once then takes her seat.

Turning to Colton, I whisper, “Everything all set?”

“Are you kidding? Dex has everyone on walkie talkies like he’s a wedding planner. He will consider this a personal failure if it doesn’t go perfectly.”

Freaking Dexter.

“Thanks. Okay, we’re ready then.” Taking my seat beside Emory, I hold her hand as we watch the scenery go by.

The carriage slows to a stop in front of a vacant piece of property, and I see Emory glance around confused.

If all goes as planned, our future will all take place here.

Colton opens the door, and he leads Emory out with me right behind her. While we stand, looking out over an empty field, I feel questions radiating off her in waves. As she is about to speak, Dexter flips the switch, and it illuminates the area in fairy lights of various shades and sizes. In the center is a four-poster bed that appears to float in the space.

Wide-eyed, Emory gasps as she takes in everything around her. “Preston? Wh-What is this?”

“Speed dating,” I say, pulling her forward.

“Speed— Preston. We’re married.”

“I know, sweetheart, and I’m going to make sure we stay that way forever. Come on.”