"Of course, baby. Nothing but the best for you.” He kisses my forehead. “I made lobster, sautéed spinach, and gratin potatoes. And your mother sent a bottle of Dom Pérignon Rose Gold."
"She sent a fifty thousand dollar bottle of champagne?" I gasp.
His eyes widen as if he hadn’t realized the value, though neither of us should really be surprised at my mom’s gesture. Everything about her is over the top. "She insisted. Only the best for her princess."
I grin and roll my eyes at the way he emphasizes the word. Then my smile spreads wider when I realize he's wearing a suit and tie, looking sexy as hell. Taking a step back, I study how good he looks and know I'm the luckiest woman in the world. He treats me like a fucking queen and makes me extremely happy, but this is beyond incredible.
"You didn't have to go through all this trouble, baby," I say, looking at the spread of food and how hard he's worked while I napped.
"Yes, I did. I wanted to make it special for you as best as I could."
I wrap my arms around his neck and crash my mouth on his. The kiss deepens when he slides his tongue inside, and now I'm tempted to skip dinner and have him instead.
"You already have,” I tell him, pulling away slightly. “More than you'll ever know."
Epilogue
ELIJAH
It’s been eighteen months since Cami graduated, and things have been crazy ever since, but there hasn’t been a dull moment since we both arrived in Roxbury. She’s my everything and being able to wake up next to her every morning has been the highlight of my life. Growing up, I never imagined I’d be good enough for her, and each day, she proves to me I’m more than enough.
The cabin holds a special place in our hearts now that we ended up staying there for eight months. We returned to the city last October when the state lifted the lockdown orders, but certain things were still restricted. No large gatherings over fifty people, limited business hours, and social distancing was encouraged. All schools and universities continued with online learning programs for their students. It felt a bit safer to return to the city, especially after Ryan said they were no longer struggling to get what they needed for their patients. The curve was flattening, and things were slowly going back to some kind of normal.
Cami was determined to buy a new penthouse, one that we could decorate and make a home together, but it had to have a view. Of course she paid for it, and I contributed by negotiating a great deal on an incredible sky rise. Working in real estate helped us find a place that we now call our own. We make love with the blinds open, allowing the skyglow of the city to light the rooms without worrying that anyone can see us.
Four months ago, I planned a weekend getaway at the cabin for her birthday with just the two of us. I surprised her with flowers, balloons, and a chocolate cake I made from scratch. And of course, we brought Bruno and Chanel. After we had a candlelight dinner and she blew out her candles, I got down on one knee and popped the question after telling her how much she meant to me. I was more nervous about asking her than I’d been about anything else in my life. When she said yes and cried, I picked her up and carried her upstairs, and we made love until the morning. It was the best day of my life.
We made the announcement to our family and friends a couple of days later after we went home. Everyone was so damn happy and supportive and were ready to add the big day to their calendars. However, until the lockdown was completely lifted, we weren’t able to set a date. Though, two months ago, a vaccination was finally approved for mass distribution, and we immediately started planning every detail.
Sometimes when I wake up in the mornings, I don’t know how this is my life, or how someone as sweet and funny as Cami is going to be my wife. Now in less than three weeks, it’ll be official, and we’ll be married the first weekend of December. A winter wonderland wedding is everything Cami’s ever wanted, and I’ll do whatever it takes to make sure it’s perfect for her.
I glance over my checklist of things that still need to be done while Cami is at school. Since everything is now open, she was able to finish her last semester of graduate school on campus. Better yet, she’ll finally get to walk across the stage and receive her diploma. Knowing there’s quite a lot to do, I decide to call her best friend and maid of honor. I was going to ask my sister since she wants to be involved too, but I know she’s busy with work through Christmas.
“Hi, Kendall,” I greet her when she answers.
“Hey! How’s it going, groom-to-be?” she asks in her typical bouncy voice. The girl has so much energy that sometimes she exhausts the piss out of me.
“Just getting some final touches together before the big day,” I tell her with a smile.
“Of course. Give me all the tasks.”
“So, since Cami wants to spend two weeks at the cabin to relive old times, I want to make sure it’s completely stocked and ready. Any way you can pick up enough food and things to last us that long?”
She snorts. “Is Ryan gonna help me? I might need some strong muscles.”
I shake my head. “I think I can arrange that,” I murmur, knowing I’ll have to coax my
