“We’ve got a special Valentine’s Day dinner for you two as well. Your ride is ready for you,” he said. “I’ll take you.”
They followed him to the elevator. Martin pressed a button and stood in front of the panel while Andrew and Kelly stepped inside.
Kelly wobbled and reached for the wall. “Is this elevator going up or down?”
“Drunk on victory,” Andrew teased, but when the elevator doors opened, they weren’t in the parking garage, they were on the roof, and there was a helicopter waiting for them.
“No way,” Kelly said.
Martin swung his arm out to the rooftop. “Your ride is here to take you for a quick tour of our gorgeous city and then to dinner. Afterward, Brenda will meet you and take you both back to your hotels.”
“Thank you, Martin,” Kelly gushed. “I can’t believe all of this.”
“You earned it. Our ratings are going to be through the roof. I just know it.” He grinned. “I feel good about this.”
Andrew and Kelly jumped in the helicopter and put on the headphones as they were told. The ride over the city was exhilarating. The pilot pointed out some of the main attractions.
“The Statue of Liberty,” Kelly said. “I can’t believe it. I’ve always wanted to see it.” She giggled with excitement.
How had I forgotten how much I loved that smile of hers? Kelly is what I’ve been missing in my life. If I can get her back, I’ll never risk losing her again.
Andrew grabbed her hand and pulled it into his lap. “This is amazing.”
The helicopter dipped and then lowered on top of a building. A man in a black suit helped them out of the chopper and whisked them off to the side as it took off without them.
“I can’t believe we were just flying in that thing,” Kelly said. “Crazy.”
“Your dinner is ready,” the man in black said, taking her by the elbow.
Andrew put his hand on the small of Kelly’s back, and they followed their host to the other side of the rooftop. A pergola was covered in what must’ve been two thousand twinkle lights. Beneath it there were tall heaters and a small round table for two.
Andrew pulled out the chair for Kelly. “Wow. They’re really treating you right.”
He lifted his glass of wine. “To the Four Square Valentine’s Day Champion.”
She lifted hers. “Thank you.”
“Wait. I’m not done.”
“Oh?”
“To the only woman I’d want to be with on Valentine’s Day. I miss you.”
She caught a breath.
“I want to be a part of all of your tomorrows. Will you be my Valentine tonight?”
She lowered her eyes, then smiled and nodded as she touched her glass to his.
After a perfect dinner, Brenda came to the table. “I hope you’ve enjoyed your night.”
“It’s been wonderful,” Kelly said. “The most romantic dinner I could ever imagine.”
“The fun is just beginning,” she announced, waving a folder. “Let’s go downstairs so they can clean up here.”
“You knew the whole time, didn’t you?” Kelly said to her as they walked to the elevator.
“Yeah. Lori and I both knew. We were so worried when Andrew saw you on the street that you’d blow it at dinner. I can’t believe you made it through the night with no slips.”
“Man of my word,” Andrew said.
“I’m a rule-follower,” Kelly said. “But it wasn’t easy.”
They went into Kelly’s dressing room and sat together on the couch. Brenda reviewed the commitments Kelly needed to fulfill over the next two days.
“I’m going to be very busy,” Kelly said, glancing over toward Andrew.
“It’s going to be great,” he said. “I’m so happy for you.”
Kelly cocked her head then turned to Brenda. “Could Andrew come with me?”
“I don’t see why not.” Brenda smiled. “In fact, it might be a real plus. Sit tight.” She pulled out her phone and made a call. When she came back, she wore a huge smile. “I have good news. You should see all the posts on social media about you two. You’re the darlings of the Internet tonight. I asked the show about extending Andrew’s stay. They approved it.” She turned to him. “If that’s okay with you. Don’t be surprised if they drag you on stage too, though.”
“Will you come?” she asked.
“This is your win. All you.”
“I want to share the experience with you. Come on. We’ll have fun,” she said. “Please?”
“Then I wouldn’t miss it for the world.” Andrew kissed the inside of her hand.
She pulled her hands together, wanting to hold that kiss forever close to her heart.
Chapter Thirty-Five
After a two-day whirlwind of interviews and a segment on the network’s morning cooking talk show, It was time for Kelly to get back to the real world.
Brenda was waiting for her at the car. “This is where I say goodbye. Here’s your cell phone back, and the hotel will shuttle you to the airport when you’re ready. It’s been such a treat working with you.”
“Thank you for everything. I couldn’t have gotten through this without you.”
“Thank you,” Brenda said. “I get a bonus for you winning, and you’ve been the easiest contestant I’ve ever worked with. I’m so glad you won.” She glanced over at Andrew, who was talking to someone on the phone. “He’s great too. Both of you. I’d love to hear what’s going on with the two of you in a few months.”
Kelly let out a nervous giggle.
“He’s pretty awesome,” Brenda continued.
“I’m afraid. He broke my heart once, you know.”
“Don’t be afraid. He’s sweet. Cute. Generous. A great cook. What more could a girl want?” She pulled a large envelope from her portfolio. “These are a few mementos from the show I thought you’d enjoy.”
“You didn’t have to do that.”
“I wanted to. I won’t be surprised if they have you both back very soon. If they do, I hope they call me in to assist.”
“I’ll request you,” Kelly said as she got in the car.
Andrew finally
