Page 65 of Something Blue

She came to the door after he knocked a few times. She was in her pajamas and her face was puffy and red. Her eyes widened as she realized it was him. “Andy, what are you—Aren’t you supposed to be somewhere?”

He nodded and took her in his arms, holding her tightly and breathing every bit of her in. “Right here. I’m supposed to be right here with you.”

She stiffened in his arms, sending shards of doubt through his confidence.

He pushed away so he could see her face. “Can we sit? I feel like we need to talk.”

She plopped down on the love seat. In case she still wanted space, he chose the couch across from her.

“How have you been?”

She looked everywhere but at him. “I’ve been busy. Every night I’ve worked. Every day I’ve eaten and slept. Same business.”

He spoke even softer. “How was your visit with Chase?”

The corners of her mouth pulled up in a smile. “Fine, I guess. I figured out a few things.” She crossed her legs under her. “Why didn’t you tell me you worked for Wysh and have a lot more money than you let on?”

“Does it change anything?”

She bit her lip. “Sure, it does. You’re a big somebody and I’m only a—.”

“Only the person I can’t forget.” He moved to the edge of his cushion and reached for her hand. Thankfully, she let him. “Does it change the way you feel about me?”

“No, I mean, I guess I always knew you had money. Now, you just have a lot more zeroes in the bank.”

He squeezed her hand. “I know you wanted space away to figure out your feelings, but you did tell me you loved me.” His frown deepened some. “But then you also ran away, so I’m not sure what that meant.”

A tear leaked from her watery eyes. “I’m not on the same level. I wear overalls and have wild, curly hair, and—”

“And are everything I’m looking for.” He stood up, not letting go of her hand, and sat down so close to her, their legs pressed against each other. “I’ve been waiting for someone like you all my life. Do you still have the ring I gave you?”

She nodded and stood. It was in a ring box in her purse. “You carry it around with you? That thing costs as much as three mortgage payments.”

Her eyes widened, and she pushed the ring box into his hands. “Fine, have it back then. I was keeping it for when I would see you next anyway.”

He opened the box and stared at the sparkly diamond ring. “You know, I picked out this ring when I got back from Florida.”

“You did?”

“Yeah. I worked a full day and night, but then I went to the jewelry store before going home to rest. And I saw this and knew it was for you.” He took the ring out and held it in front of him. “I have never felt for someone the way I feel for you. I spent a whole week with a perfect stranger, introduced a woman to my parents for the first time in years, and rearranged my schedule so I could leave a conference early and run to her the moment I came home. I’ve changed because of you, Sadie.”

He held out the ring with both hands and grinned. “Will you marry me for real, Sadie? I love you with all my heart and can’t wait to start a life with you.”

Tears gathered in her eyes as she glanced from the ring to Andy’s face. “Do you mean it?”

“You bet I do.”

She nodded, and he slipped the ring on her finger. Then finally, he took Sadie into his arms and kissed her. It was one of those wonderful kisses he’d seen in movies, except nothing about it was fake. She would finally be his forever.

Epilogue

Sadie whisked around as Judy and Carrie entered the room.

Judy’s mouth dropped, and she smiled. “Your mom would be so proud of you. You look beautiful.”

She blushed and focused on Carrie, who was fixing Sadie’s veil. “This dress is expensive. How did you talk her into it, Judy?”

Judy shook her head. “I think it’s just enough. You only wear the dress once, but it’s the most important one you’ll ever wear. Andy is one lucky guy.”

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