Page 82 of Fierce Secrets

"You're going to love this place," Sofia gushed as we stepped out of the car. She'd insisted on a girl's night out, claiming we needed to celebrate the theater's upcoming restoration properly. The black dress she'd insisted I wear, one Leo had gotten me just last week as a surprise, hugged my curves perfectly, though I'd argued it was too fancy for dinner.

Now, looking up at one of the city's most exclusive buildings, I understood her insistence on dressing up.

"How did you even get reservations?" I asked, following her into the elevator. "This place has a six-month waiting list."

She winked, smoothing her emerald silk dress once we were inside the elevator. "I have my ways."

I shook my head as the pleasant music washed over us while we rode up the floors.

"Excited to get the renovations underway?" She checked her face in the mirrored wall of the elevator, grinning wide at me.

"Extremely." Leo had restoration plans done up with my input, and once we were both happy with it, he'd contracted the work. In just a few days, the theater would be a construction zone, and hopefully in a few short months, it would have a grand opening, focusing on supporting charities and up-and-comingmusicians in the city. We were even planning on getting some schools involved for using the venue for shows to raise funds.

The elevator opened to the penthouse restaurant, and I froze. Gray stood waiting, looking sharp in a navy suit, but the restaurant behind him was completely empty. No staff, no patrons, just elegant tables bathed in candlelight and the city's lights twinkling through floor-to-ceiling windows.

"Hey Mer," he smiled, then turned to Sofia. "I forgot something in the car. Come with me?"

Sofia's eyes lit up as she bobbed her head a little too enthusiastically. "Of course! Mer, wait here, okay? Won't be long."

Before I could protest, they'd disappeared into the elevator, leaving me alone in the silent restaurant.

What was going on here? Where was everyone? Why on earth had they been so quick to leave me alone?

Then I heard it – piano notes started floating through the air. My heart skipped a beat as I recognized the melody. Chopin's Nocturne. My favorite, one I'd mastered so long ago and had played a month ago when Leo had revealed his plans for the theater. Our theater.

I moved toward the sound, my heart skipping a beat as I rounded a corner to find Leo seated at a grand piano. His fingers moved over the keys with careful precision. He wasn't as fluid as I was, but the fact that he was playing at all...

"Leo?" My voice caught as he looked up, those icy blue eyes warm with affection.

"I've been practicing," he said softly, continuing to play. "Every day since the theater. It's the only song I know, I can't read sheet music, so it's all memory from watching and listening, but it's your favorite. I'm sorry I don't know it all yet."

Tears pricked my eyes as I moved closer, awestruck by this display as he continued to play, the familiar melody making my heart clench. He'd been learning in secret, just for me?

The final notes he knew faded away as he stood, taking my hands in his. Those piercing eyes burned into me as he offered me a small, sincere smile.

"Meredith," he began, his voice hitching slightly, but he cleared it, "you've owned my heart since we were teenagers. You see past the darkness in me, accept all that I am. You've been the woman I've dreamed of, the woman I'd do anything for, and the woman I want forever." He dropped to one knee, and I gasped.

Was this really happening?

The diamond ring he revealed caught the candlelight, but all I could see was the love in his eyes. "Be mine, completely. Forever. Marry me?"

This was really happening. My heart fluttered as I stared at him, at the emotion swirling in those blue depths.

"Yes," I whispered, the tears that had threatened now spilling free. "Always yes."

Relief swept through his face as he slipped the ring onto my finger and rose. He pulled me into a passionate kiss, one full of promise and love, one that made my legs want to give out. And then I heard cheering, causing me to grin as we broke apart. Gray and Sofia had returned, and were clapping madly, both grinning broadly.

"So you were in on this?" I laughed as Sof rushed over and threw her arms around me with a squeal.

"Um, of course," she said with an eye-roll as she pulled back before inspecting my ring. "Do you know how hard it is to not say a thing when you know how much planning and effort has gone into it?" She nodded, turning to Leo. "Good eye, it's stunning. This entire thing is amazing." She moved to hug him as well, and to my surprise, he accepted it with a small smile.

"I love it," I said softly, stepping toward Gray and accepting his embrace and congratulations before moving back to Leo's arms.

"I love you. This is perfect, thank you." I stared up at him, and he pressed a gentle kiss to my lips.

"The entire restaurant is ours for the evening," Leo said, leading us to a beautifully set table as Gray and Sof followed. "I wanted tonight to be perfect."

"It's more than perfect." The entire restaurant was incredible, with glass chandeliers and exquisite, fancy table settings. All just for me. For us and this special night.

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