Page 16 of After the Red Carpet
“You really are the sweetest man. Finn, I want to build our life together. I would love to meet anyone and everyone who’s important to you.”
“I’ll call them all first thing in the morning. I’m sure my parents will jump at the chance to meet you. Then maybe we could invite my closest friends over for a barbecue. There are two married couples, Chuck and Carol and Tom and Elise, and a couple of single guys, Dan and Jim, buddies of mine since we were kids. How about a week from Saturday? Joyce can handle the arrangements.”
“That sounds perfect, but please let me take care of everything.”
“Okay, sweetheart. They’ll be thrilled to meet you.”
Ella smiled. “What do you think about inviting Michael and Lauren too? It would be nice to get to know her better.”
“I’m on it.”
THE NEXT MORNING, ELLA WOKE UPand stretched her arms. She rolled over and discovered Finn wasn’t there, but there was a note on her nightstand:Went to run a quick errand. Love, Finn.
She slipped her robe on and brushed her teeth. When she emerged from the bathroom, Finn was waiting for her holding a vase overflowing with brightly colored wildflowers.
Her whole face lit up. “Oh, wow. Those are stunning.”
“God, you’re beautiful in the morning,” he said as he placed the vase on her vanity.
Ella blushed and asked, “What’s the occasion?”
“I was thinking about that incredible night in Sweden when we had that special dinner in your room and . . .”
“You had it sent up with a small vase of wildflowers.”
He nodded. “Then we took a candlelit bubble bath in that huge clawfoot tub, and we talked about building a life together, making an adventure, having a family.”
“I remember every word.”
“Now we’re living that dream.”
She gave him a soft kiss.
“I called my folks and they’re stopping by later,” Finn said. “They’ll be here around two.”
“What?” she asked, her eyes wide.
“They’ve been dying to meet you, so as soon as I mentioned it, they insisted on coming today.”
“Oh my God, I need to get ready. There’s so much to do. Should I serve a late lunch, or would they prefer . . .”
“You don’t need to do anything. They’re swinging by on their way to visit some friends. They can only stay for an hour or so. Joyce can serve tea and coffee.”
“Then we’ll need a cake. I know just the recipe. Oh, but I may need to run to the farmers market . . .” She trailed off, practically spinning in circles as she was speaking.
Finn gently took her hand. “You don’t have to do anything. Just tell the staff what you want them to do.”
“Finn, I’m meeting your parents for the very first time. This is important. I’m not outsourcing it. Although maybe Joyce can run to the farmers market so I’ll have more time to . . .”
“Hey,” he said, massaging her hand.
“Yeah?” she asked, looking deep into his eyes.
“I love you. That’s all.”
A FEW HOURS LATER, FINN FOUNDElla standing in their closet, her long hair wrapped in a towel.
“Hey, love. What are you up to?” he asked.
