I jump out and come around to open her door, then hug her tightly. “Remember when I told you that Wolfe boys have special privileges?”
She gives me a flat look, laughing. “That can’t possibly include magically making a store open just because I mentioned earlier that I was kind of in the mood for pizza.”
Sierra peers around my shoulder into the window, then sputters as a light turns on. “There’s…someone in there.”
“Yup.” We get to the front door just as it’s opening. “Hey, Bianca. Thanks for doing this.”
The owner’s daughter smiles, walking us inside to a booth in the back corner. “Your dinner will be ready in just a moment.”
The quiet music playing is Sierra’s favorite band, and every step she takes is a happy bounce. “What have you done, you gorgeous, crazy man?”
The booth has been set with low votive candles, with twinkling amber lights overhead creating a little canopy. We slide all the way into the semi-circular seat so we’re side by side.
Bianca brings a pitcher of iced tea with extra lemon, then serves our cheeseburger pizza, salads and breadsticks.
“Thank you again,” I say with a wink.
“You’re very welcome,” she smiles, setting out extra napkins. “Your dessert is already set out on plates in the walk-in. You can help yourself. And the main door will auto lock as you leave, so make sure you don’t forget anything. Have a great night!” Bianca tosses her apron on the front counter and grabs her purse, then leaves through the front door.
When Sierra takes a sip of her iced tea, her diamond ring catches the light. Instead of a single stone, she wanted a few small leaves made of diamonds. Great decision.
She gives me her sweetest smile. “This is an adorable idea for a date. It’s exactly what I needed to chill out.”
My hand lands on her knee. “I figured any rich jerk could fly you to Paris – which I’m doing for our honeymoon, by the way.” She blinks in shock, not sure if it’s about Paris or about the factthat for once I lied, telling her I was planning a camping trip for that. “But the little day to day things count the most, right?”
She kisses my cheek. “It’s almost as if you’ve really been reading those articles on how to be a good partner.”
“I know you’re joking, but for real? Yeah, I have.”
Sierra’s eyes glow. “I knew when you asked the cleaning lady to come while I’m away at my book club that you paid attention to details. But this is above and beyond.”
“Nothing is too much for my gorgeous fiancée.”
“You’re going to be an amazing husband. Paris really is too much though, isn’t it?”
I shrug. “I mean, I can cancel it. But I was thinking we’d go to art galleries and endless patios to watch the sunset every night, and hit the Bois de Boulogne…”
“So I can think about new arrangements, and you can figure out new and innovative ways to create data for your systems?”
I chuckle. “Not really. But sure. Anything you want.”
“I love you,” Sierra whispers softly. “Thank you for Paris, it sounds wonderful. And thank you for tonight.”
“I love you too. Now eat, before the pizza gets cold.”
EPILOGUE TWO
SIERRA
* Two Years Later *
Iwish I knew the exact date when Kingston first brought me here to this beautiful meadow, but I think it was almost two years ago today, give or take.
As usual, it only took him three minutes to check the bird recording station, examining it and cleaning off the sensors. The picnic was the main event.
We lounge on a blanket, nibbling the last of the cheese, and sipping from the mini bottle of champagne he brought.
“I couldn’t eat another bite,” I laugh, leaning into Kingston’s shoulder.