Page 39 of Perfect Strangers

“Dinner was amazing tonight. I loved it.”

He sends me a wink. “You’re welcome.”

We cross the street, hand in hand, as we head toward Juliette’s house to pick up Crew. I catch Major peeking over at me for a brief moment.

“What is it?” I ask, wanting to know what he’s thinking.

He breathes deep. “Well, I’ve been thinking with me commuting to and from Connecticut, it just makes more sense if you and Crew were to move in with me. I’ll be expanding to a third restaurant soon and I’d love it if you both were here in the city.”

My eyes open with shock. “What about my job? A school for Crew? I mean it sounds a little crazy if you ask me.” I laugh away my statement just as Major stops walking; forcing me to stop and face him.

His eyes darken. “No, it’s not. I want you both here with me. It’s not crazy. It’s right.”

A nervous chuckle escapes my lips. “Geez, so serious. Like you’re asking me to marry you or something.”

I glance away for a brief moment until he responds.

“And what if I am?”

My heart drops. Tears fill my eyes as Major’s face lights up, grinning from ear to ear.

“Marry me.”

Without any hesitation, my body leaps into his arms, planting a kiss on his lips.

I whisper the word, “Yes.”

Epilogue

I glance at my phone just as the cab pulls to the curb. A groan escapes my lips as my mother pays the cab driver.

“Mom, we’re going to be late. Come on, let’s go.”

I reach my arm out, opening the door as I step outside. The warm spring sun heats my body as I exit the vehicle. I turn back, letting my hand out for Crew. He takes his hand in mine with a bright smile filling his adorable face.

My mother exits from the other side, shutting the door. “Your father’s already there, waiting for us.”

I squeeze Crew’s hand. “Come on sweetie. We gotta make a run for it.”

We enter the building, racing through the busy crowd as we make our way to the destination. The similar scenario reminds me of a time that I’ll never forget and a smile curves along my lips as I remember that exact night.

The three of us turn the corridor and race through the long hallways as we make our way to the center of the crowd. As we enter, I scour the scene, looking for Major and my father.

Mom points them out. “Over there.”

As we approach, I catch Juliette and Declan nearing from the distance. Juliette pulls me into a hug, tears in her eyes as she hands me the bouquet. Declan smiles, nodding his head, silently congratulating.

The blaring sound of the station manager’s voice echoes through the station’s speakers.

“Train 784 from New York to Newark, now boarding.”

I catch sight of Major, staring at me with awe. Heat rises to my cheeks as his face fills with emotion.

Crew stands next to him waiting for me to make my walk as the bride, meeting her future husband. The officiator motions for me to begin.

I take a deep breath, grasping the bouquet as I take my first step. The white satin from my gown flows along my curves as my legs move forward. My father’s arm wrapped around mine keeps me steady, ensuring I don’t trip on the dress. I glance up at him, tears in his eyes as he walks his daughter down the aisle.

We approach the center, as my dad hands me off to Major. Major thanks him and squeezes my hand as we face the officiator. The crowd around us quiets as they realize a wedding has begun in the middle of the Grand Central Station.

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