Page 115 of Doctor I Do

“Is that a promise?” I challenge.

“Are you talking code, Mrs. Taylor? I was talking about running a bath and tucking you into bed.”

I giggle. “It was code, but clearly you have much better ideas.”

“Hey, now. I think you need all of it.”

“It sounds like the best way to end a perfect day.”

Our dance ends and we return to our seats.

A tapping sounds on a glass, drawing the crowd and us to a silence. It’s Blake.

“Thank you, everyone, for being here for my good friends, Alex and Tahlia. I always knew these two had something going on. A spark that they grew to figure out. Can we all raise our glasses up and cheer for the new Mr. and Mrs. Taylor?”

The crowd erupts in clapping and whoops.

Alex stands, and I know what’s coming, and that makes waves of butterflies swarm my stomach.

“Thank you, Blake. And thank you all for joining me and my beautiful wife, Tahlia, on this special day. We hope you enjoy the night. We thank you for your gifts. We have one to give back to you...I’d like to announce our pregnancy. Not only do I have a beautiful wife today, but also a beautiful mother-to-be.”

The room applauds loudly.

I stare at Alex, lost in his adoring words. He peers down at me and kisses my lips.

“You guys surprised us.” My mom’s voice pulls me away from him.

Looking at my parents’ faces makes me smile. Their proud and watery eyes have me getting up and giving them a hug. Alex’s parents have also come over to congratulate us too. We spend the next couple of hours eating, cutting the cake and when we go around to the whole room and say our thanks and goodbyes, Alex leans into my ear.

“My beautiful wife, are you ready to go home?”

“Please,” I exhale.

He nods. But before we leave, Alex pulls me aside for a moment. I can’t help but kiss him.

He stops, smiling down at me, and I moan. “More.”

“Soon. I need to give you your present,” he says.

The nerves are kicking in, and my heart is in my throat. What is it now?

“Here you are,” he says excitedly.

I take the envelope with deep concentration and open it. Reading its contents, I blurt, “No, you didn’t.”

He smirks at my reaction. “I did.”

I drop my hand and hold the letter. My name is the majority stake owner of Emerald Designs.

“How?” I ask.

“Your parents like me. What can I say?” He laughs.

“You charmed them. And paid how much? How much do I have to pay you back?”

“Nothing. This was a gift to my wife. You gave me the most magical gift.” He taps his chest before continuing. “To feel anything but numb, and you did that. No present will ever be enough of a thank you. I’ll always be indebted to you.”

I grab his hand and we exit, my heart warm and my body ready for him.

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