Page 3 of Yearning For Her

She couldn’t prevent the pang of hurt in her heart, but it faded quickly. They were here now. The rest didn’t matter. In the end, he’d still chosen to take her here, and that was all that was important, right? Eli worked a demanding job, and he had so many things to keep track of. She couldn’t expect him to remember every little conversation they’d had.

She smiled again. “Yeah, you’re right. This place looks incredible, and we’re not even inside yet.”

“I told you it was going to be a special night.” Eli tucked his phone away. “I’ll be right back.”

“Okay.”

After he entered the restaurant, Willow stepped aside and turned toward the window. All the dark glass allowed her to see was her own reflection.

Biting her lip, she ran her fingers through her long hair, pulling the loose curls over her shoulders as she looked herself over. She’d taken great care with her makeup, outlining her eyes in black eyeliner with the best wings she could manage, but her efforts felt inadequate now. When Eli had told her to dress up, she never could’ve guessed just how fancy a place he was taking her to.

She smoothed her hands down the satin and lace skirt of her dress and smiled.

The dress had caught her eye as she was passing a plus-size clothing shop a few weeks ago. She had no idea how long she’d stood outside, staring at the vintage-inspired dress with its cinched waist, flaring skirt, lacy bodice, and short, off-the-shoulder sleeves. It was beautiful, elegant. It was also her favorite color, purple, and perfectly complemented the lighter lavender shade of her hair.

She’d itched to own it, and that itch had quickly become impossible to ignore. So, she’d splurged on it, paying more than she should’ve been comfortable with.

All she’d needed was the right occasion upon which to wear it. Now that she was standing here, it felt like fate that she’d happened to see it, that she’d decided to buy it for herself.

The perfect dress for what is going to be the perfect night.

Slipping her hand into her dress pocket, Willow pulled out her phone. She had two missed texts, both from Jamie. Willow unlocked her phone to read them.

Well?

Willow don’t leave me hanging! Did he ask?!!!

Willow grinned and quickly sent a reply. We just got to the restaurant. It’s Eden, Jamie! Eden!

She could picture Jamie curled over her phone, eyes glued to the screen as she’d awaited Willow’s message, because Jamie’s response came almost instantly.

HOLY SHIT! He’s gonna propose!

“They’re ready for us, Will,” Eli said.

Willow turned toward him, and her smile widened. He stood at the front entrance, holding the door open.

This is it, she thought as she approached him, slipping her phone back into her pocket. This is the next step in spending our lives together.

They entered the restaurant, and were greeted by the maître d’, who introduced them to their hostess. As they were shown to their table, Willow followed in a daze, unable to keep herself from looking around in awe.

The warm, gentle lighting made the plants, flowers, and metalwork on display come together beautifully, and the large, burbling fountain at the center of the restaurant only added to the relaxing atmosphere. The fountain was a combination of sculpture, natural stone, and flora, with a small apple tree—complete with golden apples—perched atop it.

Their table was toward the back of the restaurant, tucked away in cozy nook with walls of ivy on either side. An open bottle of champagne stood atop it, accompanied by three tall glasses filled with the bubbly, golden nectar.

Brow furrowing, Willow took a seat, staring at the extra place setting as Eli sat across from her.

“Enjoy Eden,” the hostess said with a shallow bow before leaving them.

“Eli, is someone joining us?” Willow asked.

“Hey,” he said, calling her attention to him. He reached across the table, settling his hand over her wrist. “Tonight’s about us, right?”

Warmth bloomed in her chest. “It is.”

“And we’re not going to let anything ruin what we have, right?”

Willow shook her head. “Nothing.”

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