JULIAI came to Le GrandiExcited and nervous as well, I proceeded to the main entrance. The door attendant greeted me with a wide meaningful grin as if he was expecting my arrival. The lights abruptly shut off the moment I stepped inside, then a single spotlight flashed on.
My palms caught my mouth instantly when I found Adam standing next to an elegantly arranged table with candlelight, floral centerpiece, and linen drapes. He was dressed in an impeccable navy-blue tuxedo, holding a bouquet of white roses. Two violinists stood behind him, playing a soft romantic song that sounded familiar.
Down the path, flower petals were scattered all over the red carpet where I now stood. Adam flashed a sweet grin when he saw me, then reached out a hand in my direction, inviting me to come to him.
Soft laughter escaped my lips, and I was on the verge of tears at the same time. It was so surreal. The man I loved the most was waiting for me to come to him… waiting for me to take his hand.
“Hesitating?” another man spoke next to me.
“Henry...”
He grinned as he offered his arm to me. “Come. I’ll take you to him.”
“What's going on?”
“You’ll see,” he promised. “And just so you know, I helped him prepare this.”
I chortled at his statement with tears in my eyes in satisfaction. “It’s perfect. Everything is perfect,” I praised, then I held his arm, and slowly, we walked towards his brother.
Adam’s grin widened as he was watching us coming towards him.
“I didn't know that he can be romantic,” I commented.
“I know. I was surprised, too.”
As we get close to Adam, Henry left my side until I could finally hold his brother’s hand.
“Here she is, the most beautiful lady in the world,” he whispered softly, then he kissed my hand.
“What's all this?”
He handed me the flowers. “For the most beautiful woman I know.”
I felt my cheeks heated. I chuckled. “Thank you.”
“You are welcome.” Adam slid his hand on my waist and kissed my forehead. “I love you.”
“I love you more,” I answered in a whisper, then an array of warm lights suddenly lit up the whole place.
My mouth parted as I realized that we were not alone. We were in the middle of the people I knew. My family was here… Mom, Dad, and Claire, my former and new colleagues, and then I spotted Jake and Megan on the other side. My heart exploded in both joy and nervousness after I saw the delight in their faces. They were happy for me, and it was so heartwarming.
I began to cry. “Adam, you did all of this?”
“Yes, darling. Now, eyes on me, and only me.”
I looked up at him, and my eyes were now dripping with tears, but Adam wiped them away with his thumb. “Shh… don’t cry, my love.”
“Why is everyone here? How did you gather all of them?”
“Not without difficulty, but this is a special day. This might seem corny to you, but I hope you like it.”
“Are you kidding me? I love it!” I chuckled. “And there’s nothing corny about this.”
“Then you should witness the main event.”
He snapped his fingers in the air, and the music stopped. My heart rate began pounding abnormally again, and a guitar plucking instrumental for the next song started to play.
“Oh, my. “I know everything about you, Ms. Taylor. Shall we have this dance?” He stepped back then presented a hand to me once more.
And I accepted him with all of my heart. Adam’s hand moved to my lower back while his other hand held my hand. Then we began swaying slowly in accord with the music’s pace.
“It's like my eighteenth birthday again.”
“And I’m too old-fashioned for this.”
“Yet, here you are…”
“Because I will never let you go again.”
“I won’t let go,” I promised, but then he stopped.
“Then, let’s make this official.”
What?He slid his hand in his pocket, then drew out a small, silver box. The world had suddenly stopped spinning for me, and my tears held back for a moment.
“Oh, my God. Adam…”
“I was… I originally planned on putting this in a cake, but Henry said it wasn't very original…” Adam looked into my eyes in all sincerity, then bent to his knee in front of me… and everyone. “I never did this before, believe me.”
And I believed him. Words just couldn’t come out of my mouth at the moment, and tears began to rush down my cheeks again.
He opened the box and finally revealed a stunning diamond ring.
“Julianne Taylor, in front of our friends, our family… Please, accept my heart. I will take care of you, cherish you, and love you with every breath I take. And I promise there will be no more lies and secrets. Will you dance with me at our wedding?”
A chuckle escaped my lips between my tears. “Yes, Adam. I’ll definitely dance with you at our wedding!”
With my answer, the sound of cheers and applause erupted in every corner of the place. Adam flashed a grin of triumph and bliss. Quickly, he stood up and slid the ring on my finger, then pulled me back into his arms. His embrace was so tight; I couldn’t breathe.
“You don’t know how much you complete me right now. You are mine. Finally mine…”
I sobbed with laughter, and then before I could even speak, he devoured my lips, and it was so gentle and filled with passion.
It was love.
The sound of the music and everyone’s applause became muted as I lost myself in his arms.
END