Page 21 of Love, Second Chances and Other Nonsense
“I love it,” I assure him, glancing at the beautiful table. “I still can’t believe you planned all this for me.”
“Why do you sound so surprised?” he asks, brushing his thumb across my cheek. “You’re the most important person in my world, Caitlin. Making you happy makes me happy.”
I lean into his touch, feeling a warmth that has nothing to do with the morning sunlight now streaming through our windows. It’s been a long time since I’ve felt like I truly belong somewhere, with someone. Not since my grandmother died. But here with Adam, I feel like I’ve found home again.
“I should probably get ready,” I say reluctantly, not wanting this moment to end but excited for the day ahead.
“Probably a good idea,” Adam agrees, standing and pulling me up with him. “But first…” He reaches over to one of the side tables and produces a small gift-wrapped package that I hadn’t noticed before.
“Another present?” I ask, taking the box from him. “Adam, you’ve already done so much.”
“Just a little something extra,” he says, watching expectantly as I carefully unwrap it.
Inside is a delicate silver chain with a small pendant — a mountain range with a tiny star suspended above it. It’s beautiful in its simplicity, the mountains reminiscent of the ones visible from our apartment window.
“Adam,” I breathe, lifting it from the box. “It’s perfect.”
“Look on the back,” he says softly.
I turn the pendant over and find a tiny inscription: “Home is where you are.”
The tears return in force now, and I don’t try to stop them. “Will you put it on me?” I ask, holding out the necklace.
He takes it and moves behind me. I lift my hair, and the cool metal settles against my skin as he fastens the clasp. His lips brush the back of my neck once he’s done, sending a shiver down my spine.
“Beautiful,” he murmurs, turning me to face him again. “Happy birthday, Caitlin.”
I hurry to get ready for my spa day before I give in to the temptation to push Adam back on the couch and ravish him. Looking at myself in the bathroom mirror, I see that I’m glowing with happiness, with the certainty that I am loved.
And as I step into the shower, I can’t help but think how lucky I am to have found the person who is the other half of my soul.
* * *
I smooth the skirt of my Princess Buttercup dress, studying my reflection in the mirror. Fidgeting with the laces at my bodice, I wonder if I’ve made a mistake with this costume. Maybe I should have gone with something sexier, something that would have kept Adam’s attention firmly on me all night. But it’s too late now. The guests will be arriving in less than an hour.
The bedroom door opens behind me, and Adam steps in, already dressed in his Dread Pirate Roberts costume. The all-black outfit suits him, highlighting his broad shoulders. With the mask covering the upper half of his face, he looks rather dashing.
“As you wish,” he says, and despite my nervousness, I can’t help but giggle.
“How do I look?” I ask, turning to face him fully.
Adam pulls down his mask, and his eyes soften as he takes me in. “Gorgeous,” he says, crossing the room and taking my hands in his. “Absolutely gorgeous.”
“You really think so?”
“It’s perfect. We’re perfect.” He drops a kiss on my nose.
I can’t shake the knot of anxiety in my stomach. “Your friends aren’t going to think it’s stupid? The whole couples’ costume thing?”
“Who cares what they think?” Adam pulls me close, wrapping his arms around my waist. “Though for the record, they’ll love it. They’ll love you. Tonight’s going to be great.”
I lean into him, breathing in the familiar pine scent of his cologne. “Promise?”
“Promise.” He kisses the top of my head, careful not to disturb my wig. “You’ve worked so hard on this party. Everyone’s going to have a fantastic time.”
I nod against his chest, willing myself to believe him. Adam’s been different lately, more attentive since our talk a few weeks ago. We’ve gone on a few dates, and he’s been making an effort to come home earlier. I want to trust that tonight will be as good as he says.
“Come on,” he says, taking my hand. “Let’s do a final check. Make sure everything is ready.”
