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Chapter 14

He chafed with impatience until then and had to force himself not to pop over to see her before then. It would not be a good idea. Now that he had decided to court her with the intention of marrying her, he was going to be circumspect.

He wasn't going to give anyone the chance to gossip about them. Speculations would be rife of course and people will wonder if he was marrying her to clean up the image of the company.

They would try and put two and two together and come up with an outlandish number that would not be the truth. He would be marrying her because he loved her, not because he wanted to clean up the tarnished image of his company. That was no longer an issue where he was concerned.

But there will be talk and reporters are going to try and get to her. He was going to have to warn her and as soon as they became a couple, he would get Kim to issue a statement. He was getting involved with a churchgoing female and that was something he would never normally be doing.

He had avoided going to church after he realized the incredible hypocrisy of so-called men and women of God and had stayed away from that crowd. Now he was smack dab in the middle of it. The irony did not escape him.

He was also beginning to reflect on the afterlife and had started reading the Bible out of pure curiosity to try and find out what had her so fascinated. She was enveloped in an aura of peace that confounded him. Every time he spoke to her, she had this positive energy about her that was contagious.

He looked forward to talking to her and was so eager to do so, that he found himself calling her at random times during the day. He would think of something and would pick up the phone. She also did not play coy and hard to get. She would call him to find out how he was doing, just to check on him.

"Hi."

"Hi. If you are calling to cancel our date, I have to warn you that they charge for cancellation at that fancy restaurant," he said lightly when he answered the phone.

He had been surprised and delighted when she called.

"Why would I want to cancel on the most fascinating man I have ever known?"

His heart had splintered at her words. She also spoke her mind and did not hedge. She was not shy and embarrassed to tell him how she felt, and he found that intriguing because he was not accustomed to anything like that. The women he had been with in the past, got off on playing games. Cassandra did no such thing.

"Compliments? Are you buttering me up for something?"

She laughed and the sound of it sent warmth flooding through him.

"I just wanted to hear your voice. What kind of earth-shaking business deal are you wielding?"

For a few seconds, he could not find his voice. She was constantly disarming him with these comments.

"Just a company we took over that needs overhauling. How about you? What are you up to?"

"The soup kitchen is up and running and I volunteered to help today. The numbers have increased over the months, and we are having a difficult time keeping up with the demands."

"What can I do?"

"Want to come and give a helping hand?"

"I would, but I am completely tied up for the rest of the day."

"Is that the truth?"

"Would I lie to you?" He asked her mildly.

"You wouldn't."

"There you go."

They had talked for a few more minutes before he reluctantly hung up because he was running late for his meeting.

After the meeting was concluded, he called her while she was busy serving the meal and even so, she managed to talk to him while interacting with the homeless. He listened in pleasure when she spoke to a lady and called her by name.

"Ms. Blossom, you are looking so much better these days. And that new coat looks so good on you. Why don't you try some of the blueberry muffins? They are very good. Of course, you are most welcome."

The dialogue was more or less the same. She had a kind word for everyone, and he admitted to himself that he could listen to her for hours.

"Where were we?" she asked, coming back to him.

"Should I be jealous?" he asked her teasingly.

"Why? Oh! Bob has a huge crush on me. He is eighty-two years old and dashing with hair that has gone completely white and he has a British accent. He served in the army and lives in a trailer a few blocks away. You should be jealous, Have I told you how fascinated I am about a guy with an English accent?"

"No. But that's the kind of information that I will tuck away for the future." The conference call he had been waiting for came in just then. "I am sorry Cassandra; I have to go."

"It is fine. Bob just invited me to sit and have lunch with him anyway." Her voice was teasing, and he could not help but laugh.

"Tell Bob you are taken, and I usually don't beat up old men, but I am willing to make an exception."

"Am I?" She asked him softly.

"Are you what?"

"Taken?"

"I thought you already knew that!"

He hung up then and dealt with his call.

They talked for hours and never seemed to run out of topics.

At nights, she fell asleep talking to him.

She also insisted on praying for him every single night. Her prayers were simple and sincere, making him believe again. She was changing him, and people were noticing. His staff found him more approachable and some of his management team wanted to know what was going on with him.

She brought joy in his life, and he woke up each morning with this elevated energy.

Now he was on his way to pick her up and his heart was beating so rapidly, he had to take measured breaths to compose himself. He was also sweating copiously, even though he had turned the AC up several notches and the September night was very cool.

He had changed outfits three times before settling on the ash gray dress pants, pearl pink shirt and striped sports jacket. His shave was close, his hair immaculately cut by his barber just this afternoon.

Letting lose a self-deprecating laugh, he turned into the driveway, just as she opened the door. He sat there for a full sixty seconds staring at her.

She was back lit by the light coming from the foyer and it flattered her profile. The dress was elegant and not too showy but suited her perfectly. It was made of some stretchy material, and he could tell that it was cashmere.

The color was a cross between plum and orange, with a scooped neckline and fitted sleeves. Her hair was a tumble of curls around her face and shoulders. Her smiling mouth was coated with the exact shade of the dress, and she was wearing stilettoes.

Finally stirring himself, he alighted and met her halfway down the steps.

"Hi." He felt like a tongue-tied teenager on his way to the prom with the most popular girl in high school.

"Hi yourself." Even though she was wearing heels, she had to tilt her head to meet his gaze.

I am going to be the envy of every male in that fancy restaurant."

"You stole my line." She had a hand on his chest, and he could feel the warmth of her skin seeping through his shirt. "I am not sure we should bother leaving. I am going to have to fight off all the men with a stick."

Her hand lifted to cup his clean-shaven jaw, and his eyes kindled at her touch. "But then I would miss letting everyone know that you are taken."

"Am I?" He repeated her earlier question.

"Absolutely."

*****

Heads turned as soon as they entered. Bella Giardino was aptly named and was a swanky Italian restaurant located in the middle of a wildly verdant location, with flowers blooming and moss like grass covering the grounds.

Dining was offered outdoors under twinkling pepper lights that had been threaded through the leaves of palm, sturdy oaks, and redwood trees.

Tables were set far apart to afford the diners privacy. Inside there was a live band playing soulful music. The ma?tre D rushed forward to guide them to a table situated on a dais that afforded them an excellent view of the gardens.

"What do you think?" He asked as soon as they were seated, and their orders taken.

"I read about this place in several magazines and on the internet." She looked around, her smile vying with the brilliance of the moon shining through a cloudless sky. Their table was on the balcony, and they were the only ones in the private alcove.

Cassandra had a feeling it was deliberate. "And you have to wait months, almost a year to get reservations." Her eyes drifted to his face. "I would ask how you managed to accomplish that, but I think I already know the answer."

"You do?" Stretching his legs out, he delighted himself by gazing at her. Her dark brown eyes were dancing and to him she was the most beautiful woman in the world.

She nodded. "Your name open doors."

"It is a little more complicated than that. The company owns fifty percent of the restaurant."

"Oh." She continued to stare at him, and he realized that she was no longer smiling.

"What is it?"

"I love you."

He felt his heart turning completely over and he had to take breaths to steady himself.

"I know."

"I am not sure I know how to be with you."

"You are doing a fine job."

"I never asked for riches. In fact, I have learned how to be satisfied with whatever the Lord provided. I always knew I wanted to go to college and educate myself. Whenever I pictured my life, it would be with a regular guy, and we would be buying a house by pooling our resources." Her hands fidgeted with the utensils.

"My credit is excellent, so it would not be a problem for the bank to offer us a loan. I would scour antique stores looking for unusual, but affordable bargains. Now…"

"Now, you are with a man who can afford several houses." Leaning forward, he took her slender hands in his, admiring the unadorned nails and the elegant fingers. "Now you are with a man who can take you all over the world and shower you with the best of everything."

"And it scares me," she whispered. "I don't want to change, Evan. I want to remain unspoiled. And I am going to end up giving away so much of your money to people in need. I am sure that's not something you want."

"Firstly, there are things in place that even I cannot touch the bulk of my wealth. Everything is directly tied up in assets. I earn a salary, perhaps not like everyone else, but I am accountable to the board. Second, you will never change. Who you are is too firmly ingrained for that to happen.

And thirdly, I don't have a problem with you lending a helping hand. If I see you are giving away more than we have, I will mention it to you. And finally." He lifted her hand and kissed the back of it. "You are going to want to leave something for our children."

"Children?"

He nodded, eyes twinkling. "Four, I think."

He watched as she swallowed. "I think the person with the uterus should have the final say as to the amount."

He inclined his head graciously. "You are absolutely right. What number were you thinking?"

"Four." Her eyes danced as he sent her a wry look.

"Witch." He whispered just as their meal was served.

He watched her throughout the evening and had to admit that it was the best date he had ever been on. She was natural at everything. She laughed and had no problem enjoying herself to the fullest.

The waitstaff loved her vivacity and she insisted on sending her compliments to the kitchen. By the middle of meal, she knew everyone's names and was on first name basis with the employees. She made him laugh and was a terrific dancer, which took him completely by surprise.

"You were under the impression that because I am a child of God, I would not know how to dance?" She read him perfectly.

"Something like that. Where did you learn?"

"I go to parties and as a Black woman, we are naturally graceful."

He held her close even though he knew he was going to have to pay for it when he was alone. But the feel of her slender curves against him was something he could not resist. Her perfume was delicate, a subtle, flowery scent that tickled his senses.

Her arms were around his neck and her head was resting on his chest in complete trust and acceptance. He had noticed the flashes going off and realized that they would make the society pages in the morning, but he did not care.

Nor did he want the night to end. Several of his acquaintances came over to speak to him, their expression quizzical. They did not know her because she did not belong to their society, so of course their curiosity was piqued. He introduced her as his girlfriend when he really wanted to introduce her as his fiancée.

As soon as they left the dance floor and the coffee and creamy Tiramisu was served, he brought up the topic.

"I think a December wedding would be perfect." He said it casually as he took a sip of the excellent coffee.

"What?" She had been in the middle of spooning the dessert into her mouth when he spoke, and her movement was arrested.

"I know you want the frills and a church wedding, and I have no problem with that…"

"What are you saying?" She whispered, putting down her spoon.

"Oh, didn't I mention it?" His eyes were laughing at her stunned expression. "I am in love with you, irrevocably, head over heels and the whole works - in love with you and I would like you to be my wife.

In case you have not figured it out yet, we are in the process of courting. I already ask for your pastor's blessing. He never said anything to you?"

She had a dazed expression on her exquisite face that heightened his amusement.

"How remiss of him."

"You want to marry me?"

"I would suggest taking a quick trip in the company jet to Vegas, but I have a feeling that would not be agreeable."

"No." She shook her head as she continued to stare at him.

"Are you going to say yes?"

Her fingers tightened in his and her eyes welled with tears that she had to blink away.

"Am I going to have to languish away in some lofty mansion?"

His startled look gave way to admired laughter, an incredibly tender expression spreading on his face. She was one in a million, one in a billion actually and he was going to be proud to call her his wife. He had no idea what he had ever done to deserve someone like her.

Perhaps it was the God she so believed in or perhaps after having such a lousy childhood, that same God had indulgently decided to give him an enormous break. Whatever it was, he didn't care and was going to grab it with both hands.

"That might be the case." His voice was hoarse with emotions, his fingers clinging to hers possessively. He wanted the whole world to know that she was his and he was hers. "With maids coming out of your ears. You will not be able to take a step without tripping over household staff."

Her smile was tremulous. "I guess that's the sacrifice I will have to make as long as you come with it."

"Absolutely. You still have not said yes."

"Yes." She whispered huskily. "A thousand times yes. I would be honored to be your wife."

"In that case…," using his free hand, he reached into the pocket of his jacket and took out a small black case.

"What is that?"

It was awkward to work the tiny clasp with just one hand, but he managed it and flicked it open to reveal the stunning emerald cut engagement ring.

A gasp of astonishment and awe escaped her as she stared at the diamond that sent prisms of light shooting everywhere. The stone was so brilliant that she had to blink several times to focus.

"Oh, Evan."

Removing the ring from its velvet bed, he slid it on her finger and nodded in satisfaction. It was a perfect fit.

"I wanted to make it official."

Her expression was almost his undoing as she stared from the ring to his face. The naked adoration had him faltering, his heart doing overtime.

"Stop looking at me like that." He said thickly.

"Like what?"

"Like I mean everything to you, like I am so loved that I would never be able to question your loyalty and commitment."

"Like I have found the man I am going to spend the rest of my life with? Like the fact that God has given me a gift so beautiful, I cannot stand it?"

He swallowed the golf sized lump in his throat and to his alarm and mortification, he felt tears burning the back of his eyes.

"Like that." He murmured gruffly. "We should order champagne."

"Or we should go for a drive. And take a walk in the park."

He blinked at her. "You want to go for a drive?" Turning his wrist, he noted the time. "At this time of night?"

She grinned at him, trying to diffuse the gamut of emotions swirling around them.

"It is just ten. I want to be alone with you."

"Cassandra…"

"I love it when you say my name."

He sent her a wry look. "It's late."

"Let's live dangerously."

"Dangerously is the operative word." He muttered. "We might end up getting mugged."

"We are protected by the highest, God."

In the end, he reluctantly agreed, because he was beginning to realize that he could not deny her anything.

The park was a few blocks away from the restaurant and deserted at that time of the night, giving them privacy or the opportunity of some nefarious character to take advantage of their vulnerability. Parking the car at the side of the road, he allowed himself to be led along the path.

She made it into an adventure of course. Taking his hand, she led the way to the rides and finally stopped at the swings, where they sat and pushed off leisurely, side by side. He had never been so contented and happy in his life and could not help but wonder if anything was going to interfere with this joy bubbling up inside him.

"I often look up at the sky, especially when it's filled with stars like tonight and marvel at God's handiwork. It's amazing how much he has given us to enjoy and shows his wonderful love for us." Turning her head, she studied his handsome face. She was wearing his ring and did not dare to calculate how much it cost.

He was in love with her and that in itself was something she was still yet to come to grips with. "When I was little, I wanted this Barbie doll that was all the rage back then. My dad had died, and mom had a new husband. I wanted something that belonged to me.

Bedtime stories were no longer read to me, because she said that I was getting too old for such a thing." She broke off in contemplative silence. "I grew into the habit of reading to myself. It became an obsession with me and was a great source of comfort."

"Did you get the doll?" His heart was breaking as he pictured her as a little girl, lonely and frightened.

"No." She shook her head, a smile touching her lips. "I didn't. After she died, I forgot about it until I finished college and started working. I was on a shopping trip to the mall when I happened to walk into a toy store and saw the exact doll I wanted."

"And let me guess – you bought it."

She laughed, leaning her head against the thick rope that made up the swing. "I did."

Her expression sobered. "Now I have something so precious, that it is beyond me. I have you."

He went still for a second before giving into the need to scoop her into his arms.

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