Chapter 26
Pleasant View must be bigger than Claire knew.
Now, she entered a rustic-modern restaurant on the outskirts—a place she hadn’t even heard of before.
Wade’s hand on the small of her back warmed her through her dress.
He looked handsome in his navy suit, the tailored jacket a perfect fit over his crisp white shirt.
He’d left the top button undone, exposing a hint of his strong frame beneath.
Her off-shoulder black dress with its sleek waistline accentuating her figure complemented his ensemble.
Her fingers grazed the cascading ruffle as she shifted her weight, the pop of her yellow flats adding the bold touch she’d hoped for.
High heels had never been her forte, but maybe she should have made an exception.
“I hope you like this place.”
“It’s breathtaking,” she gushed. French furnishings paired with sprawling murals told stories across the walls. Lantern light offered a golden ambience.
Wade leaned in, his gaze intimate, his smile sending her stomach aflutter. “You’re breathtaking.”
He’d already told her so earlier, a dozen times at least, but hearing it again still raised a flush.
A young man approached, greeted them, and asked for the name of their reservation.
“Wade Stone.”
“Ah, Mr. Stone. Welcome.” The man’s smile broadened. “Your table is ready. Please, follow me.”
Wade took her hand, their fingers intertwining as they followed the host past murmuring diners.
They moved down a dimly lit hallway that opened into a stunning garden courtyard.
Lush greenery surrounded the space, and vibrant potted flowers spilled over their edges.
Fairy lights strung overhead formed a sparkling canopy that mimicked a sky full of stars.
In the corner, a pianist played captivating notes.
“Wow,” Claire whispered, taking in the murals adorning the brick walls and the intimate and romantic atmosphere, both luxurious and cozy.
“You like it?” He squeezed her hand. At her nod, he lifted their entwined hands and kissed hers.
They continued through another hallway adorned with fairy lights, the glow reflecting in the stained glass panels lining the walls. The host stopped in front of an ornate wooden door and swung it open.
“Here you are.” The man bowed. “I’ll let you settle in, but I’ll return shortly.”
Centered in the intimate room was their table, draped with an ivory linen tablecloth.
Dark-red peonies, crisp white baby’s breath sprigs, and fleshy white gardenias rested in a handmade vase, their fragrance lingered.
Her favorite flowers! And was that a red box placed beside the vase?
Her hand flew to her mouth. “You sure put an effort into our date.”
“I want you to believe I’ll put effort into every moment with you.
” Wade led her forward, the arched windows framed one side of the room, partially covered with plush velvet curtains in deep sapphire.
The drawn-back curtains revealed the courtyard.
The room itself felt like a storybook, but his presence alone made her heart skip.
They stopped at the table, its two chairs positioned toward the crackling marble fireplace.
He released her hand, the warmth of his touch lingering as he pulled out a chair.
Her gaze flicked around the room, catching her reflection in the gilded mirror above the mantel.
His face hovered beside hers—his sharp jawline and steady eyes locked on her.
Something about the way he looked at her, some quiet intensity as though he saw past every layer and still chose her, made her pulse trip.
“Before you sit…” His hand grazed her bare shoulder, and goose bumps rippled across her skin. He picked up the square box and flipped it open with an almost reverent precision. Inside, a necklace blazed to life. Diamonds shimmering like tiny stars caught in the light’s glow.
“Wade.” Her throat tightened. Was she dreaming? “I… I don’t know what to say.”
“You don’t have to say anything.” He unlatched the necklace.
“I noticed you only wear jewelry you make, and even then, only for your shows. I know this isn’t your style—” He stepped behind her, his fingers brushing her neck as he swept her hair aside.
The heat of his touch sent a shiver down her spine, and her eyes fluttered closed.
“I wanted you to have something just for you.”
She swallowed hard, his thoughtfulness pressing against her chest. “I love it.” Not just because it was fancy, but because it was a gift from him. Her fingers traced the delicate chain. Simple, the way she liked her jewelry. “It’s beautiful. Thank you.”
His breath fanned against her skin. His lips moved along her nape, lingering long enough to weaken her knees. “You’re welcome.” His voice was like a strained melody.
Shania Twain’s voice drifted from hidden speakers, singing their wedding song, “From This Moment.” The memory hit her—his arms holding her close, his gaze aglow, his strength guiding her. Even if it had been for show, it all felt real then, just as it was now.
“This…” Her voice wavered, her vision misty with tears. “This first real date is more than I ever dreamed.”
He winked, the playful glint in his eye easing some of her tension. “I wanted to make tonight special.”
When she slid into her seat, he sat in his, and she reached for the swan-shaped linen napkin.
It was her favorite bird—of course, he would remember.
As she fidgeted with the delicate folds, dismantling it to steady her racing heart, she swallowed the lump in her throat.
“The flowers… They’re perfect. Thank you. ”
“I’m glad you like them.” He sank back in his chair, his confidence effortless, but the way his gaze lingered on her said he wasn’t as composed as he appeared.
“I didn’t know my husband was so romantic.” Her nerves slipped into humor. “At least, not outside of the movies.”
“I had some help getting reservations on such short notice.”
Two servers wheeled in silver carts piled with dishes. The scent of her favorite appetizers drifted toward her as they poured sparkling cider and water into their glasses, the bubbles catching the light like tiny stars.
Claire bit her lip, her chest tightening. She hadn’t expected any of this luxury. Yet here they were, in a moment straight out of his movies. Only this time, it was real. And the way he looked at her like she was his entire world made her believe it always could be.
When the servers disappeared, he bowed his head to say grace, and after their collective amen, her gaze flitted to his. “I see you know all my favorites.”
“I’m learning little by little about my wife.”
“And me too, about my husband beyond childhood and the man he’s grown up to be behind the camera.”
“Speaking of cameras, I was wondering if you’d like to accompany me to the movie premiere event next weekend.” He must have forgotten he’d asked about it during the Fall Fest. “Vaulting Hearts.”
She tapped her chin. “I was hoping to work on some new pieces, but…” While that was true, a premiere meant flashing lights, red carpets, and glamorous celebrities—a world she didn’t feel part of. “But I do love spending time with you.”
He smiled, his face softening in a way that comforted her.
“How about this?” He unrolled his silverware from its napkin.
“You come to the premiere with me, and I’ll take time off next week as well as stay for the court hearing.
I’ll watch Bella so you can go to the bead show and work on your jewelry. ”
Claire blinked. Since the day they read Albert’s letter, he’d been adamant about how busy he was. “Who are you, and what have you done with my husband?” At the awe of it, her voice wavered. “I don’t want to mess with your filming schedule.”
“I’ve figured out ways to handle some things virtually now.”
“How did you even know about the bead show?”
“I overheard you telling your dad about it.” He ducked his head and rubbed at his neck. “You used to go twice a year. So, I looked it up and found the dates.”
She drew in a slow breath, drawing back the dreams she’d given up.
She’d decided to skip the show this time, but if Wade was offering to stay with Bella, maybe she could go after all.
Stocking up on supplies for the spring was a good idea.
Plus, by then, she might even convince his family to watch Bella for a day so she could do the spring show.
Another Shania Twain song floated through the speakers, the melody tugging at her heart. “You’re too good for me, Wade Stone.” Claire twirled the stick poking through the mini samosa.
“Don’t forget, Cupcake”—his gaze locked with hers—“you’re the one who always runs toward those in need, even at your own expense. I spent most of my life running in the opposite direction if it meant someone was dragging me down with them.”
“You and I are more alike than you realize.”
He cocked his head. “How so?”
“We both value family. We hold tight to the memories that anchor us.” Even if he was far from home, his heart was always home with his family in Pleasant View. Even now, despite his initial hesitation, his presence here felt right. “That’s why we agreed to this… for Bella.”
“Not just for Bella. For us.” His fire-agate-brown eyes gleamed, vulnerable. “Now that we’ve established we make a good team will you be my date to the premiere?”
“Yes.” Maybe it would be good to see what all the fuss was about. “But only if you can give me some advice on what to wear to such a glamorous event.”
“Go shopping next week.” He named a high-end boutique on Main Street owned by a family friend. “You’ve got great taste. You just need more options. If you don’t find anything, I’ll have Novi set you up with a designer in LA when we get there.”
She didn’t quite understand that last part, but she’d take Irina shopping with her if her friend was free. At least, they could go window-shopping if the price tags made her too uncomfortable.