Chapter 22
Ethan
Weeks later, Nelly and I are doing an interview with L.A.’s EliteTalks, a popular media house that covers celebrity and billionaire talk shows every week.
After announcing our newest electric plane engine project and kicking off the first phase of manufacturing, Hart Holdings and Sunny Aerospace have been in the news every single day.
We’ve met with a few international companies interested in partnering with our project, and I’ve let Nelly take the lead on every partnership deal that comes forth. She’s been the face of the project from the start and I intend to keep it that way.
The interview starts with a couple of questions about our romance, and it feels good to not just pretend to be in love with this amazing woman.
The crowd cheers some more for us, and the interviewer, Roland Greg, takes over again. “Our guests for the night have something to share with us. Tell us, Mr. and Mrs. Everhart, what has it been like being the most talked about power couple of the year? I mean, you two have been married for a few months now, and frankly, I didn't even think it would last this long.”
Nelly chuckles as I laugh and cover her hand with mine.
“I get that a lot,” I answer while we hold hands. "Many people have questioned my dedication to my wife and family over the past months, but as you all have seen ... Family is now the most important thing to me," I answer.
“Aww,” Roland jokes and Nelly laughs with me some more.
“Ethan’s been the most dedicated husband,” Nelly answers next after the cheers reduce again. “I’ve had my moments of doubt, too, but the thing about love is, it’s more of a decision than anything else, and I choose to love him, regardless of what anyone else might think.”
“That’s amazing,” Roland continues again, and I feel my heart beat even faster for Nelly when she spares me another glance. “Would you say there’s hope for a new addition to the family soon? There’s been talks, and sightings of you two visiting a hospital in New York recently, and the rumors say there’s a little Everhart on the way.”
Nelly and I exchange knowing looks, then a smile as Roland continues. “Are you going to give us a little scoop on that?”
“Some day,” I announce, knowing that will appease the crowd for the time being. Truth is, the only reason Nelly and I were at that hospital in New York was because Robyn recently found out she’s pregnant, and we visited to say hello in person after completing a business trip to Manhattan.
I entertain the idea of having a kid with Nelly, and it brings a smile to my lips.
Having a little girl with her eyes and brains would be such a blessing.
My heart swells with more love for her as I watch her discuss with Roland and tell him more about us.
Every part of me is excited for tonight because of what I’ve planned. Nelly has no idea, and each time my phone pings because Josie or my grandpops drops a text, I secretly respond to it.
My heart flutters like a caged bird eager to be set free, and I enjoy the irresistible pound of anticipation coursing through my veins.
I hope she says yes, I think, as I glance at her again and admire my ring sitting on her finger. I intend to propose to Nelly the right way tonight and ask her to spend the rest of my life with me.
It took a lot of courage to confess my lie to Grandpops, and thankfully, he wasn’t as angry as I expected him to be.
This is my chance to do things the right way, and I really hope I don’t screw it up.
I’ve never been this nervous about anything before, and I mask my jitters with a smile each time she glances at me. An hour later, the interview is over and we head to the dressing room together.
Nelly sighs, drops to a chair, and picks up a bottle of water.
“You okay?” I ask after she gulps, and I move close enough to peck her lips.
“Yeah … You? You seemed engrossed in your phone a lot of times during the interview. Did something happen?”
“No,” I answer, while smiling at her. “But I have to go now. There’s something I need to handle and I’ll explain later.”
“Thought we had a dinner date after this?” A frown plays out on her face, and she pouts.
“I know, and I’m sorry, but I really have to handle this, so we’ll have to re-schedule.”
A flicker of disappointment crosses her eyes before I kiss her forehead. “I’ll make it up to you, Nelly. I promise. My driver will wait outside with a car for you. I’ll drive myself.”
She reluctantly agrees with me, and I pull her in for a hug before hurrying out of the dressing room. Once alone, I dial Josie’s number to get an update on the arrangements.
“Everything’s set for tonight,” Josie tells me. “Julia will be here to take the pictures and make the videos, and I’ve placed the order for flowers and a dress, just as you requested. Tonight’s going to rock.”
“I hope so,” I answer dryly, then she ends the call with an excited squeal. I suck in a deep breath before my driver arrives with another car to take Nelly home. “Make sure she gets home safe,” I tell the driver before walking over to my Mercedes to get in.
The drive to my grandfather’s house is the longest of my life. I spent days thinking of the best way to propose to the woman, and the only thing I could come up with was something romantic and yet challenging.
There’s a puzzle waiting for Nelly tonight, and hopefully, she will find her way to me, just like I did to her.