Chapter Twenty New York
Haven
T wo months. I only have two months to plan this wedding.
I stare at my coffee cup, absentmindedly stirring the sugar at the bottom. It’s barely morning, and my mind is already racing, a constant churn of worry and anxiety. I’ve never been the type of girl who had her dream wedding planned out, and now I’m trying to piece together something that doesn’t feel exactly like a lie, but not entirely real either. Especially since I’ve been spending my nights in Christian’s bed.
Across from me, Christian is relaxed, flipping through his phone like he doesn’t have a care in the world. Meanwhile, my to-do list keeps growing in my head, and I’m starting to feel the pressure weighing down on me. Invitations, venue, flowers, cake… and the dress. I don’t even know where to start.
“Christian, this wedding… I don’t know how I’m going to pull it off in two months. There’s just so much to do.”
He looks up from his phone, his brow furrowing slightly. “You don’t have to do it all alone, Haven. We can hire a planner. Let a professional take care of it all.”
I force a smile, but the panic is still there, simmering beneath the surface. “I appreciate the offer, but… I don’t know. There’s something inside me that wants to do this myself. I can’t contribute much to this wedding, practically speaking, but I can at least plan it.”
He gives me a soft smile. “Okay, I get that. Let’s break it down. What’s number one priority right now?”
I don’t even have to think about my answer. “The dress.”
Christian leans back in his chair, his eyes thoughtful as he watches me. “The dress is what’s worrying you the most?”
I nod, biting my lip. “It’s one of the big things, yeah. I don’t even know where to start looking, and I feel like if I get that wrong, everything else will just fall apart.”
He smiles at me then, that easy, confident smile that always makes me feel like maybe things aren’t as bad as they seem. “You’re overthinking it, and I have an idea that might help with that.”
I raise an eyebrow, intrigued but also wary. “Oh?”
He sets his phone down on the table and leans forward, his eyes glinting with something mischievous. “What if I told you I’m sending you to New York? You and Marie. A weekend getaway to take some of the pressure off and, more importantly, to find the perfect dress.”
My jaw drops, and for a second, I don’t even know how to respond. “Wait, what?”
Christian’s grin widens, and he nods. “You heard me. I know this wedding is stressing you out, and I don’t want you to feel like you’re drowning in it. So, I talked to Marie, and she’s free this weekend. I’m sending the two of you to New York for a couple of days to find your wedding dress.”
I blink, still trying to process what he just said. “You’re… sending me to New York? To find my dress?”
He shrugs like it’s no big deal, and I suppose for a billionaire, it’s not. “It’s the least I can do. You deserve to have a moment to enjoy this, Haven. You’ve been carrying a lot of weight lately, and I want you to take a break, even if it’s just for a weekend.”
I stare at him, completely floored by the gesture. New York. A wedding dress. And he thought of all of this without me even having to ask.
“I… I don’t know what to say,” I admit, my voice shaky. “You didn’t have to do this.”
Christian reaches across the table, his hand covering mine. “I know I didn’t. But I want to. You’ve been incredible, Haven, doing all of this for me, for Oliver, and for your mom. I wanted to give you something that feels real. Something that’s just for you.”
His words hit me right in the chest, and I’m speechless. It’s not just the trip to New York—it’s the fact that he’s paying attention, that he knows how overwhelmed I am and wants to make it easier for me. He sees me, and that’s something I didn’t expect in all of this.
“Thank you,” I whisper, feeling the tears prick at the corners of my eyes. “You have no idea how much this means to me.”
Christian smiles, his thumb brushing lightly over my knuckles. “You don’t have to thank me. Just enjoy it. Go to New York, find the perfect dress, and take some time to breathe. The rest will fall into place.”
I take a deep breath, letting his words settle over me.
“When do we leave?” I ask, a small smile creeping onto my face.
Christian’s grin returns, and he gives my hand a gentle squeeze. “Friday morning. Everything’s already taken care of.”
I laugh, shaking my head in disbelief. “You really had this all planned out, didn’t you?”
He shrugs again, but I can see the satisfaction in his eyes. “What can I say? I like to plan ahead.”
For the first time in weeks, I feel a weight lift off my shoulders. I’m going to New York with my best friend to find a wedding dress. I’m not going to think about the timeline, or the expectations, or the pressure. I’m just going to enjoy it.
***
The hum of the private jet's engines is a soft, constant background noise as we fly toward New York City. I'm glued to the window, watching the clouds roll by beneath us. It feels surreal, this whole situation—sitting in Christian's plush, leather-seated jet, a glass of champagne in hand, courtesy of a smiling flight attendant who seems to anticipate our every need.
Marie nudges me, her excitement palpable. "Can you believe this, Haven? We're flying to New York on a private jet to go wedding dress shopping. This is the life!"
I chuckle, the tension easing from my shoulders as I take another sip of champagne.
"It's definitely not how I pictured any of this going down," I admit, shaking my head in disbelief. "Christian really knows how to make a gesture, doesn't he?"
"He sure does," Marie agrees, her eyes sparkling. "And hey, you deserve this. After everything you've been through, this should be your moment to shine and feel like a princess."
Her words warm my heart, and I lean back, allowing myself to enjoy the luxury and the company of my best friend. The flight is smooth, and before I know it, we're descending into New York. The skyline comes into view, the towering buildings and bustling streets a stark contrast to the quiet small town feel of Blue Ridge. Once we land, a sleek town car is waiting to whisk us away to our hotel. The driver greets us with a polite nod, taking our bags and holding the door open for us. The ride through New York is like something out of a movie, the city alive and pulsing with energy.
We pull up to the hotel, which is every bit as lavish as I imagined. The doorman welcomes us with a bright smile, and we're quickly checked in and escorted to our suite, which has a breathtaking view of the city. The room is spacious, decorated in elegant, soothing tones, and there's a note from Christian on the bedside table next to another bottle of champagne on ice.
Haven,
Welcome to New York! I hope the flight was comfortable and you're settling in well.
This weekend is all about you—enjoy every moment of it. I've arranged everything so that you and Marie can experience the best of what the city has to offer without any stress. Remember, the goal is to find the perfect dress, one that makes you feel as special and beautiful as you truly are.
I can't wait to see what you choose. I have no doubt you'll look stunning.
Take care, and have fun—you both deserve it.
Christian
My heart flutters and I can’t help the small smile that curls my lips as I reread the short note.
"Okay, let's not get too comfy," Marie says, yanking me out of my thoughts and pulling me toward the door. "We have an appointment to keep, and I can't wait to see you in a sea of beautiful dresses."
The bridal boutique is a short drive away, nestled on a quiet street lined with other high-end shops. As we enter, I'm struck by the elegance of the place. Soft music plays in the background, and the air smells faintly of fresh flowers. A friendly consultant greets us by name—Christian made sure everything was arranged down to the last detail.
"Welcome, Miss Young. We've prepared a selection of gowns based on your preferences, but feel free to browse and choose anything that catches your eye," she says, guiding us toward a sea of white and ivory.
The dresses are stunning, each one more intricate than the last. I run my fingers over the fabrics—silk, lace, satin—each texture sparking a new dream of what could be. I try on several gowns, each bringing an 'ooh' and 'ahh' from Marie, but none feel quite right.
Then, the consultant pulls a dress from the back.
"This one just arrived," she says, a smile playing on her lips. "I think it might be perfect for you."
She's right. The moment I step into the dress and look in the mirror, I know it's the one. It's unlike anything I've seen before—elegantly simple yet striking, with delicate lace detailing and a silhouette that fits me like it was made just for me.
Marie gasps, her hand over her mouth. "Haven, that's it. That's your dress."
Tears prick at the corners of my eyes as I turn, taking in every angle. I can picture Christian's face when he sees me walking toward him in this dress, and suddenly, everything feels incredibly real.
As I stand admiring myself in the mirror, the dress draping flawlessly over my frame, the consultant gently hands me a card with the price. My heart sinks a bit as I read the numbers—a sum far beyond what I’d ever imagine spending on a single piece of clothing.
Twenty thousand dollars.
The excitement swirling within me turns into a knot of apprehension.
Marie, noticing my sudden change in demeanor, steps closer, her eyes narrowing slightly as she tries to read the situation. "What’s wrong, Haven? You look like you’ve seen a ghost."
I hesitate, the price tag weighing heavily in my hand.
“It’s just… this dress, it’s more than I expected,” I admit, my voice barely above a whisper.
Marie takes the card from me, glancing at the figure. Her eyebrows shoot up for a moment, but then she laughs, a light, easy sound that fills the dressing room.
"Haven, sweetie, remember who you’re marrying. Christian isn’t just a nice guy, he’s a billionaire, and more importantly, he’s a billionaire who wants this wedding to be everything you’ve ever dreamed of."
I can’t help but smile a little at her enthusiasm, but the worry doesn’t completely fade. "It’s not just about the money, Marie. It feels extravagant. Unnecessary."
Marie hands the price tag back to me, her gaze firm and reassuring. "Listen to me, Haven. Christian sent us here with one job: to find the perfect wedding dress. He wants you to have what you want, what makes you feel beautiful and special. Don't think about the price, Christian sent you on an all expense paid weekend getaway. The price tag means nothing to him. Think about how you feel in that dress, think about what Christian will think seeing you in this dress. You saw yourself in the mirror—you know it’s the one."
Her words sink in, swirling around with the countless emotions I’ve been juggling since the moment Christian and I agreed to this arrangement. She’s right; Christian wouldn’t want me to settle and choose something less than wonderful because I was too concerned about the cost. He’s been nothing but supportive, going out of his way to make sure I feel cared for in every possible aspect.
I take a deep breath, looking back at my reflection in the mirror. The dress really is perfect. It fits as if it were made just for me, each detail enhancing something unique about my figure and style.
"Okay," I say finally, meeting Marie’s eyes in the mirror. "You’re right. This is the dress. It’s everything I could have ever wanted."
Marie claps her hands excitedly, her smile infectious. "That’s my girl! Christian is going to fall over when he sees you walking down the aisle in this."
The consultant, who's been quietly observing our exchange, smiles warmly. "It truly is stunning on you, Miss Young. Shall we prepare it for purchase?"
"Yes," I answer, my voice stronger now, filled with a newfound confidence. "Let’s do it."
“Excellent,” the consultant says with a wide smile. “If you’re interested, we have a lingerie set that was designed specifically for this dress. Would you like to see it?”
“Lingerie?” My cheeks flush at the thought and Marie starts giggling.
“Oooh, yes,” Marie says in a devious tone. “Bring the fancy lingerie. We’ve got to make sure you’re irresistible to Christian on your wedding day.”
I shoot her a glare and murmur, “I don’t think it’s necessary.”
Ignoring me, Marie tells the consultant, “We’ll take a look.”
Looking pleased, the consultant hurries away and I hiss at Marie, “A wedding dress is one thing, but overpriced lingerie? I can’t spend Christian’s money on something like that.”
Marie waggles her eyebrows. “Trust me, he’ll consider it some of the best money he’s ever spent.”
The consultant returns with a gorgeous white corset with see-through mesh panels and attached garter belts. The pattern on the corset’s material perfectly matches my dress, and as she holds it up for me to see, the urge to buy it proves overwhelming.
“All right,” I sigh. “I’ll get the lingerie.”
Marie claps her hands together in glee. “Oh, goody!”
As the consultant takes the dress and lingerie away to begin the alterations process, I turn to Marie, feeling a rush of gratitude for her support. Without her here to remind me of what’s really important, I might have walked away from something beautiful over a fear of indulgence.
Marie wraps an arm around my shoulders, squeezing gently. "Now, let’s celebrate. New York is at our feet, and we have a wedding dress to toast to!"
Laughing, we leave the boutique, my heart lighter than it's been in days. I'm marrying Christian, a man who's shown me kindness and generosity in a way I never expected, and I’m going to marry him in a dress that feels like a dream. With Marie by my side, reminding me to embrace the extraordinary life I’m stepping into, I feel ready to face whatever comes next, price tags and all.
***
From the moment we step out of the boutique with my wedding dress securely packed and waiting to be tailored, the city opens itself up to us like it’s ours to explore. Marie and I walk through the busy streets, I feel completely free, like I’m allowed to enjoy this moment without worrying about what’s next. We end the night with an exclusive dinner at a restaurant I know Christian called in for special reservations, and I soak in the clawfoot bathtub surrounded by candles before hitting the softest mattress I’ve ever laid on.
Saturday morning, we start our day with a luxurious spa session at the hotel—massages, facials, the works. I’ve never been pampered before. My skin glows, my muscles feel loose, and as I lay there with cucumbers over my eyes, I realize how much I needed this. Not just the spa, but the time to breathe, to just be without thinking about the wedding or the arrangement with Christian.
"This is heaven," Marie sighs from the lounge chair next to me.
"It really is," I agree, my mind wandering to Christian. He did this for me, for us, and I can't help but feel a swell of gratitude.
I can’t help but think of our night together and how passionate and attentive to me he was. How firm his touch was and how good his lips felt against mine. How he stretched me just right and was able to get so deep, there was a point at which I couldn’t tell where my body ended and his began. My cheeks flush and I feel a telltale tingle between my legs that has me squeezing my thighs together.
I can’t wait to get back home and thank him for this trip.
Later, we wander through Central Park, stopping for coffee and pastries, chatting as we stroll along the tree-lined paths. Marie keeps teasing me about the wedding, and every time she brings it up, I feel a mix of excitement and anxiety, but it’s mostly excitement. At one point, we stop at a small cafe overlooking the park. I sip my cappuccino, staring at the busy streets and the skyline, wondering how my life got to this point.
“So, I need to tell you something,” I say.
Marie tilts her head, giving me a curious look. “What is it?”
“So, Christian and I… slept together.”
Her eyes widen, but she doesn’t look entirely surprised, just excited.
“You did?” She smiles and leans forward with her elbows on the table. “Oh, my God! How was it? I mean, how do you feel? Was it good?”
“Honestly? It was great, and now… well, things are different. It’s not just an arrangement between us anymore. This is turning into something real.”
“That’s a good thing, isn’t it?” Marie asks. “You get to be with someone who cares about you, and you won’t be lying to your mom, right?”
“Right,” I murmur. “Still… what if I’m getting ahead of myself? What if Christian and I are just getting caught up in the rush of it all, and when everything settles, these feelings go away?”
Marie sets her coffee cup down, her expression softening. “Haven, I think you’re overthinking this. You have feelings for Christian, and he clearly cares about you. The fact that he’s gone out of his way to make sure this weekend is perfect for you should tell you something. This isn’t just a passing thing, and you should embrace it..”
I nod, her words sinking in. She’s right. I just need to let myself fully feel what’s happening between Christian and me.
The rest of the weekend is a blur of excitement. We visit the Met, spend an afternoon shopping in SoHo, and even catch a Broadway show on our last night in the city. Everywhere we go, there’s a sense of magic, like the city is wrapping us in its vibrant energy, pushing me to relax and enjoy this new life I’m stepping into. When Sunday evening rolls around, we head back to the airport, my wedding dress carefully packed and ready to be flown home with us. The flight feels quieter than the one coming in, but it’s a good kind of quiet—like everything is starting to settle into place.
Marie sits next to me, scrolling through her phone as I stare out the window, watching the city lights disappear beneath us as we ascend. The weight of what this weekend meant lingers with me. It wasn’t just about the dress or the pampering—it was about taking a moment to appreciate the changes in my life. Christian gave me this time, this space to breathe, and it feels like something shifted inside me.
I glance at the dress bag, tucked safely in the corner of the plane, and my heart flutters. The dress, the wedding, the life I’m about to share with Christian—it’s happening and I can admit to myself I’m excited.
When we land, Christian’s driver is waiting for us, and as we step off the jet, the cool night air hits my skin. I’m bringing home more than just a dress. I’m bringing home a sense of clarity. This wedding isn’t just an arrangement anymore. It’s a step toward something I’m starting to want more than I ever thought I would.
Marie links her arm through mine as we walk toward the car.
"So, when are you showing Christian the dress?" she asks, waggling her eyebrows.
I laugh, shaking my head. "He’s not seeing it until the wedding, of course. I can’t wait for him to see it, though."
“He’s going to love it,” Marie insists, squeezing my arm, and I’m pretty confident he will.
Whatever happens next, I know I’m ready for it. I have my dress, I have Marie by my side, and I have Christian waiting for me back home. That, more than anything, feels like the start of something real.