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After the congratulations and laughter started to settle, Amanda leaned closer to Ericka. "Come on," she whispered, taking her hand. "I want a minute—just us."
Ericka nodded, her fingers intertwined with Amanda's, still trembling slightly from the whirlwind of emotions. They walked together toward a quieter corner of the venue, away from the bustling family and Danielle's still-gleeful giggles.
Once they were alone, Amanda stopped and turned to Ericka, a soft smile on her lips. "I wanted to show you something," she said, gently guiding Ericka's hands toward the inside of her suit jacket.
Ericka's eyes widened as she peeked at the lining. Tiny sketches of her—Amanda's delicate, whimsical renderings over the months—filled the satin fabric. Little hearts, tiny handwritten notes, and miniature versions of her face, all scattered lovingly across the lining.
"You... you did all this?" Ericka whispered, voice thick with emotion, tracing a finger over one of the sketches.
Amanda nodded, brushing her thumb across Ericka's cheek. "Every sketch, every note... it's all you. I wanted this moment to be for you, even in the smallest details."
Ericka's chest rose and fell, tears slipping down her cheeks. "You're... you're unbelievable."
Amanda pulled her closer, resting her forehead against Ericka's. "Not unbelievable. Just completely in love with you."
Ericka laughed softly through her tears, burying her face into Amanda's shoulder. "Well... I'm in love with you too."
Amanda and Ericka walked back toward the main area, hand in hand, still glowing from their private moment. Danielle peeked out from behind a pillar, eyes sparkling with mischief, and gave them an enthusiastic thumbs-up.
Amanda smiled and whispered to Ericka, "Samantha already ordered catering to the house, and I invited the group chat over for dinner... if that's okay with you, baby."
Ericka's cheeks warmed, a small laugh escaping her. "You didn't... all of them?"
Amanda shrugged, playful but proud. "All of them. They've been dying to meet you anyway. Thought tonight would be perfect."
Ericka's parents were nearby, catching the tail end of their conversation. Her mom smiled softly. "Well... sounds like it's going to be quite the evening."
Her dad chuckled. "I hope you two don't wear yourselves out before dinner."
Danielle piped up, practically bouncing in place. "I call dibs on recording all of it!"
Amanda laughed, giving Ericka's hand a squeeze. "Perfect. Let's go home and get settled. Dinner's going to be amazing, and tonight... well, it's going to be one for the books."
Ericka nodded, squeezing Amanda back. "Yeah... one for the books."
As everyone started to leave the venue, Amanda gave Ericka's hand a gentle squeeze. "Hey... I have something else I want to show you when we get home," she said, a teasing glint in her eye.
Ericka raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued, but just smiled. "You and your surprises," she murmured.
Amanda winked. "You know me."
Back at their building, the family waved goodbye, buzzing from the proposal and dinner plans later, and Amanda guided Ericka upstairs to their unit. Once inside, Amanda led her toward the elevator. "Close your eyes for a second," she said softly.
Ericka giggled but obeyed, letting Amanda guide her. "Okay... you can open," Amanda said softly.
Ericka blinked as her eyes took in the space.
The fashion studio was breathtaking. Every detail spoke to Amanda's care and creativity:
– Finished pieces hung alongside works-in-progress.
– Sketches covered the walls, each one a tiny note or design Amanda had thought about over the months.
– Rows of fabric bolts in every color and texture imaginable.
– Three clothing racks full of designs, some bold, some minimalist.
– And in one corner, a section labeled "Ericka"—carefully curated outfits Amanda imagined her wearing for interviews, events, and appearances.
Ericka froze, then slowly ran her hands over the racks, feeling the fabrics, the textures, the thought behind every piece. Her lips trembled as tears sprang to her eyes.
"I... I've never had anyone do anything like this for me," she whispered, voice breaking.
Amanda stepped close, wrapping her arms around Ericka and holding her gently. "You deserve it. Every little thing. I just wanted you to see it... see how much you're loved."
Ericka leaned into her, letting the tears fall freely. "This... this is... I don't even have words..."
Amanda pressed a soft kiss to her temple. "Then don't. Just feel it."
Ericka inhaled deeply, looking around again with awe. "You... you thought of everything. Every detail. Every outfit... for me."
Amanda smiled, her hands resting on Ericka's shoulders. "Only for you. Because you're worth it."
Ericka's hands lingered on a soft silk jacket, and she whispered through a small laugh-cry, "I can't... I can't believe this. Nobody has ever... nobody has ever..."
Amanda hugged her tighter. "Shh... you don't have to. I've got everything covered. Just let me take care of you."
Ericka closed her eyes, overwhelmed and happy, as the weight of the gesture and the love behind it sank in.
Amanda stepped back with a little grin, letting Ericka drink in the whole studio again. The lights were warm, gentle, glowing off the fabric racks like they were spotlighting her future. The room felt calm, creative, intimate — like a place built from pure love.
Then Amanda slid her fingers between Ericka's and tugged her toward the far wall.
"Come here, baby. I wanna show you something."
Ericka followed, still sniffling, still trying to get herself together even though her mascara was already smudged in the prettiest way.
They stopped in front of a section of the studio marked with a hand-lettered tag:
Ericka gasped. Her hand flew to her chest.
"Amanda... is this... all for me?"
Amanda nodded with a shy smile. "Every last stitch."
Ericka's breath shook as she reached out, fingertips brushing over the first piece — a structured navy blazer with delicate stitching that shimmered when it caught the light. She trailed her hand down the sleeve like it was something sacred, something she wasn't sure she deserved to touch.
Amanda stepped closer behind her, wrapping an arm around her waist and pressing a slow kiss to the back of her shoulder. "I thought the navy would look unbelievable on you during interviews," she murmured. "Make you look powerful. Untouchable."
Ericka exhaled hard, leaning back into her. "You think of everything... you see me. Really see me."
"Yes," Amanda whispered against her skin, kissing along her neck, soft and lingering. "I always do."
Ericka reached for the next outfit — a sleek emerald sheath dress with subtle contouring lines and a high slit. She held it up against herself, and Amanda's lips parted instantly.
"That color on you?" Amanda shook her head. "Illegal. Actually illegal. Try it on later. I need to see that."
Ericka laughed through a fresh wave of tears, wiping her cheeks with the heel of her hand. "I'm already crying enough."
Amanda stepped in close, cupping Ericka's face gently, thumbs brushing her wet cheeks. "And you're beautiful doing it." She kissed her softly once... twice... then again, slower, deeper, as if grounding her. "You're allowed to cry. Let me love you."
Ericka melted into her completely, hands sliding up Amanda's arms as if anchoring herself. "Nobody has ever done anything like this for me," she whispered between kisses. "Not this thoughtful. Not... this much."
Amanda kissed the corner of her mouth. "Get used to it."
Ericka choked out a laugh and moved to the next rack — a silk emerald blouse paired with tailored black trousers. The blouse had a slight sheen, almost pearlescent. She lifted it.
"Amanda... this is gorgeous."
"I made that one while thinking of your smile," Amanda said with a tiny shrug. "It's soft but sharp. Like you."
Ericka burst into tears again and hugged the blouse to her chest. Amanda wrapped her arms around her from behind and kissed her temple, then her cheek, then down her jaw. "Hey... breathe. You're good. You're safe."
"I just... no one has ever taken the time to learn me like this." Her voice wavered. "You made a whole space with me in it."
Amanda turned her around gently, holding her face in both hands. "Because you deserve spaces where you feel seen. And you deserve someone who pays attention." She kissed her slow and steady, lips brushing softly again and again until Ericka whimpered against her mouth. "I love you."
"I love you too," Ericka whispered, pulling her in and kissing her again — longer this time, shaking a little. She broke away only when she needed air, forehead pressed to Amanda's. "Show me more."
Amanda grinned mischievously. "Oh, baby... you have no idea how many outfits I made for you." She kissed her again, quick and playful this time. "Come on. Let me show you the rest."