29. Tate #2
“Hmm… it’s gonna be dark, but maybe that’s for the better. I think it looks even more romantic at night, but you’ll get a chance to check for yourself. I’ll text you the address nearest to it.”
"Cool. Thanks, Lexi." His voice still seemed off, but I was going to get the bottom of it tonight. I could give him some advice too, if he wanted it. Not that I was an expert in romance, clearly, but if there was anything I could do to lift his mood, I was willing to try it.
I spent the rest of the afternoon finishing up the decorations, trying hard not to think about what would happen when I eventually had to drop them off at the house for the party.
Would Tate even want to talk to me? I loved him to the moon and back, but I didn't think I could stand to be on friendly, simple terms when it felt like my heart had a crack right in the middle of it.
At eight o'clock, I left my building and drove my Mini Cooper to the lake, cranking up the A/C because it was hot even at this time of night. When I arrived, Tyler wasn't at our meeting point near the lake. I frowned, picking up my phone. I already had a message from him.
Tyler: Hey, I think I found the clearing.
Lexi: Oh, good. I'll be there in a few minutes.
There was a thick patch of trees separating me from the clearing. I’d never been here in the evening, but it truly was even more romantic than during the day. My bruised heart gave a mighty sigh.
I walked through the trees, drawing in deep breaths and letting the fresh air fill my lungs. I arrived in the clearing a few minutes later, and I swear my heart stopped.
Tyler wasn't there waiting for me at all.
It was Tate.
For a few seconds, I forgot how to breathe. My whole body was stiff. And then I found it in myself to move my legs.
He smiled, coming up to me. His eyes searched me, first my face, then down my body and back up.
"I’m sorry for using subterfuge to get you here."
"I gather Tyler isn't here at all."
"No."
"What's going on?" I whispered. I'd been so focused on him that I didn't see what was next to him. There were a few blankets on the meadow, and on the blankets were flowers, as well as a basket with a bottle of champagne and glasses.
I looked from the blanket to Tate. His eyes were warm. He stepped closer to me, taking both my hands in his. "I hurt you, Lexi. And I'm so sorry about that."
I was trembling slightly, not sure what to say.
"So you brought me here," I said eventually, because he seemed to be waiting for a reaction.
"Yes." His lips curled into a beautiful smile. "I was advised to make a grand gesture."
For the first time since yesterday, I didn't feel like I had a weight pressing down on my chest anymore. Something else entirely seemed to take hold of me. An immense joy swept through me, electrifying me from the tips of my fingers to my toes.
“By whom? Beatrice?” I whispered.
"Exactly. And then I thought, what to do? I remembered you told me about this place, and I asked Paisley to show it to me.”
“Oh my God, that’s why Reese picked up Paisley’s dress. So I could have the evening free.”
His lip curled into a half smile. “That’s right.”
"And where does Tyler come into this?"
“I needed a good reason to get you here. Something that wouldn’t make you suspicious.”
He kept my hand against his chest, looking me straight in the eye.
"I was wrong, Lexi, in everything I said.
What you and I have is stronger than everything.
I know we can get through anything life throws at us.
I want to be at your side for everything if you'll still have me.
I love you with all I have. With all I am. "
"Tate, I…" My voice trembled a bit. "I love you and Paisley. And I’d never do anything to hurt her.”
“I know. I’m sorry I said all those things. I believe in us. I'm going to spend every day proving it to you. Being the best version of myself, for you and for Paisley. For our life together."
"And how exactly do you plan to do that?"
"I haven't thought that far ahead, I confess."
"We'll find a way," I said.
"Together."
"Yes, together. I love you, Tate. Of course I want you in my life. I want to be next to you for each of those moments. For all of them. And enjoy them with you."
I sensed relief coursing through him. His heartbeat intensified, but his muscles loosened. He tipped my head back, sealing his lips over mine. His mouth was soft and determined at the same time, his kiss deep and full of emotion and need for me.
Joy thrummed through my veins. I could feel it in every inch of my body, mixed with relief. He loved me, and he did want me in his life. He saw us together.
"I love you," he whispered against my cheek. "So damn much."
"I can’t believe you brought us here. With champagne." My voice was full of emotion.
He kissed my temple before straightening up and looking me straight in the eyes.
"I wanted tonight to be special, Lexi, so we both remember it."
“I’m sure we will.” I kneeled on the blanket, picking up the bottle of champagne.
He effortlessly popped open the cork and poured two glasses.
Then he growled, kissing me. I laughed against his mouth, struggling to keep the glass upright so it wouldn't spill all over.
But damn, the way this man kissed always made me forget my head and my manners and my decency.
He always made everything else blur except him .
When we paused to breathe, I said, "You know, I always come here alone. I just came once with Paisley."
"And now with me." He sounded deliciously possessive.
"You look pretty satisfied too." I guess that tickled his Neanderthal bone somewhere. Well, that was fine with me.
We clinked glasses, and I took a sip of the bubbly, letting it course through me. Tate held my other hand, fingers interlaced with mine like he didn't want to let go of me. I flexed my fingers against his, smiling at him.
“I love you, Lexi. I told you once that you made me want. You made me feel. I want more of everything and you. Every damn day, I’m going to love you and prove to you how much you mean to me.”
“Tate Maxwell. You brought me to my favorite spot and have my favorite bubbly. What else do you have up your sleeve?"
He winked. “I’m not going to give away all my aces in one evening.”
“Hmm… pacing yourself. I like it. Besides, there isn’t anything more you could do. This evening is amazing.”
This evening was so magical that I knew I'd remember it for the rest of my life. Us here in my favorite spot under the moonlight, listening to the most romantic song with the man I loved. Life couldn't get better than this. It was perfect.
"I'd do anything for you, Lexi. Always."