Chapter 19
Chapter Nineteen
Holt
Friday night, our last night in our bubble as Raelyn calls it. We’ve been cleared to continue on with the tour. We’ll be hitting the road tomorrow for Louisiana, but I want tonight to be special.
Simon has taken Raelyn shopping as a distraction for me to get our night set up. She fussed about not needing any new clothes. I’ve never met a woman who didn’t want my money, but that’s another reason why I love her. She couldn’t care less about my money or fame.
Lighting the candle, I place it on the white linen table, as I watch the flame grow and begin to flicker. The floral scent fills the air from the beautiful wildflower bouquet while her favorite wine sits on ice. A sushi chef is inside preparing all of her favorite dishes.
Lights hang all around the backyard giving it the perfect romantic glow as the sky darkens.
The guys reminded me how big of a pussy I am now as they helped me hang the lights. I smile to myself because I know they all have a soft spot for Raelyn.
This last week has been one of the best weeks of my life, and one I will cherish forever. I’m dreading Sunday because Raelyn will return to Alabama for work. If only I could talk her into quitting and moving in with me. I’ve gotten used to having her with me this week, and I don’t want to let her leave. Hell, I’m already looking at engagement rings.
We’re planning on getting our families together soon to meet. My mom is dying to meet the woman who has stolen my heart. I’m not going to be able to patiently wait much longer to ask her parents for their blessing either.
She’s close with her mom, and they talk daily. She has shown me pictures, and I can see where she gets her looks from.
I want to talk about our future tonight and pray she’s on the same page because I’m about to throw a Hail Mary.
Walking into the bathroom, I look at myself in the mirror—my favorite pair of jeans, white button up, with my signature boots.
The man I see looking back at me is a man I didn’t know existed until Raelyn came into my life. I no longer want the lifestyle I used to live. I only want her.
Raelyn
I walk inside the house to find a small, romantic table setup by the door. Picking up a flower from the bouquet, I inhale its sweet fragrance. The flickering candles give a romantic touch. I smile, as I pick up a note with my name written across it—major swoon points.
My pretty little poison,
I want this last night of being in our “bubble” to be special. You deserve the world. Follow the petals. I love you!”
Holt
My man is beautiful inside and out. Holt Hayes holds the key to my heart.
Now I’m glad I let Simon talk me into wearing this sun-dress I bought today. He was totally in on this, I say to myself.
I tuck the note inside my purse because it’s another memento from Holt that I want to keep forever.
Smiling, I follow the petals and flickering candles through the dimly lit house to the back patio. Looking out the open door, the trail continues down the steps to a table set for two.
The man of my dreams stands beside it smiling. His eyes hold mine as I make my way to him.
I lean up on my toes and place a kiss on his lips. “Now this is very swoon worthy.”
“I'm pretty proud of myself,” Holt admits.
Being the gentleman he is, he pulls out my chair as I sit, then proceeds to fill my glass with my favorite wine. It’s the little things like that that don’t go unnoticed. My heart warms.
“You may be getting lucky tonight, Mister Hayes.”
He laughs a deep laugh. “It’s on the itinerary. How was your afternoon with Simon?”
“Well, I’m starting to think Simon was part of the plan, especially since you didn’t fuss about him stealing your time with me,” I challenge.
A smirk tugs at the corners of his mouth. “Guilty.”
My attention is broken when I catch movement out of the corner of my eye. I turn to see a man walking out of the back door with a tray of food. As he sets the tray down in front of us, I realize he’s a sushi chef. My mouth waters at all my favorite Japanese dishes.
My heart flutters for this man of mine.
“This looks amazing,” I gush to the chef.
“Thank you. I hope y’all enjoy it,” he replies.
Holt thanks him.
I look at Holt as the chef walks away. “Okay, you’re never going to be able to top this night.”
“I always like a challenge.” He grins.
We eat in silence for a few minutes.
“I don’t want to go back to reality.” I sigh.
“Then don’t. Stay with me. It’s simple,” he states, looking at me.
“But it’s not that simple. We’ve already talked about this.”
“Things have changed since then,” he adds.
“I agree, things have changed, but I still can’t dip out on my life at home.”
“I want you with me. Move in, and you can finish out the tour with me. I know you like your independence and working, but we can figure out something here. I was thinking along the lines of photography for the band since that makes you happy. I also know you don’t want my money, but I want to take care of you. Hell, I want to marry you,” he finishes.
I sit staring at him, my heart pounding in my chest. “You want to marry me?”
“Yes,” he replies with no hesitation. “I didn’t exactly plan for it to come out that way. I did have a better speech planned, but I’ve told you you’re my soulmate. I don’t want to waste another minute. You’re my one—my person.”
The image of Holt blurs, as tears cloud my eyes. I feel one slip out, the wetness running down my cheek.
His eyebrows scrunch together with uncertainty as he reaches out, gently brushing my cheek and wiping away the tear.
“They’re happy tears,” I say. I see his expression relax in relief. “You make me so happy, Holt. I do want to spend forever with you. I love you so much, but I can’t just up and leave. I need to put a notice in, and I just need a little more time to get things situated. Your tour is almost over. Only a few shows left. Give me until then, and I’ll move in.”
A smile spreads across his face. “Not exactly what I wanted to hear, but I’ll take it. Now finish your meal, so I can collect my swoon worthy prize as dessert.” He smiles darkly.
“Yes sir,” I reply.