Chapter 72 A Tiny Gift
Emily was glad when Pam called her the next day to say she changed her mind about making ugly bridesmaid dresses.
“Sorry,” Pam said, “I don’t know what I was thinking. I feel like a bad person.”
“No, it’s okay,” Emily said, “You’re probably nervous before your big day.”
“It’s true, my hormones are driving me crazy. So, what are we doing for your birthday?”
“Uh...”
Emily had hardly given it much thought, but her birthday was coming up. Since she had been occupied with Pam’s wedding plans, she wanted to enjoy a low-key birthday. She cleared her work schedule for the whole day and asked Byron not to plan any surprises. She half suspected him of organizing a scuba-diving expedition or some other extreme adventure, but all she wanted was to spend a relaxing day at home or lazing on the beach and maybe see some of her friends.
“Let’s meet up in the evening for drinks,” she said.
“Okay, I’ll see you soon, birthday girl.”
Emily went back to browsing bridesmaid dresses online, looking for inspiration. And this time she was free to select something that actually looked good. She got a little carried away and started looking at bridal dresses too... Was Pam getting to her with all this talk of marriage? There were so many wedding dress designs to choose from. Emily could see herself in a ball gown or a sleek A-line dress.
When Byron entered the room, she barely had time to close the window of the wedding dresses.
“Are you having fun in here?” he asked.
“I’m trying to choose between a one-shoulder design or a sweetheart neckline for the bridesmaids,” she said, “What do you think?”
“Definitely one-shoulder,” he said. “It’s more unique... and more exposed.”
“Get your mind out of the gutter, Mr. Pomeroy,” she admonished.
“There’s nothing wrong with admiring female beauty.” His hands trailed from her shoulders down to her waist, tracing the contours of her body. “Especially this one...”
Emily wasn’t sure if he had seen her looking at the white dresses. Even if he had, it didn’t mean anything. She was a designer after all. What if she was planning to add a bridal line to her collection? So she didn’t remark on it, but she hoped that he wouldn’t do anything crazy like propose on her birthday.
When the day arrived, Emily woke up to find herself all alone in the house. Knowing Byron, she strongly suspected some kind of scheme was underway.
There was some cereal and fruit for breakfast all set out for her. Soon after she finished eating, her phone rang.
“Good morning, birthday girl,” Byron said in his seductive voice. “I have a tiny gift for you.”
“Well, where is it?” she asked, her face lighting up in anticipation.
“Meet me on the beach,” he said mysteriously.
Emily didn’t want this to be a proposal, but considering the wedding madness that was going on... She was a little wary as she put on a yellow sun dress and a wide-brimmed straw hat, making the short walk to the beach. If he did propose, she would probably say yes but try to stall the actual wedding for as long as humanly possible.
When she spotted Byron, he was not alone. He had Rupert with him on a leash, as well as a small puppy, dark brown with lighter golden streaks.
“Happy Birthday,” said Byron, giving her a sweet, ardent kiss. “Your gift, should you choose to accept it, is here. I didn’t want to bring her home and let her get too comfortable, in case you said no.”
Emily sat down on the sand and petted the pup, who endeavored to lick her face.
“I love her!” Emily said, giggling.
“I’m glad,” Byron said, “I was going to get you a more well-bred dog like Rupert, but then I saw this one, and she reminded me of you. A bit mischievous and cute.”
“You’re not well-bred, are you?” Emily said to the little dog.
“I’m told the breed is a perfect mutt: part Australian shepherd part something or other. I hope that’s okay, I got her from a shelter.”
“Whatever breed this is, she’s perfect,” Emily said. “What’s her name?”
“She doesn’t have a name yet.”
Emily couldn’t have asked for a better birthday surprise. She was also relieved that there was no sign of an engagement. Unless this was an ‘engagement dog’? Knowing how much she loved animals, Byron might have thought it more appropriate than a ring.
“I also have another surprise for you,” Byron said as they walked back to the house together.
“What is it?” Emily asked.
“I was going to keep it a secret, but I should probably tell you... I know you wanted to keep it low key, but would you really say no to a hot air balloon trip?”
“Byron! It’s so nice of you to think of such a special adventure,” Emily began. She suspected a balloon trip might lead to a proposal. It was just the sort of thing where people proposed. Although it was tempting, she had to refuse it. “I really do want to have a relaxing day at home. Playing with this puppy is going to be the best birthday ever.”
“All right,” he sighed, “But I hope as well as playing with the puppy you’ll also play with me.” His hand brushed her hip enticingly.
“I think we can find time for that...”
