I Loved Him With All My Heart

Naturally, I didn't want to add fuel to the fire by strutting around in a gaudy dress.

We selected the ideal one that went with my wishes to wear something refined and minimal. It had an off-white color and was strapless. As soon as I put it on, I knew it was perfect.

Courtney and I stopped for lunch at a local cafe after stowing the bags in the car.

"Are you looking forward to the party?" she asked.

I sighed. "I suppose. I'm a little uneasy around all their acquaintances, but Clara is excited enough for the both of us."

Monday afternoon, when Clara and I had lunch, she told me that each and every person she had invited had accepted. Her excitement was contagious and I enjoyed listening to her gush about the arrangements. I was happy that she loved planning for events because I wouldn't know where to start.

I knew Clara Rowe didn't like to accept no for an answer. She had the ability to get anything he desired. That's most likely where Nicholas acquired the same talent from. By the time our tea was over, which we enjoyed from sterling silver cups, she had persuaded me to assist her with a charity event she was throwing in a month.

We never got too intimate in our talk. When I attempted to bring up Nicholas and his father, she immediately shifted the topic. I began to wonder if she preferred to keep things casual or if Nicholas had specifically asked her not to tell me. I figured Clara and I would come to know one another better as time went on. After all, she was my mother-in-law. For now, I knew her as someone I looked up to. She was kind and loved her family to infinity.

"Have you checked the list of guests? Is it Quentin's elite?" The question from Courtney jolted me out of my reverie.

I shook my head. "No. I wouldn't recognise them anyway. I only added two names from my side." I smiled as I bit into my sandwich.

"Well, I appreciate the invitation. Actually, I'm going to attend with Geoffrey." She offered me a timid smile as she slightly bowed her head.

"Really?" She laughed at her. "I anticipated that he would convince you eventually. Are you two together then?"

"I suppose I like him, though I wouldn't say we're an item." She shifted while taking a mouthful of her salad. "He has sent me flowers and chocolates every day since we first met."

"It sounds like he's trying to charm you."

"Yeah. I've made the decision to give it a shot with him. We'll wait and see how that ends."

"I think you guys are compatible. Could we possibly arrange a few double dates in the future?" I teased.

She nodded while smiling. "Yes, that would be nice. Hey, do you know what you're getting Nicholas for his birthday yet?" she asked after a while.

As I threw my napkin on the table, I sighed. His birthday was the following week, and when I asked him what he wanted, he had offered me absolutely no assistance. He said that having me lying naked in his bed suffice as a gift.

Horny old man.

"No. I still have no idea. What do you purchase for the man who already has everything he needs and wants?"

"Give him something that doesn't cost any money... or make something?"

It was simpler said than done. But while I pondered the ideal present I might offer him, her words stayed with me.

.

"Willow, hurry up. We are running late."

I gave myself one final inspection in the mirror before finding my ensemble satisfactory. I didn't need to bother about hair and makeup because Courtney, Lory, and I had been taken care of all day at a spa. However, it took some effort to ensure that my outfit fit me exactly.

"Coming," I called before I walked out to see Nicholas waiting in the bedroom.

When I saw him dressed in his tux, I licked my lips. It was by far the sexiest thing I had ever seen.

"Do you like how your husband looks, Mrs. Rowe?" he asked with a smirk. He walked over to her.

I stared. "Yes, can't say I don't like it. You're incredibly well-groomed."

He chuckled before kissing me on the cheek. "And I must say, you look fantastic. But you usually look amazing, so I can't say anything new." He relaxed and puckered his lips. "But something is missing." He whipped out a black velvet case from behind him.

He caught me raising an eyebrow. "Oh god… so unimaginative," I punned.

He unlocked it slowly. "I know I'm not creative, but I still wanted to give you something special for today."

I stared at the emerald and diamond necklace. I beamed as he put on the necklace. It was stunning and probably cost more than Atkins itself.

I traced the lines of the brilliant diamonds and looked at myself in the mirror. I really looked like a princess.

Our eyes locked on the mirror. "Thank you. This is beautiful."

He gave me a gentle kiss behind my ear. "I can only thank you like this for marrying me."

When we finally left the house, it took us a little longer than intended to get there. Since we were meant to arrive last, I didn't worry too much. Clara assured us that everyone would arrive first so that Jefferson could properly introduce us.

Nicholas' parents met us outside the event location and led us inside. No sooner did we reach them than Clara pulled me into a big hug.

"Willow, you look lovely."

"You do, too."

She looked stunning in her swept-up hair and champagne colors dress. She blushed at my compliment and shook her head. And this was why I loved her even more.

"You and Nicholas will enter with us. Jefferson will then make a brief speech. Following the presentation, drinks will be served when you can meet other attendees. Dinner will then be provided. Following dinner, there will be dancing and more conversations."

I nodded in understanding, and Nicholas continued to hold me tightly while chuckling.

"Have Courtney and Lory arrived?" I hoped to see some familiar faces among the sea of unknown people watching me like an animal in the zoo.

Clara nodded. "They arrived a while ago. Both of your friends are lovely. I had them seated at your table so that you feel comfortable."

Her thoughtfulness made me laugh but it didn't seem appropriate given the occasion.

"Thank you." I looked at Nicholas. "I am ready to go in if you are."

I only said so because I needed to. There was nowhere else for me to go.

I was astounded by the large number of people and the opulent setting of the room we entered. Nicholas and I followed the older couple to the front of the room. The room was full of round tables and exceptionally set tables. Place cards and nicely wrapped presents were at each table. Servers were moving around with hors d'oeuvres on glistening silver trays. There was an eight-piece orchestra set up in the area, and there were ice sculptures on the surrounding tables.

I wasn't even going to ask Clara how much it cost to make this party happen.

Jefferson took a microphone and cleared his throat, making everything go quiet. As people turned to look in our direction, I felt a blush crawl up my cheeks. Thank god Nicholas held me tightly, keeping me grounded. I saw Lory and Courtney towards the front, smiling at me in encouragement and I waved at them briefly.

"We appreciate everyone's attendance as we celebrate the union of our son Nicholas and his wife, Willow. Clara and I are thrilled to introduce Willow to you, our cherished friends and family. Please congratulate Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas Rowe."

As the crowd clapped in support of us, I reddened even more. Nicholas took a flute of champagne and handed it to me as Clara began her introductions.

I spoke to close to fifty people on my round of the room. Not once did Nicholas move away from me. He made my work much easier by maintaining a steady stream of conversation with the guests. Additionally, he continued enquiring how I was feeling every few minutes.

It was clear how much he cared since he was constantly taking care of me, ignoring important people to do so, and making sure I was okay.

Amidst the chaos, I realized one thing.

I loved him.

I loved him with all my heart.

Every time I looked at his self-assured presence, I felt a bolt of lightning hit me.

How did I manage to be so lucky?

I pondered Courtney's suggestions for a birthday gift and questioned whether I already held the ideal present in my hands.

I could confess my love to him.

When his arm pushed me to his side and he spat a hello at the next guest in front of us, that moment was interrupted.

"Rosemary."