Page 74 of Surrender

"Yes, Hank," I whisper through happy tears. "Yes, I'll go out with your dad."

I stand and once again he brings me into his arms. I wrap mine around his waist and bury my face in his chest.

"Thank God," he whispers, kissing the top of my head. I shake my head

"You didn't really think I'd say 'no', did you?"

He gives me a lopsided grin when he pulls away, grabbing a leash for Hank. "No, but I wasn't taking any risks."

I nod, wipe the tears off of my cheeks, and then we go for our morning run with Hank and Roscoe.

Chapter forty-six

Serenity

That Friday, there's a knock on my door. I open it to find an older black man and Asian woman, both in their mid-40s.

"Serenity Jones?" The man asks.

"Yes?"

He peers behind me at our tiny apartment, and I get insecure for a moment when the two share a look.

"Mr. Blake sent us to get you ready for your date tonight," the woman says.

I smile and roll my eyes.

I text Declan to confirm that he sent them, only for him to text back,

Declan: Enjoy!

The pair bustle in, finding the place that gets the most natural light in the apartment and dragging a chair over. The man has a massive black roller bag, and the woman hangs a dress bag onto the back of one of the dining room chairs.

They exchange a look that is not very subtle about how surprised they are to be sent to such a small and obviously not expensive apartment, but I simply roll my eyes at their snobbery. Is it shocking to believe that Declan wouldn't date someone because of their lack of wealth? Actually, it may be shocking. He is the most eligible bachelor in DC. He could have his pick of anyone. Handsome, wealthy, successful, and I get a giddy sensation in my stomach that he chose me.

They chat with each other amicably for the next forty-five minutes as he does my hair, and she does my makeup. Is this really necessary to go out? The plan to scold Declan later for this unnecessary extravagance leaves me in a breath the minute they bring a mirror to me and reveal the finished project. I look like a princess. Nothing is over the top or changes my looks so drastically, my eyes just appear slightly brighter and my lips slightly poutier. My hair is stunning and shiny, and after I slip into the dress I want to cry. I've never felt prettier. I never cared overly about how I look, but I look stunning. I look like I belong next to a man like Declan.

I thank them profusely for their time and make sure to tip them before they leave. I don't know how much their time costs, but I hope a $20 tip each isn't insulting.

A few minutes later, I gather my things and walk down the apartment stairs to find Joseph waiting for me.

His smile is blinding as he opens the back door for me, where I find a waiting Declan, looking incredible in a black tux. God, that man looks good in everything. Butterflies swim in my belly as I tuck my dress and slide in next to him.

"Hey baby," he says with a kiss on the cheek. It's strange how he's both known and new. I know Declan like I know my own heart, but I don't know this side of Declan, the charming boyfriend, and it makes my heart swell.

"Hey, handsome," I reply, at once both happy and shy, sliding my hand into his.

I can't believe we almost missed out on this opportunity. If I had let the doubt win, if I had just stayed with the status quo, I never would have seen the sweet, vulnerable side of Declan. I never would have gotten the chance to woo him and let him woo me.

"You know I don't need any of this, right?" I ask him, motioning to my hair and dress. He knows I don't need fancy dresses and dinners, but I feel like I still have to mention it.

He brings my knuckles to his lips and kisses them gently before replying, "I know. But I want to spoil my girlfriend."

I raise an eyebrow. "Girlfriend, eh?"

He ignores me and stares at the road again. "Awfully presumptuous, don't you think? Aren't you supposed to ask?"

His lips twitch up into a half smile, "And give you the chance to say 'no'? Nah, I don't think so."

---