Page 15 of Lessons In Love
“Wherever you are,” I say, looking toward our future with a happy and full heart.
EPILOGUE
LACHLAN
Two years later
Imade it one full day before proposing to Delaney. Emotions and connection came flooding back as soon as we were together, almost making it feel as if the time apart had never happened. I took her out on our first date as adults, strolling along the beach under a moonlit Miami sky. It felt so natural to be there with her, and I couldn't hold back any longer. When I dropped to one knee and she said yes with tearstained eyes, it was the perfect moment.
We were married the following weekend and spent the first month bouncing between each other’s apartments, but we never really felt settled. After a wine-fueled discussion over takeout one night, we decided to find a place that was justours. We started looking, disappointed each time the listing didn’t feel right. A few months later, we found a charming condo near the bay that needed Delaney’s magical touch to make it our home.
She took the opportunity to turn our condo into her masterpiece, breathing fresh life into the walls. She quit her job soon after we got married to focus on our home and open her own design firm. She started small, choosing clients she was excited to work with instead of accepting every opportunity that presented itself just for a paycheck.
Her talent is undeniable, and our shared passion for work has brought us even closer together. I endeavor to find ways to support and foster her creativity, and together we’ve forged a thriving partnership.
She was recently offered the chance of a lifetime to spearhead the redesign of the Cosmos Hotel. Her trendy designs caught the attention of Haute Décor Magazine. They’re here today doing an interview with her, and I’m standing back, watching her shine like the star she was born to be.
The photographer has been giving her directions for a few minutes, and I make a mental note to ask her to forward copies to me so I can print them and hang them in the condo and at the firm office. My favorite—and it’s hard to pick a favorite—is Delaney leaning against black double doors with gold studs. It’s framed perfectly to showcase the newly redesigned lobby, but nobody will care with Delaney stealing the spotlight.
Between shots, Delaney has been interviewed about her process, inspiration, and experience. Maria has been kind, asking questions in a way that puts Delaney at ease. As I’m watching the photographer give my wife some directions, Maria comes to stand beside me, observing everything with keen eyes.
“It would be fabulous if you could join us for a few questions,” she says, turning her friendly smile my way. Somehow it feels more like a command than a suggestion, but her friendly air makes me want to comply.
“My pleasure,” I say, grinning. I move toward Delaney as the photographer wraps the shoot. It’s been too long since I held her.
She spots me moving toward her and runs at me, leaping into my arms from several feet away, knowing I’d never let her fall. She kisses me, exhilaration running through her, shining in her bright eyes.
I carry her to the table where snacks and drinks are laid out, bending down low enough for her to snag us each a bottle of water. I hear the camera shutter as I stand, content holding her, until we’re called over to the interview area—the vibrantly tufted, lip-shaped sofa is surprisingly comfortable. Maria sits across from us in an ivory chair.
Maria looks into the camera with a blinding smile before turning it on us. “I’m here with the design team that brought a chic, sexy spin to the classic art deco motif of the Cosmos Hotel. Delaney and Lachlan Romero just celebrated their second wedding anniversary in September.” She smiles again, and I feel a wave of happiness spread through me. “So tell me, how do you both balance marriage and working together?”
Delaney squeezes my thigh gently.
“Well, Maria, seeing Laney’s passion and designs inspired me. I couldn’t help but convince her to marry me so I could share her love for art, architecture, and design.”
Maria giggles, placing her hand over her heart.
“We make a pretty good team,” Delaney adds, smiling sweetly into the camera.
“I can see that,” Maria says kindly. “How, exactly, did the two of you become a team? Surely it wasn’t all roses?”
“He was my high school sweetheart,” Delaney answers immediately. “It took us some time to find each other again, but we reconnected at our ten year reunion, and we’ve never been apart since.”
Maria has moved to the edge of her seat, engrossed in Delaney’s tale.
I place my hand over hers on my thigh, giving it three tender squeezes before weaving our fingers together.
“Well, I for one, look forward to seeing the two of you put your mark on the Miami art scene. We’ll be watching!” Maria concludes the interview, standing and offering her hand to each of us.
My eyes widen when Delaney leans forward, whispering something into Maria’s ear.
She nods enthusiastically and reclaims her seat, gesturing for us to do the same.
“Delaney,” she starts. “One more question. You mentioned earlier that you make a pretty good team. Would you care to elaborate?”
I look over at my wife, watching her closely. She’s chewing on her bottom lip, an adorable habit she has when she’s nervous. I quirk an eyebrow, waiting for her to answer.
“Well, Maria, we make a great team. But in a few months, we’re going to be welcoming a new team member.”
