I was still floating when I park the SUV at the Bridge House restaurant. I want Ben to experience everything I love about this city. I could see us living here, together.
The hostess sat us at our table and when our waiter comes to take our orders, Ben tells me to order for him, and I almost fall out of my chair. This was new for him - giving me control.
"We'll take two fish and chips, and two pale ales." I smile, adding that we want two polar bears for dessert when our meal is done.
The fish and chips are beer battered Halibut and they are to die for. The pale ale is brewed right here in British Columbia, and the polar bears are peppermint schnapps, hot chocolate, and whipped cream. Heaven in a cup!
We have just finished dinner when Amy calls me for the first time, I let it go to voicemail because I already know why she's calling. Amy is still expecting us to show up at her house for Christmas Eve, even though I have told her many times that tonight was just me and Ben. I have big plans for our evening, and I didn't want anything to ruin our first Christmas together.
Leaving the restaurant, he starts heading back to the truck, but I pull his arm towards the opposite direction. He wants answers, but I just grin up at him. While we wait at the crosswalk, he bends down to kiss me.
"Thank you. This place is pretty spectacular and I'm glad you brought me along." Ben says on my lips.
"You are most welcome. Ben, I can't imagine being here without you now. This is what I want. I have been waiting so long for this feeling. You are a blessing."
My phone buzzes in my coat pocket and he chuckles. "That thing has been going off all night, please tell me that's not Mr. Handsome?"
"No. Mr. Handsome is standing in front of me. It's Alex's mom, Amy. This is the first Christmas Eve in five years that I've skipped. Having you here with me...I want to make new memories and new traditions."
His grin covers his face, "but do we need to make an appearance tonight?"
I shake my head, "no. I have a bottle waiting for us and a hot tub calling our name. We will go there tomorrow, and I'm going to apologize already because most of them are stuck up housewives with their noses in everyone's business. Plus, you'll need to dress up because it's formal. But tonight, is our night."
He picks me up and carries me across the street when we can cross. "Good. I don't want to share you tonight."
At the ticket window, he sets me on my feet, and I give the boy my credit card before Ben's wallet is out of his pants. I know this is driving him crazy, me paying for everything, but I asked him to come with me and he is my guest. I want to spend everything on him.
Grabbing his hand, I lock our fingers together and pull him through the gate. The moment we walk into the park, my face lights up with excitement. All the trees are drowning in Christmas lights, and hidden speakers are playing music. I point out the huge suspension bridge that is covered in white and blue lights.
"We are crossing that." I tell him.
"No. Ally! I'm terrified of heights." He says shaking his head with fear.
I stand on my toes to reach his lips. "Please. I promise you don't want to miss what's on the other side of the bridge. Please Ben." I beg him.
"Do they serve booze? I need something to stop the shakes." He looks at me.
Nodding, I pull him towards the hot chocolate stand and ask for a double Bailey's shot for Ben's drink. He wraps his arms around my shoulders while we drink our hot chocolate and listen to the live band sing carols. When it's time for us to cross the bridge, he wants to run, but an elderly couple is in front of us.
YOU ARE READING
Heartlines
Romance*** Complete Story *** Allyson Sicard was in her final year at Harvard and while her roommates were trying to get their Ivy League boyfriends to propose, Ally was trying to figure out which law school she wanted to graduate from. Columbia had always...
