A New York Secret

Chapter Seventy-Seven

Mary was dressed, ready to go, and pacing the small space by the door as she waited for Emily to either call or come get her. "If it takes too much longer, I'm just going to go down there."

"Babe, she should be coming to get us at any time. You're going to stress yourself out," Steve said gently.

Mary sighed and stepped closer to hug Steve around the middle, wanting the security of his arms. "I know, but these last few minutes feel impossible."

He kissed the top of her head while rubbing her back. "She'll be here any minute unless she has Buck come get us."

"I don't know what I would do without you." Mary said softly. "You've given me a life I never could have imagined."

Steve tightened his grip on her slightly as he rested his head on top of hers. "So have you, Mar. So have you." He turned his head towards the door just as someone knocked.

Mary shifted and stole a quick kiss before she stepped back and went to open the door, wondering who it could be.

Emily stood on the other side, holding a couple of sashes in her hand. "Are you ready?"

"Yes!" Mary chuckled. "Why did you knock on your own door though?"

She laughed. "So, I can make it as special as I can."

Mary chuckled and hugged Emily. "You've already done that."

"Well then I'll make it even more special," she said as she hugged her back. When she pulled away, she handed them each a sash. "You both wear one of these, and I'll lead you downstairs. I can't wait until you see how it's decorated."

Mary quickly put the sash on. "We're so excited to finally see what you've been up to." She chuckled.

Emily smiled, watching as Steve put his sash on before she turned and led them to the elevator. "James had the perfect theme idea and we made it a reality." They all quickly got into the waiting elevator and took the short ride downstairs.

"I can't wait to see it. I know it's going to be perfect!" Mary said in an excited squeal.

Steve chuckled as the elevator opened and he wrapped his arm around Mary to follow Emily down the short hall and into the room where the event was being held. As soon as he opened the door, tears welled in his eyes. "Emily..."

Mary gasped and covered her mouth with her hands when she saw the decorations. She walked over for a closer look at a couple of the posters, wondering if the overall style was taken from recruitment posters. "Emily, this is absolutely incredible!"

Emily blushed as she watched Mary and Steve walk around. "This is why I told you both to dress old fashioned. So, you would fit with the theme. I asked everyone else to also."

Mary walked back to Emily and pulled her into a huge hug. "It's better than we ever imagined and can't thank you enough."

"You're welcome Mar," Emily murmured, hugging her friend tight. "Both of you deserve it."

"Steve definitely does." Mary said softly before letting go of Emily. She turned to Steve with a smile. "Babe, do you like it?" She asked, since he hadn't said much.

Steve smiled down at Mary before looking around again. "It reminds me of home. I love it."

Emily grinned. "I'm glad, because I have one more surprise for you."

"Em, this is more than enough." Mary said in shock. "What else could even be left to do?" She chuckled.

"This one is more for Steve," Emily said softly before turning behind her. "James? Are you dressed?"