I Choose You

Bonus Story-Part 1

Meeting You

John Michaels's eyes were fixated on the woman across the room. She was among her friends at the event but somehow stood out and he was immediately captivated by her. He could see she was different and recognized her beauty and warmth a mile away. It had been a long time since someone really piqued his interest. Most certainly, this woman was not his usual type. She was african american with the sweetest smile he had ever seen. He came closer just to see the essence of who she was. John was usually the type to have his fun and move on. His relationships did not last long because he did not want any woman to get attached to him. He often wondered what would happen if the tables turned on him and he got attached to someone one day. This gorgeous beauty was drawing him in. He noticed the group of friends was diverse. One included a white blonde woman, John's usual type, a Hispanic woman, and a Japanese woman as well.

"Autumn, I would like you to go out with Samuel," Laura suggested worried about her friend's social life. "I am not going out with Samuel. We have nothing in common. The men at your work are not my type," Autumn explained. Autumn was growing weary of her friend's attempt to desperately set her up. "Let her blossom on her own,"  Katrina advised. "You know she hates blind dates," Katrina continued.

"Thank you," Autumn smiled in support of Katrina who she felt knew her best. They were friends the longest and were very close. "I learned it the hard way," LeeAnn recalled. "LeeAnn, your brother did not want to be with me. He told me to call him when I was ready to experiment with new things," Autumn recalled.

"I am not rushing for a relationship. I am trusting in God for it to happen naturally," Autumn shared. "Okay, but you have to be willing to try," Laura insisted. "Laura, you want me to be free and spontaneous. That is not my style," Autumn explained.

"I am not saying go against your values but live a little," Laura stated. Autumn sighed listening to Laura's words that always pushed all her buttons. "Perhaps, you want me to go out with someone from this charity event," Autumn challenged.

"That would really be stepping outside of your comfort zone," LeeAnn giggled. "You guys this is silly. One day I will be married like you LeAnn, engaged like you Katrina, and getting ready for my wedding like you Laura. But these things take time. I will get there." she smiled trying to get them off the status of her dating life. 

Everyone was quiet and allowed her to vent. "If I am asked out I will be open to it. Happy now," she said giving in. John Michaels stepped forward surprising the four women. His eyes zeroed in on Autumn Collins. "I would love to take you out," he smiled.

What was happening here? Where did he come from? Autumn said staring at the handsome stranger. He was white, tall, well-built, with gorgeous brown eyes and a pleasant smile that revealed dimples. The man was a dream. Immediately, Autumn felt she was out of her league here. She never dated outside her race and she knew nothing about this handsome stranger. 

"I am sorry for eavesdropping. I saw you across the room and wanted to meet you," he said. "My name is John Michaels," he smiled.

"I...............I don't know you and can't.........." Autumn started to say. Her friends scolded her with their eyes as if to say don't you dear try to get out of this. 

"Hello John Michaels," Laura said reaching in to shake his hands. "I am Laura, this is LeAnn and Katrina all best friends of this gorgeous young woman," Laura said. Autumn was all in her head. This could not be happening now in front of her friends who would not let her get out of this. 

John shook everyone's hands. "It's nice to meet you all," he said still looking at her. He was waiting for a yes and her name. John was trying not to show his emotions on his face. But she was absolutely beautiful. The fact that she was reserved, and quiet made him want to pursue her even more. "I'm Autumn," she managed to say avoiding his eyes. 

"I hope I was not too bold or presumptuous asking you are this date. I just wanted to get to know you," he said sincerely. Autumn hated this. If she said no, her friend's assumption of her would be correct. And there were her words that she would be willing to go on a date.  

"I will go out with you," Autumn finally said. John gave a huge smile and asked for her number to call her. When he was gone her friends screamed and clapped their hands. "Shhh before we get put out of this event," Autumn warned them.

Autumn watched John as he interacted with others. "Now that was spontaneous," Laura giggled. "He is fine," Katrina said. "He was watching our friend the entire time," LeAnn smiled.

"I hope I don't regret this date.  I don't know why he would be interested in me," Autumn spoke out loud.

"Stop selling yourself so short. You are amazing! That man saw beauty. Give him some credit for admiring someone beyond looking at superficial things, "Katrina beamed.

"Coming to this charity event was worth it," LeAnn said enthusiastically. 

"The man of the hour," Laura said as John Michaels took the stage. "Thank you all for coming to this charity event and lending your support to Cancer research. My brother died of this disease leading us at the  Michaels Foundation not only to sell real estate but contribute to the community. As one of the lead accountants, we invite you to contribute to such a worthy cause," he explained. 

Autumn felt as if the entire time John was staring at her giving details of who he was. Lord, what did I get myself into?" she thought.