Love in Jeopardy

Chapter 8

Taryn was ready when Gideon picked her up on Saturday morning. She wore leggings with a long sweater so she would be comfortable for the drive. She carefully packed her gown in a garment bag. Taryn didn't know much about makeup, but she was going to try to recreate her look from the gallery show. She had put her hair in curlers the night before, so she hoped the curls would last until that evening.

Gideon was jovial and lighthearted for the drive. They joked around and made light conversation for most of the drive. Taryn was happy to have Gideon all to herself because his cell phone was turned off so he could concentrate on driving.

They stopped for lunch just before they got to their hotel in downtown Vancouver. They were staying at the Four Seasons Hotel.

Taryn felt overwhelmed when they walked into the lobby.

"Oh, Gideon, this is nice," she said, holding his hand.

"Just wait until you see your room," Gideon answered.

They each had their own room on the fifth floor. Taryn was surprised by how luxurious her room was. There was a huge shower in the bathroom and the view outside was incredible.

"If you need me, just knock on the connecting door," Gideon said lightly. "Otherwise, I'll pick you up from the front door at 4:30. Okay?"

"Okay," she replied, hugging him.

"I'll see you in three hours," he said. "We're going for an early dinner before the opera."

After Gideon left her alone, Taryn plopped down on the comfortable bed and sighed happily. She didn't think she would need three hours to get ready, so she decided to watch t.v. for a while. She watched a romantic movie while she painted her toenails and fingernails. She tried to put her hair up in the same hairstyle she'd worn before, but it was hard. She was glad she had brought lots of bobby pins to hold her hair in place. She managed to leave a few curls hanging down. She had to re-do her makeup twice before she got close to the same look she'd had before. She wished could have gone to a salon somewhere, but she would have to make do with her own handiwork.

By the time she put on her gown, Taryn was a bundle of nerves. She couldn't tell if she looked as pretty as she had before. She still felt like a princess, even though she hadn't been to a salon for any pampering.

Taryn's heart started to pound when she heard Gideon knock at the door.

Walking nervously in her heels, Taryn answered the door and almost swooned.

Gideon was dressed in a formal tuxedo. Not only that, but his vest matched the colour of her dress. So did his pocket kerchief.

"Hello, gorgeous. Are you ready?" he asked, his blue eyes flashing.

"Oh, Gideon, you look fantastic!" she gushed, holding onto the door for support.

"Why, thank you, my dear. So do you."

He offered her his arm as she grabbed her clutch purse and shut the door behind her.

"I almost bought you a corsage," Gideon said as they walked down the hallway, "but I didn't want to bring anything scented into the theater."

"I understand," she replied, feeling touched that he had even thought of it.

There was no one else in the elevator when they got on. Gideon stole a kiss while they traveled down to the lobby.

"I'm sorry," he said, his arms wrapped around her. "I couldn't help myself. You look so beautiful."

Blushing, she looked into his eyes and said, "I feel like a princess already."