Book 2: What Happens Here - Chicago (What Happens Here Series)

Chapter 55 - Ethan

The flight to New York with Jasmine's parents that following Saturday morning had been nice. Much like their daughter had done since arriving in Chicago, her parent's had been hesitant to allow Ethan to pay for their tickets to NYC, but after a little convincing, Ethan had paid for them to fly first class with him and Jasmine. During the course of the flight, seeing the two women laughing and smiling together had made Ethan smile as well because it was obvious that Jasmine and her mother were very close. And just like his relationship with his own parent's, Jasmine's bond with her parents appeared to be just as strong.

During the flight, he had a moment to speak with Nate about his plans to propose to Jasmine, and he'd invited both he and Bernadette to extend their trip a few extra days for the proposal. Nate had smiled as he'd said, "Bernie and I were speaking last night about things, and if you'd like a suggestion, I think having Ray's brother, Chris, involved would be a great idea as well." Smiling, Ethan said, "Jasmine would love that. She misses him a lot, and I know that having him be a part of it would mean a lot to her. That's a great idea Nate." Returning the smile, Nate glanced over at his wife and daughter before returning his brown gaze back to Ethan as he said, "Do you have an idea of how you're going to do it?" Nodding, Ethan glanced over at Jasmine and smiled as he watched her laughing at something that she and her mom were discussing as he said, "Yes...I know exactly how I'm going to do it, and I just pray that she says yes." Chuckling, Nate said, "Well, that is the most important part...right?" Chuckling as well, Ethan said, "Without a doubt." And for the remainder of the flight, Ethan quietly shared his plan of how he planned to propose to Jasmine, with his soon to be father-in-law.

Once they'd landed, and had checked into their suites at the hotel, Jasmine had made sure that her parents were set before she and Ethan headed to the auction house to check on his mom. She and Caden had flown into NYC the day before, and with the auction starting in 6 hours, Ethan wanted to make sure that his mom didn't need any additional help. Although he had not been surprised when Jasmine had not mentioned accompanying him, it still meant a great deal to Ethan that he hadn't had to ask. It was almost as if her being by his side were a "given." Smiling over at her as they sat in the Cadillac Escalade that he'd rented for them for the weekend, he lifted her hand to his lips and placed a kiss to the inside of her palm, as he said, "Thank you for being here Jasmine. It means a lot to me that you're here." Laying her head back against the headrest, Jasmine smiled at him as she said, "Where else would I be?"

Leaning over, Ethan placed a kiss to her lips, which had her smiling as she broke the kiss and looked up at him. "What was that for?" Smiling, Ethan said, "Just because." Jasmine's eyes softened as she laced their fingers, before she snuggled against his side, and placed her head on his shoulder. Ethan placed a kiss to Jasmine's forehead before he closed his eyes and rested his head atop hers.

Twenty minutes later, they were arriving at the auction house, and once the driver had opened the door for them, Ethan and Jasmine exited the car and headed inside. As they walked inside of the large auction house, Ethan smiled down at Jasmine as she stared wide eyed at the colorful mural at the entrance, and with awe in her voice, Jasmine murmured, "Ethan.... wow...this is incredible." Ethan's chuckle was low when he leaned down and whispered, "Yeah...I know, and the actual auction itself is incredible too." Smiling, Jasmine said, "I can't wait. I'm excited to see it all."

Recognizing the head of security for the auction house, Ethan gripped Jasmine's hand as he said, "Come on. I have someone I want you to meet." As they made their way towards the older African American man that was dressed in a dark suit, and wearing an earpiece common to security staff, Ethan watched as he turned from speaking to a guest, and at seeing Ethan and Jasmine's approach, a huge smile spread across his face as he said, "Ethan! How have you been?" But before Ethan could respond, he glanced down at Ethan and Jasmine's joined hands and his friendly smile grew wider as he said, "And who is this beautiful young woman?"