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

Chapter 59 - Ethan

As he and Jasmine headed to grab ice cream, Ethan shot off a quick group text to Caden and Carmen to let them know that they'd arrive at the carousel in an hour. The ice cream stop had been planned in advance and would give the team of people that they'd hired time to finalize Ethan's plan.

Carmen was responsible for the technological part of his plan which would ensure that everyone was able to see the events taking place at the carousel. Jasmine's mom had been responsible for ensuring that Jasmine's friends, and family were a part of his plan as well. Her brother, Chris, and his wife Brianna were in Germany, and while they weren't able to be physically present as Ethan had hoped, he and his wife would be able to view the events via video, along with the rest of their family and friends. Although it was extremely early in Germany, close to 5am, when Ethan had spoken to Jasmine's brother Chris the day before, he'd said, "Ethan, I wouldn't miss this for anything in the world. You make my sister happy, and if dad approves of you...then so do I." Receiving the blessing from the two most important men in Jasmine's life filled Ethan with an immense sense of relief, because prior to Jasmine's parents' arrival several days ago, he'd worried about whether her parents would approve of their relationship. But after finally meeting Nathan and Bernadette Ellis, the stress and worry that he'd initially felt completely disappeared.

As he and Jasmine sat and enjoyed their ice cream, Ethan had checked his cell. Once he'd gotten the text from Caden that he'd been waiting for, which let him know that everything was all set, he'd smiled and said, "You ready to head out?" Ethan chuckled when Jasmine scooped the last spoonful of the honeycomb ice cream that she'd fallen in love with, into her mouth. Watching the way that Jasmine was licking and sucking the remnants of ice cream from the spoon, had Ethan groaning as flashbacks of the way that she'd performed the same actions on him that morning, flashed through his mind. Shifting in his seat, Ethan subtly repositioned the stiff erection that was pressing against his thigh, and in a low voice, he said, "Um...baby...you really need to stop doing that." Pausing in her actions, Jasmine simply smiled before she'd slid the spoon back into her mouth, never breaking eye contact with him as she slowly pulled it out, allowing it to sit momentarily on her full bottom lip, before repeating the action once more. Groaning once again, he'd said, "You are so going to pay for that later." Licking her lips, Jasmine gave him an impish smile as she said, "Promises, promises."

Now, as they sat in the backseat of the Escalade rental, Ethan smiled as he watched the way that Jasmine's eyes scanned the scenes passing by as they drove through the streets of New York City. Having Jasmine with him was truly incredible, and when she snuggled against his side, and laid her head on his shoulder, Ethan placed a kiss to the top of her head. Once they'd finished eating their ice cream, Ethan had sent his siblings a text message to let them know that they were leaving the ice cream parlor and were heading to Brooklyn.

Finally arriving at their destination, Ethan felt a sudden bout of nerves that he hadn't felt until that moment. What the hell? Ethan was nervous, and for a moment doubts of whether Jasmine would accept his proposal filled him. His heart rate sped up, and he closed his eyes as he made an attempt to slow his racing heart. When their driver had exited the SUV, and opened the door for them, Ethan gave him an appreciative nod as he climbed out and turned as he extended his hand to help Jasmine out. As she stepped out if the vehicle Ethan smiled as he watched the way she glanced around the area with a smile on her face. Glancing around himself, he could understand her look of wonder, because the views and lights of the Brooklyn bridge in the distance was truly breathtaking. Ethan had seen the bridge many times in the past, but in that moment, it felt as if he were seeing it for the first time. But that's the way Jasmine made him feel...as if he were seeing the world for the first time. Things he'd taken for granted seemed to be brand new to him when he was with her.