Costly Decisions (Book 2 of The Costly Decisions series}

PREFACE

DeMarcus opened the door and extended his left forearm for Victoria to use as leverage, as she exited the stretch, luxury limo. Wrapping her arm around his, he escorted her into Sammy's restaurant. The restaurant was extremely quiet; this was unusual for the normal, busy and full of life atmosphere.

"DeMarcus, I think the restaurant is closed. It's okay, though. We can ride down the block to Johnny's Reef." Victoria rubbed his arm in reassurance as she looked upward into his eyes. The innocence behind the gesture only reflected one of the many reasons why he was so madly in love with the woman standing before him. Victoria was all the woman he needed, and he was determined to show her tonight just how much he needed her in his life.

"The restaurant isn't closed, babe. Just follow my lead." Her gaze never broke from his, but he could see the unasked questions lingering.

"Do you trust me, Victoria?" He turned to face her.

"Yes, I do. But," She started to answer but was silenced with the tip of his index finger.

"There are no buts if you trust me. Now, do you trust me, Victoria?" She nodded her head in agreement.

He grabbed hold of her hand and walked toward the kitchen of the restaurant. He could feel the resistance in her arm when he pulled her towards the swinging doors. He glanced back at her and without the need for verbal confirmation, she followed his lead. He guided her through the dark kitchen towards the rear.

The closer they got to the stove area, the shadow of a low flickering light bounced off the walls.

When they rounded the corner, Victoria was taken back by the surprise of a single, candlelit table set for two.

In a long, slender vase, sat a white long stemmed rose.

"You remembered" Victoria smiled as she lifted the rose to her nose.

"I will never forget. They're almost as unforgettable as you" he responded, as he pulled her chair and helped her sit.

"What is all of this, DeMarcus?"

"I promise that all of your questions shall be answered by the end of the night." He pulled out his chair, took a seat and pulled a bell out of his jacket.

On cue, a slightly tall yet muscular waiter appeared.

"May I have a chilled bottle of Cristal, on ice? Thank you," Vincent ordered.

The waiter walked away just as quietly as he'd come.

A few moments later, he reappeared with a metal bucket filled with ice and the bottle of champagne resting in the middle. DeMarcus poured her glass, then his.

Lifting his glass, he made a toast "Here's to a long-lasting friendship." They tapped their glasses.

The couple drank and nibbled on a basket of fresh breadsticks that was placed on their table. When the basket emptied, DeMarcus picked up the bell and rang it twice. Once again, the waiter appeared.

This time, he carried a roundish tray with two plates on top of it. Sitting Victoria's plate down first, Victoria grinned widely.

On her plate, was her all-time favorite dish; grilled chicken breast served over linguine noodles topped with Alfredo sauce and chopped tomato.

"Seriously, what's this about DeMarcus? First, you rented us a limo. Then, you paid god knows what to have this restaurant to ourselves. You picked up white roses and now my favorite food and choice of drink. What are you up to, Mr. Howerton?"

"Shh. We'll have all the time to talk, after dinner. For now, let's eat."

As she twirled her fork in her noodles, lost in thought; DeMarcus knew it was now or never. He pulled a stack of rolled up papers from his vest and waved to the waiter. The waiter sent in the violinist, and the musician began to play "Forever My Lady" on his violin. Victoria looked up from her plate with tears in her eyes. "Forever My Lady" was the song they had their first dance as husband and wife.

Looking in DeMarcus' direction, she saw small tear droplets falling from his eyes. Before she could speak, he spoke.

"Victoria, you are the only woman that I've ever been in love with, and you're the only woman that I've ever really known. I know that I haven't always been the best husband. Between the long hours in the office, the business trips, and extra martial affairs; I was never home. I am so sorry for neglecting your needs and your wants." As he picked the papers off of his lap, his hands trembled.

"Here, I have the divorce papers you had drawn up." He slid the papers toward her.

"Tonight was about showing you, that you are number one in my life. I promise that I will make every night feel like tonight if you just give me a chance. If you say no, then I'll set you free. I will sign my signature, right here and now. But, if you say that you'll stay and make us work, then this is yours." He slid a black velvet box across the table; she opened it. In it, was her original wedding ring and band...