LENKA
ONE YEAR LATER
I can’t believe how much my life has changed in such a short span of time. Mom’s come out of rehab a different woman. We never moved back in with her. I found it too hard to let bygones be bygones.
As for work, it’s been more difficult than I thought it would be gaining respect. Once everyone found out that I was Danny’s girlfriend, they felt that's the only reason I got the job, which wasn't exactly a lie. It used to get to me, but then I realized that I don't need their approval. I'm going to stay in the job because of my hard work and determination, not just because I’m Danny’s girlfriend.
I started going to college to improve myself. I love the way that Danny respects my decision to study and work.
Scott and I moved from our one bedroom apartment into a two bedroom apartment in a better neighborhood. That seems to have pleased Danny, and we don't argue about my living accommodations anymore.
“What are you thinking about in that pretty head of yours?” Danny growls as he pulls me back to bed.
“That I should be getting to work.”
He smirks. “That you should be staying in bed with me.”
I shake my head. “No, I need to get to work.”
“On a Saturday?” Danny says teasingly.
“I have stuff to take care of at the office.” I smile, thinking of how he used to say the same thing to me.
“I know. I just want to enjoy you in bed.”
I laugh. “You enjoy me in bed, in your office and..”
“I get the message.” He stretches across the bed like a cat to pull me in, but I’m too fast for him. For as much as he's trying to tempt me, I can't get distracted.
I don't really want to go into the office, but Adele said it's important. I was supposed to spend the weekend in bed with Danny. That was our plan. Just him and me.
Scott’s been spending more time with Mom. He stays with her on the weekends and comes home on Monday. I feel bad that I'm rarely home during the week.
“You okay?” Danny asks.
I shake my thoughts of being a bad sister away. “Yeah, I'm fine.”
We dress in silence, and I sense that there’s something on Danny's mind.
“So, what’s up?” I ask him in the elevator since his silence is killing me.
“If you're going to work, then I might as well, too.” He takes my hand and kisses it gently. “What time do you think you’ll be finished?”
“Maybe three hours or so.”
He nods.
As we sit in the limo, it’s the same routine. Danny gets on his laptop and starts pouring through emails. I just look out the window wondering why Adele called me in. I hated the idea of asking because she made it sound so urgent.
Henry lets us out in front of the building, and Danny and I walk inside holding hands.
"Ladies first." Danny gestures to the elevator as it opens.
I step inside, and we ride it up to our floor. He's acting strange today, and I can't figure out why. When the elevator door opens, I notice that it's eerily silent. There doesn't seem to be anyone else around.
“That’s weird, I’m sure that Adele said at least by ten everyone should be here,” I mumble, more to myself than to him.
I carry on walking like a child that’s lost in a department store, unsure where to go next. Do I go left? Do I call? What the hell do I do?
That’s when I turn around, about to ask Danny if this was all part of some plan he made up, and he’s on one knee with a box in his hand.
“Will you, Lenka Antonovich, be my lawfully married wife?”
I walk up to him, thinking that he’s given me so much. I know that he loves me. I know that he wants to be with me for now. But forever?
“Danny, are you sure?” My eyes glisten.
“I can’t think of anyone that I’d rather spend the rest of my life with.” His words are soft as he says, “Ever since I hired you, I’ve turned into a changed man, one that I can’t recognize at times. But I do know one thing. I want you, and I hope that you feel the same way about me?”
I hold his hand and smile. “Yes, I’ll be your wife.”
That’s when everyone comes out of their hiding places. Mom, Scott, Adele and their parents. The whole of my team’s here, and so is Bryony. The people that I want in my life and have helped me grow start to congratulate me as Danny wraps me in his arms. I hold onto him so tightly. I love him, not only for now but for always, and I can’t believe that he’s mine.