Chapter 42

 

Alex walks along Bond Street, a spring in his step, a light in his eyes. He carries in his hand a small plum colored gift bag with the name Asprey written across it in gold. Inside the bag is a little purple box with a purple ribbon tied around it. Inside the box is Katherine’s engagement ring.

They had been back in London for two weeks now, and Alex didn’t want to wait any longer. He knew Katherine was The One. He’d known all along, and their time together in Georgia only confirmed his feelings for her.

Upon returning home, Katherine had moved in with him. The idea of Katherine returning to her flat, especially after what had happened there, was out of the question for both of them.

He couldn’t wait to propose. The grand opening celebration of the London Cosmopolitan Hotel was to take place Friday night, in two days. Alex and Katherine would make their first public appearance together. Afterwards, he would whisk her away to the English countryside, back to his country home. And there he would propose to Katherine.

 

 

“Alex! Alex, over here!” the photographer screamed.

“Alex, turn left!!” another one shouted.

“Alex, who’s the beautiful blonde?!” still another paparazzi called out.

The photographers snapped away, capturing me and Alex, together, on the red carpet. It was our first public appearance together, and I felt like a deer caught in the headlights. And probably looked it, too. We continue to walk the red carpet, the flashing lights nearly blinding me.

Just smile, I thought.

“You look beautiful,” Alex murmurs in my ear.

It was the grand opening celebration of the London Cosmopolitan Hotel, and I couldn’t have been more excited. And proud.

Alex looked so handsome in his tuxedo. I decided on a simple, yet elegant, floor length black velvet gown, diamond studs, and strappy black heels.

Alex gives me his arm, and we enter the hotel. It is breathtaking. Absolutely stunning. In the front lobby, an enormous bouquet of white roses and pink lilies is displayed as the centerpiece. Beyond that is the check-in counter, tastefully built with rich mahogany wood. Overhead, a crystal chandelier hangs, its lights twinkling around the lobby. Cream colored candles held in glass votives are scattered throughout, casting a warm glow.

I turn to Alex, who is taking it all in, his discerning eye examining each aspect of the front lobby.

“It’s gorgeous, Alex. It really is,” I say, squeezing his arm.

“Yes, it turned out well,” he says, nodding. “I’m pleased.”

We walk outdoors to the hotel pool, the pale blue water lit up with underwater lights. There’s a band playing, with a sultry lounge singer singing in the background. A waiter comes by with two flutes of champagne.

“To the London Cosmo,” Alex says, as we clink glasses.

I take a sip of the champagne, the delicious bubbles tickling my tongue.

“I couldn’t have done this project without you,” Alex says. “I want you to know that.”

“Thank you, Alex. That means a lot to me. And I’ll always be grateful for being a part of this hotel.”

Alex smiles, a playful look in his eyes, and says, “You can show me how grateful you are later.” He winks at me, and we both laugh.

Alex leans closer, and says, “Time to mingle.”

“Of course. I’m just going to go to the ladies room. I’ll catch up with you in a bit.” I kiss him lightly on the cheek, smiling.

As I walk to restroom, Sandra comes up to me. “Can we talk?” she asks, tentatively.

I give her a warm smile, and say, “Yes, of course. Let’s go over here.” We walk over to a quiet spot, away from the crowd.

“Katherine, I just want to say I’m sorry. I really am. I didn’t mean to interfere, I just – ”

“No, I’m sorry,” I interrupt. “I shouldn’t have gotten so upset. Whatever happened between you and Alex is in the past. I know you were just concerned.”

A wave of relief washes over her face. “Thank you, Katherine. And I want you to know that I’m so happy for you and Alex. You both deserve all the happiness in the world.”

“Thank you. You are too sweet,” I say. Sandra starts to tear up. She blinks rapidly, trying to keep the tears from spilling over.

“Don’t cry! You’ll make me cry, too!” I laugh, hugging her tightly.

The rest of the evening goes by smoothly. I drink more champagne, laugh with Sandra and her husband, and slow dance with Alex.

At the end of the night, Alex and I walk home, strolling along the banks of the Thames River. The moon is full and high, casting its silver glow on the river. We stroll along, hand in hand. I take a deep breath of the damp night air, exhale, and feel as though I don’t have a care in the world.

“Are you happy?” Alex asks, wrapping his arm around my waist as we walk.

“Happy? No. I’m deliriously, blissfully, joyfully happy,” I say, laughing, throwing my head back. “And what about you? Are you happy?”

“Hmm…….no. I’m deliriously, blissfully, joyfully happy,” he responds. “And in love with you.”

“Me, too,” I say softly, turning to face him.

“If I recall, Miss Harris,” he says teasingly, his eyes sparkling, “didn’t you say were going to show me just how grateful you are to be part of the London Cosmo?”

I narrow my eyes, trying hard not to grin. “Did I say that?”

“Yes, you did,” Alex growls, bending down to kiss me. Our lips lock, kissing each other deeply.

We eventually arrive home. Alex pushes the button to the private elevator which quickly carries us up to the penthouse.

I spend the rest of the night showing Alex just how grateful I am.

* * *

“I’ve missed you,” I say, my voice low and soft. I stand completely still, staring, unable to tear my gaze away.

“I’m right here, darling,” Alex says, glancing at me, puzzled, while picking up our bags.

“Oh no, not you, honey. The car. I’ve missed the car,” I reply in mock exasperation, waving my hand dismissively. My eyes return to the vintage Porsche, gazing at it lovingly.

Alex laughs out loud. “Oh, so now I have to compete with a car?” he says, feigning hurt.

“Aww……Mr. London is jealous,” I say, teasing him. I walk over to Alex, wrapping my arms around his waist. He drops our bags, leaning in for a kiss.

We’re leaving London today, sticking to our plan of an extended holiday at Alex’s countryside home. We decided a couple of months would be the right amount of time away.

“We better leave now before traffic gets too heavy,” he says.

“Okay,” I grin, slipping on my sunglasses.

I hop into the passenger side of the Porsche and before I know it we’re outside of London, speeding along the A40.

 

 

By the time we arrive, it’s well into the afternoon. The house is just as picturesque as I remember, even more so. The rolling green pastures seem greener, the clear blue sky even bluer.

We unpack, and afterwards eat a late lunch. “Let’s go for a walk,” Alex says, extending his hand.

“I’d love to,” I reply. The sun is just beginning to set, and there’s a slight chill in the country air. I reach for the white cashmere scarf, wrap it around my shoulders.

Alex smiles, running his hands down my shoulders. “You look beautiful in that scarf,” he says.

We walk around the back of the house, the green pastures in full view. We stroll along, hand in hand. The sky is ablaze with shades of orange and pink. A soft breeze blows.

“It’s so peaceful here,” I comment.

Alex stops and looks out across the land, still holding my hand. We stand in silence for a few moments, taking in the natural beauty of the area.

“Yes, it is peaceful here,” Alex says, breaking the silence. He turns to face me, his eyes gazing down at me. “You’ve given me peace, Katherine.”

I don’t say anything, just look into his handsome face, giving him a soft smile. Suddenly, I feel a lump in my throat.

“And a new life, a second chance at happiness,” he continues. “I couldn’t imagine life without you.” Alex reaches into his jacket pocket and produces a black velvet box. He drops down onto the green grass, on bended knee, opening the little box to reveal a sparkling diamond ring.

“Katherine, will you marry me?”

I begin to shake, my emotions overwhelming me. I reach out for Alex, bending down to embrace him, the tears spilling over.

“Yes,” I say, nodding my head, my voice cracking. “Yes, baby, of course I’ll marry you!”

Alex gently holds my hand, sliding the beautiful diamond ring onto my finger. “I love you,” he murmurs, wrapping his arms around me tightly.

“I love you, too, Alex.”

We hold onto one another, our arms wound tightly around each other, and watch as the sun dips below the horizon. And I realize that wherever life takes us, I’ll always have Alex. My Mr. London.