Sam left about an hour ago, and now I'm all alone with my thoughts. Music on, I'm slowly regaled by Fantasia Barrino, When I see you. Old is gold. It's a call from Liam that pulls me back to planet Earth. A smile stretches on my face when I pick it up.

"Hey." I walk toward the bedroom, casting a glance on my wrist watch.

"Forget me so soon, Ms. Jones?" Liam teases, and it so happens that we haven't talked since I left his hotel room.

"It will take a lot more than that for me to forget you." I flatter him, and his laugh is my reward. "Are you still cheating on me?"

He laughs again. "No, I'm done. She was nothing in comparison to you."

"You're crazy."

Damn, it's already past five o'clock.

"I'm thinking of coming for you right now," Liam informs.

"I'm very flattered, Mr. Darcy, but I'm afraid I've got something planned for us. Remember that dinner date I promised you?" I ask, and he takes two seconds to recollect.

"Oh, that one?" He sounds elated. "I clearly remember anticipating for my first time. So, is it happening?"

"Yes, it's happening." I grin, widening my closet door to see if there's any outfit worth my date with him this evening. "I'm going to get ready, and I'll pick you up in two hours."

"That long?"

"Come on, Liam. Just two hours, and no second more."

"Okay, I will try to be patient," he says after a dramatic sigh.

We hang up after a few teasing lines and laughter.

"I lay my head on my pillow, you got me staring out the window, wish on a star for a sign, what's the reason why . . ." I sing along at the top of my lungs, joy evident in my voice.

At last, after a long moment of plucking and tossing, I manage to get the perfect dress to fit my current disposition. After a shower I do a fine makeover of my face for a change, mascara and smoky eye included—which is hardly the case.

Special thanks to YouTube tutorials.

With the silver earrings and its bracelet, I look at myself in the mirror and it's this terrific woman that I see. I'm totally satisfied, and my confidence is at maximum. Perks of being happily in love, I guess? Now I know how it truly feels.

I check the last minute details, and suck in a deep breath. Here goes nothing. I turn off the stereo, and get myself out to my Old-Benny. Am I really living this moment, or is it just one among other dreams? I sigh again as I clamber into the car and buckle up the seatbelt.

When I hit the road amidst the evening dusk, I still hear the previous song beating in my ears. I can still hear the lyrics flowing through my brain like a beautiful poem, because I'm too happy. I've never enjoyed riding my junk car as I do today.

It feels like the 4th of July when I stare outside. I could feel the fireworks in my heart, and I pray this moment never ends. Even though I'm not gonna be with him for too long.

"Relax, Kira. He'll understand." I take a deep breath.

At the Four Seasons Hotel, I run straight to Liam's suite. I anxiously ring the doorbell, feeling restless, and he appears before me, his glistening blue eyes shining down at me. God, I'm nervous. My heels sway until I find myself into a more stable stance.

"Hi," I croak, holding my silver wallet tighter than needed.

"Hi. Wow, you look heavenly," Liam strides over and pulls me for a stout kiss, followed with a smooth hug. He looks happy. "And smell good, as always," he breathes into my tied up hair.

My heart melts and heat runs through me. I smile gently, cheeks flushed into crimson.

"Thank you. And you look dashing, Mr. Darcy, and sexier than ever," I tell him once we pull apart.

He's wearing the same clothes he was wearing when he first appeared at my doorstep. A black jeans, a white V-neck shirt, with a brown leather jacket that makes him look like some Hollywood blockbuster.

Summer is his break from suits and formalities, according to his words. But I love him in whatever he wears, and he's simply handsome. I still recall the flannel shirts and washed out jeans he used to wear in the ranch, and yet he was still the most breathtaking creature in my eyes.

As sexy as hell.

"I've got something to say, but I'd rather tell you after dinner," I tell Liam.

His eyebrows knit together as he says, "You're terrifying me. Should I be worried?"

"Not really." I smile gently and lay my lips on his in a similar design. "I love you. Now let me take you to your first date, Liam Darcy," I urge, and he gives me an amused smile, confusion lingering alongside.

"Right after you," he obliges.

On the way, he tells me about his conversation with Derek Gibson, about the house, and I suggest that we discuss the price again tomorrow, when we have a meeting with him. There's no way we do this without a proper bargain. Not my style.

I'm not sure what the future holds for us, but this just feels right, and I don't care how scary the unknown may be, as long as I have him as my partner. After all, it's the rollercoaster of emotions during the trip to Montana, then to Florida, and back to California that brought us here.

Looking back, I don't have any regret.

Grilled steak and red wine combine to make our candlelight dinner. We start eating and my smile persists as Liam compliments my efforts with glistening eyes and awed grin. Everything feels romantic: the soft, live piano music, the flowers on each table, and the dimly lit atmosphere in general.

"You like it? The food? I didn't know what to order so–" I rumble nonstop until Liam holds my hand on the table.

"It's perfect. Everything is, and mostly the company I have," he says gently, and something eases inside me.

Damn! I chuckle and sigh at the same time.

"I'm sorry, Liam. I'm just . . ." I sigh again, and when I glance up at him, his smile makes me laugh again. Jeez! "I'm feeling so . . ."

"Nervous." Liam replies. "I can see that, Kira. And let me guess . . . You can't go with me and you're wondering how you're going to tell me. Is that it?"

"Y-yeah!" I answer briskly. Damn. "I'm sorry, but it's too sudden. I don't want to make such a big decision without being absolutely sure that I can live up to it." His eyes narrow as if screaming 'what the heck!' "I mean, I am sure that I want to be with you for as long as I live, but I need some time to adapt with the idea that I have to live in a foreign country for that matter."

"I see," Liam replies simply, our food abandoned by the both of us. He frees my hand and sucks in a breath, making my heart beat violently. "So you need to think this over, right?"

I toy with my engagement ring before gazing at him and say, "I have a few establishments here, Liam. My job, for instance. I can't just get up and leave without making proper resignations."

"I understand," Liam answers in a low voice, giving me a faint smile.

Before I can add a word, his phone buzzes. He casts a quick glance and frowns. I watch with discretion as he picks up and mutter a mirthless hello.

"Yes, I got the news," he says after a pause, and his frown deepens. "Has it reached that far? I thought it was am issue of versatility and . . ." Whatever follows is nothing I can understand.

I hear technical jargons all the way regarding mechanical adjustments and engines. It's about his work, I fathom. The more he talks, the more he looks bothered. I sip my wine, curious.

"Okay, I'll be there," he says before hanging up.

"Something wrong? Who is it?" I inquire.

"It's from London. I'll be leaving tomorrow, Kira. I'm afraid we only have tonight to be together," he answers in a pained voice, rather than the vexed one from a while ago.

"Already?" A pang hits my chest.

Liam nods stiffly. "Something urgently needs my attention. I really hoped you'd say yes, Kira, so we can go together. But I completely understand your reasons and I'm going to wait until you're ready." He takes my hand in his again, and it's like I'm thrown into the cold Atlantic.

"Just a little time and I'll be ready, Liam," I tell him, nostalgia wrapping me so early and he's still right here. "I promise I'll wind up everything so I can come to you as completely free woman."

We can do this, right? I can really pack my bags and follow him to the end of the world, can't I? It's scary but doable. Deep inside me I feel like it's going to work somehow. I can do it.

"One month," he says.

"Three," I reply.

He frowns. "One and a half?"

"Two." I grin. He growls in response and I burst out laughing. "Two, Liam. Let's see if you'll still want me with you after all that time."

"Are you testing me again, Ms. Jones?"

I giggle. "No, Mr. Darcy. If I come to London with you, I want to be Kira Jones Darcy—your wife."

His eyes widen subtly as he mutters, "Oh? Okay. That can certainly be arranged, Mrs. Darcy."