"Parker, I have so much to tell you."
"Say whatever's on your mind, Emily, I'm all yours."
More than you'll ever know, thought Parker.
Chapter 20
At six in the morning, the living room became brighter as the sun began to rise. They talked about all that happened, their fears, and mostly how much they'd missed each other. They moved closer together on the couch, where Emily rested her head on Parker's shoulder while he softly played with her long hair. They hadn't even exchanged a kiss.
"I think you should just live here with me. You can decorate the place however you'd like. Just go easy in the floral department."
"I have to pick my Jeep up, and all of our things are back at my place. Would you mind taking me there? I think sleep is in my near future so I'd like to go home."
"Emily, you can sleep here. We can go pick some things up for you, but I don't want you being away from me."
"I'll come and see you this afternoon if you're not busy." The last thing Emily wanted to do was rush things. Every time she'd been with Parker there was some sort of crisis or deceit. She needed to be sure that it was meant to be.
"I'll definitely be free."
Emily unlocked her door and let Chance in. She changed out of her clothes and climbed in bed. She fell asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow.
Parker drove to Russell's house after dropping Emily off. There was no way he was going to be able to rest. His nieces rarely cooperated in letting Rhonda and Russell sleep past seven, so he wasn't worried about coming over too early. He let himself in the house and was quickly greeted by two very active little girls. He hugged them both as their mother rounded the corner.
"This is a nice surprise. I'm glad we're not the only ones who aren't allowed to sleep in." Rhonda stared at her girls and smiled.
"Hey, Rhonda." Parker kissed her cheek. "Where's Russ? Don't tell me he's staying in bed and letting you do all the work."
"No chance in that one, bro." Russell laughed, then stared at his brother's face. "Wait a minute, I know that look. Did you talk to Emily?"
"She's here. I mean she lives in Manhattan. Long story but yeah, we talked all night." Parker had the biggest smile.
"I'll be darned." Russell got the atta boy look from Rhonda for not swearing in front of the girls.
"You'll have to bring her over for dinner, Parker." Rhonda was just as excited. She had been so worried about him.
"Actually, she's coming over this afternoon. I'm just nervous and excited at the same time."
"Parker, get some sleep. You're a real blank when you don't get enough rest."
"Russell, you're very funny when you talk like this. I think I might stay over here for the day just--"
"Close it, Parker. Stay for some good food, then get your butt to bed."
"Actually, I had some other plans I wanted to discuss with you." Parker let his smile widen.
Parker stayed for a delicious spread that Rhonda made. Her Sunday morning breakfasts were nothing short of a feast. He made an important stop, then drove back to his house but wasn't able to go upstairs to his bed. After making several phone calls, he lay down on the sofa where Emily had been, trying to recall her scent, her warmth, and sweet voice. Parker slept like a baby.
Emily felt a cold, wet nose on her cheek at two in the afternoon. She let Chance out and then headed to the kitchen to start a pot of coffee. She hopped in the shower to wake up some before calling Parker, something she couldn't wait to do. After pouring herself a cup and taking a few sips, she grabbed her phone and headed to the back porch. Chance was sprawled out on top of the picnic table.
"Emily..." Parker instantly smiled. Waking up with this woman every morning would be perfect.
"I didn't mean to wake you."
"If it meant I could be awakened by you, I would never complain about what time it was."
"You're a sweetheart. Do you have plans? Did you still want to get together?"
"I'm trying to think of a way to ask this hot woman I know to come by, but she's wasting time on the phone."
Emily blushed and was glad that he couldn't see it.
"You're blushing." Parker laughed.
Emily blushed more, then promised to be over in a few minutes. She wanted to drive herself because she'd have to pack some things for Chance, and if things weren't going as planned, she was free to leave. She was positive she wasn't going to throw herself into Parker's bed. Emily didn't want a relationship built on lust.
Parker threw on his jeans after a hot shower and ran downstairs when he heard a soft knock on the door. When he opened it, Emily held out a hot cup of coffee.
"Oh, you're a doll!" Parker took the cup and began to drink, then set it down and hugged her. "It's great to see you, Emily. I have some wonderful things planned for us today."
"You do?" Emily smiled.
"Yep, and I'm ready to go. Don't ask me questions, today's a surprise." Parker took her hand, led her through the house, got Chance all set up, then took her out to the garage.
"He'll have to be let out, Parker. We can't be gone too long."
"Russell will be by every couple of hours to take care of him. It's all handled."
Parked inside the garage was a black Rolls Royce Phantom, and a driver stood holding the back door open for Emily.
"Parker!"
"You like?"
Emily smiled and climbed in, then Parker slid in beside her. He picked up her hand and held it on his lap.
"We're ready, Gary."
"Very well, Mr. Davis."
To surprise Emily even more, Parker asked to be let out so he could walk with her the rest of the way. When he reached the destination, Emily was beside herself.
"Parker, look! I didn't know they had carriage rides! Look at that beautiful black horse, it's a Shire. We should do this sometime."
"That sounds like a perfect plan." He smiled and took Emily over to the horse to pet it, then walked her to the black and gold painted antique carriage.
"Seriously? You planned this?"
"Yes, Emily, this is your first surprise."
Emily threw her arms around Parker and whispered in his ear. "Thank you so much." She climbed up on the seat as Parker sat next to her. He signaled the driver and off they rode.
The weather couldn't have been more perfect. He wrapped a blanket around her shoulders as they went on their two hour ride through all the wonderful, historic places. She never thought she'd actually see Strawberry Fields or all the wonders around Central Park. She rested her head on Parker's shoulder. Without a doubt, this was the most special day of her life. No one had ever done this for her.
Parker reached down in a picnic basket and pulled out a bottle of champagne, a couple of glasses along with specialty cheeses, fruit, and crackers. Parker poured her a glass and then placed a sweet grape in her mouth.
"Parker, this is unreal. I can't believe this..."
"Get used to it, Emily. Every time I'm near you, I feel like you do right now." Parker held her closer.
Emily couldn't believe that she'd been included in a fairytale. But then the carriage stopped in the middle of a long road. The scenery was gorgeous, but she didn't understand why it was stopping here. A car pulled up and stopped. The windows were tinted, and Emily was hoping there wasn't a problem. Shortly afterwards a van pulled up.
"Parker, this doesn't look right. I think we should go."
Soon the van opened and men in white went to the back. A small table and two chairs were pulled out of the back, and a white linen table cloth was put on top. Wine was poured and the table was set by men in white tuxedos and gloves. The car doors opened and three men walked out with instrument cases. When the area met Parker's approval, he stepped out of the carriage and assisted Emily down.
"Parker, this is....the middle of the road."
All Parker could do was smile as he held the chair out for Emily to sit down. The food was brought in from Masa, one of the finest restaurants in New York, and the most beautiful music was played while they ate.
"Parker, this is beautiful. I don't know what to say."
"Say yes, Emily. That's all I want in life."
"Say yes? I don't understand."
Parker reached in his pocket while he stood up.
"Parker..."
"Emily, I know what you want. You want a man who can be your best friend, who loves you for who you are, and someone to spend your life with. I have more love for you than I thought was even possible to have for another person. You simply amaze me. I can be all those things, Emily. You may be fearful of what the future holds, but I want to share that future with you. I don't just want you for a friend, a girlfriend...I want you for my wife, Emily. Please say yes and marry me."
Emily watched as Parker pulled out the beautiful three carat diamond ring on a thin gold band. He held her hand and slid the ring on her finger. Emily stared at him with tear-filled eyes.
"Emily, this is just the beginning of our journey. Go on it with me."
Thoughts went flying through her head. But they all landed in the same spot. She loved him. "Yes," she said, as Parker gave her the sweetest, most passionate kiss she'd ever experienced.
"Thank you, Emily." Parker buried his face in her neck and the music played. He stood up and took her by the hand and slow danced.
The weather was getting a little chilly, so Parker had arranged for the Rolls Royce to arrive to take them home. Once they got in the backseat, Parker turned to face her.