“You are my future, Deborah Hansen. In the past two days I’ve been home, I’ve begun transforming the original mansion and the grounds surrounding it into an art museum to show off all of my mother’s collections. I also started this,” he said as he waved his hand to point to the construction. “I only have preliminary sketches so they can begin clearing the land, but I want us to design a home together for us to live in. It can have whatever we want. If you want a design studio then we can build one there too.”
“I…I don’t know what to say—”
“Don’t say anything at all, I’m not done. You are incredible, you know that? I love how you’re so passionate about things that you can sometimes get irrational and crazy. I love how you’re so stubborn that even though you know you’re being a little nutty, you won’t apologize for it.”
“Umm, I’m not sure I like where this is going,” I said as I crossed my arms in front of me.
He laughed and took my hands back and held them. “Bear with me. I’m not used to talking about my feelings.”
“Ok then, keep talking.”
“See, right there. I love how your brow furrows whenever you’re not sure about something. Or how every single thought is reflected on your face. I love how you know you’re talented, but refuse to accept it at the same time. And I love your body, your curves, your softness.”
He lowered himself down on one knee as he looked up at me. Letting go of my hands, he reached into his jeans pocket and pulled out a small Tiffany ring box. My hands flew to my open mouth in surprise as I held my breath while Will opened the box. It was the longest two seconds of my life.
The ring had an oval deep blue sapphire surrounded by a halo of small glittering diamonds. It was set in platinum and sparkled as if it had a life all its own.
“My world began when you entered it and it would end if you left it. I can’t imagine my life without you. Deborah, I love you. Will you marry me?”
“Yes, oh yes!” I said as I wrapped my arms around him, knocking him off balance. “I love you too, Will. Oh my God, yes!”
He laughed and kissed me, making my heart pound wildly in my chest.
“I went shopping for it as soon as I got home. I know its not a traditional engagement ring, but as soon as I saw it, I knew you would love it.”
“You’re right, its the most gorgeous ring I’ve ever seen. Its absolutely amazing!”
I admired the ring as we sat on the ground in front of where our new home would one day stand. The sun caught the blue stone and reminded me of my ocean blue chiffon gown. I made the right decision coming home, but if I could be in two places at once I would. Will leaned back as he examined my face, his head tilted.
“Wait a second. What about Paris? I never meant for you to come home early,” he said.
“I was worried about you. I couldn’t stay without knowing how you were. You went through a lot. We went through a lot in our short time out there. I don’t know that I could do my best with the collection if my head was out here with you.”
“Then you have to go back. Take the jet. I couldn’t forgive myself if you let your dream go because of me.”
“I don’t have time to do all the alterations. Even with Dianna still out there, I have my samples here.”
“Then find another assistant. Surely between the three of you, you can do it. I’ll call Mimi and see if I can get your slot switched.”
My mind raced. Another assistant? The only other person I really knew was Ashley and she couldn’t fly out to Paris with me. But wait, maybe…
I pulled out my cell phone and found the number I had added in just a few months ago. Joshua Cane was my only hope.
“Hi, Joshua. Its Deborah Hansen. I don’t know if you remember me, but—”
“Of course I remember you, sweetheart. I’ve been keeping tabs on you since we met. How’s Paris?”
“I’m in Canyon Cove.”
“Did something happen?”
“Yes and no. Its a long story. I need a favor that involves you flying with me back to Paris today. Any chance you can get away and help me out? You did say us designers needed to stick together.”#p#分页标题#e#
“Sweetie, you had me at Paris. Give me a couple of hours to take care of things here. We’ll make sure your designs look fabulous on that runway.”
***
Will was able to get me a one day extension because another designer dropped out due to time constraints. Joshua and I worked the entire flight using Dianna’s measurements, but it still wasn’t enough. We took alterations all the way to just before the show. While Dianna took care of planning hair, makeup, and accessories for the models, Joshua and I finished any last minute fixes right on the models as they wore the clothes.