AN: Thanks for the reviews! I'll continue with the story, updating about once a week. So here's the story.
Chapter 4It was the following Friday morning and I was sitting in my office, writing lesson plans for the school year. I found it helpful to start this early in the year so I didn't have to take so much time to do it during the school year. I had until the end of October all planed out. It was just after 11am and the kids were all outside playing. As I put down the cup of coffee I was sipping, there was a knock at the door.
"Come in!" The door slowly opened and Troy's head popped in.
"May I interrupt?" He asked.
"I don't see why not." He entered completely and closed the door behind him, taking a seat on the couch next to the fireplace. He padded the seat next to him but I plopped down on his lap instead.
"So, what did you want to talk about?" I questioned, slightly worried. It must have shown on my face, or maybe Troy just knows me too well, for Troy grinned and laughed saying, "It's nothing bad."
"Good. Now what is it?"
"We're going out tonight, just the two of us. I feel like we never get out alone anymore so I planned this date, just for us."
"That's what happens when you have kids." I laughed. "But where are we going and who will watch?"
"It's a surprise and Mom and Dad said they would come over. They wanted to spend some time with their grandchildren and this is the perfect opportunity."
"Ooh, a surprise! And what would one wear on this surprise date?" I asked excitedly.
"It's all taken care of. Your outfit will be in our bedroom at 5:00pm, so don't go into the bedroom until then, I'll get anything you might need." Troy explained to me, smiling.
"Can't wait!" I responded, giving him a kiss. We kissed for a few minutes before I regretfully pulled away. I went back to my desk and continued with my lesson plans and Troy went back out into the yard to play with the kids, who were relishing the last bit of summer sun before school started.
At five o'clock, I closed the door to the office and ascended the stairs towards our bedroom. On the door, was a note.
My Princess,
Tonight we will be spending a wonderful evening alone. Before the date begins, you need to relax. In the bathroom off our room awaits a hot bath, candles, music some wine and a new dress. Enjoy! But remember, be ready to go at 7:00 when I will come to you and the real surprise will begin.
Love always,
Troy
I grinned, Troy was so romantic. He could make me feel like the most important girl in the world. 'What did I ever do to deserve him?'
Walking inside, cinnamon and vanilla scents filled my nose; they were my favorite scents. Turning to the door of the bathroom, my eyes fell upon a steamy bath with a of red wine sitting on the counter, next to a stereo. Taking off the robe I had changed into, I slipped into the tub, turning on the music.
After my hour-long bath, I re-entered the bedroom looking for my dress. There was a clothing bag on the bed with a note on top that had not been there before. I walked over to the bed and picked up the note.
My Juliet,
I hope you enjoyed your bath. Here is your dress for this evening. I went shopping myself…My eyes went wide… but don't worry. I got Taylor's approval. 'Thank god' I hope you liked the song choice, they were your favorite songs in high school. Anyway, I'll be waiting for you outside at the door at 7:00pm. Have fun getting ready!
Your Romeo,
Troy
I laughed at the note. He knows me too well. The notes were special and I kept all of them. Troy does the big, elaborate date thing three times a year, just before school starts, our anniversary, and my birthday. It's the same but different. Next, I turned to the bag and gasped as I opened it.
Inside was a midnight blue, halter, and floor-length dress. It was beautiful. It had a low V-neck and a silver see-through shawl to go over my shoulders. There was also a flower pattern in diamonds on the bottom. Picking the dress up out of the bag, I noticed a pair of silver healed sandals sitting on the bed by the bag. They were a perfect match to the shawl. Troy had really outdone himself this time.
I dried my hair then slipped on the dress. I decided to leave my hair down in curls and I put a little makeup on. Noticing that it was 6:55, I grabbed my silver purse, to go with the outfit, and picked up the sandals, heading towards the door.
I opened it and Troy was standing there, back on. I put my hand on his shoulder and he turned, mouth coming open. I giggled at his expression while sizing him up. He had on a pair of dark wash jeans, a button-up shirt to match my dress and a dark brown jacket. My giggle seemed to bring him back to his senses because he closed his mouth and grinned that boyish grin of his. I gave him a big smile as he grabbed my hand, leading me down the stairs.
"You look amazingly beautiful," he whispered as we descended the stairs.
"It's not hard when you're wearing the most amazing dress in the world." I whispered back.
We hugged and kissed the kids and said good-bye to Troy's parents before leaving.
We walked outside, hand in hand, to the car. Troy opened the door for me before getting in himself. He started the car but kept it on park. I looked at him with questioning eyes.
"Put this on first." He said in response to the unspoken question, handing me a blindfold. 'This has to be something good', I thought, tying the blindfold around my eyes. It was all black when the car started. Troy held my hand the whole time while we were driving. I drove him mad with 'Are we there yet?' and 'What's the surprise?' questions for most of the trip. At long last, the car stopped.
I heard Troy's door open and close before mine opened and a hand guided me out.
"Where are we?" I asked, not really expecting an answer. I was right. Troy only laughed at my curiosity. He took my hands in his and led me forward on grass? Soon, we stopped.
"Take off the blindfold." I reached up and tugged at the loose knot I had tied around my head. The blindfold slipped off my head and onto the ground, as I stood, frozen, in amazement at the sight before me.
There was a little grove of trees in a park not far from our house where we always walk with the kids. This is, I assume, we were now. The trees were strung with white lights that lit up the table placed in the center. The table itself was breathtaking, a white tablecloth with a dinner of fresh salmon, potatoes, salad and fresh corn and a big chocolate fudge cake in the center, surrounded by candles. Tears began to form in my eyes I looked on, thinking of how mach work he put into this date, all for me.
" It must be pretty good if you're crying." Troy observed, giving me a small kiss and taking my hand, wiping the tears away. This was true. He made me cry every time he did something like this.
"It's… wonderful." I breathed. "How… When…" All these questions were forming in my mind.
"Well, Chad and Jason set this up and Zeke made the cake. I cooked the meal myself."
"Thank-you." I replied, leaning across the table to capture him in a kiss. "I don't deserve you."
"Of course you do, and more. I'd give you the moon and the stars if I could. You are worth far more to me than you could possibly imagine." He responded seriously. By now, I was crying again.
"Please don't cry. Even when they're happy tears, it seems like you're sad and it makes me sad to think you are. Come on, the food can't be that bad." I giggled at him. Troy always could make me laugh. We enjoyed an excellent dinner.
"I can't eat another bite!" I exclaimed, once our plated were cleaned.
"In that case", Troy started, rising from his chair and offering me his hand, "would you care to dance?" I accepted his hand as he used his other to take a remote out of his pocket. He turned on a stereo that was nestled in the trees. I closed my eyes as we began to sway to 'You and Me' by Lighthouse.
"I love you", I whispered, continuing to dance, my head resting on Troy's chest. Troy whispered it back.
How long we danced? I wouldn't have been able to tell you. We alternated between fast and slow songs also taking breaks to rest and kiss and simply enjoying the time alone.
It was 2:30am by the time we returned home. After wishing Troy's parents good night, Troy and I climbed the stairs to bed. I fell asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow.