Chapter 14- New York
Philip's POV
Our plane is landing in New York. Andrea awakens and sees my blue eyes staring back at her. I am completely mesmerized by her beautiful face.
"We're in New York, darling," I told her, giving her hand a gentle squeeze.
She eyed Penny and mentioned trying some New York pizza. Penny was wearing black jeans and a white top similar to Andrea's. She has started to make Penny dress like her. I support Andrea's desire for people to perceive Penny as her daughter. Soon, I knew I would get Andrea pregnant. Maybe I will try tonight, I think.
We took two different taxis to my family's hotel. Andrea is nervous about Penny riding with Amy. She takes her role as mom seriously and doesn't want to be away from Penny.
"She is okay with your sister. Amy is going to have to get used to getting around New York, if she is going to move here in the fall," I said, taking her hand.
"I know. I just like to have Penny with me. Even going on our honeymoon will be hard. I wish we could take her," Andrea admits, squeezing my hand.
"I get what you are feeling, but we need time alone as a couple," I said, feeling a little frustrated with her.
"I know. We need time alone as a couple. But I am so happy to be Penny's mom. I will try to do better with my separation anxiety," she says as the taxi pulls up to the hotel.
"Well, you know we can trust your sister. Tonight I got us the Penthouse, and Amy will stay with Penny in a suite," I said, letting her know we would be alone.
"Okay. Are you asking me to marry you tonight?" She questions me about the proposal.
"Wait and see," I said as we walked into the hotel. She sees Amy and Penny come in behind us. I am greeted by the hotel manager, who personally brings up our luggage.
"Mr. Blake," said manager Steven Parker, "we've had your chocolate-covered strawberries and flowers delivered to your room."
"Everything looks perfect," I said, inspecting our suite. I am thrilled; this penthouse is just what we need for a perfect romantic evening. Tonight we would celebrate our engagement by making love in this room, I think, looking at the strawberries.
"Excellent. Can I get you anything else?" he asks.
"Get my fiancee, daughter, and sister a couple of delivered pizzas," I told Steve, handing him two hundred-dollar bills.
"Yes. I will take care of that. I am going to check on Ms. Amy and Penny, then I will take care of the pizza," he says,leaving us alone.
Andrea is exploring the hotel room, looking impressed. She sits down on the living room sofa, being quiet. She knows I am going to ask her to marry me. Maybe she is having second thoughts, I think.
She turns on the TV. The movie Moulin Rouge is on. You stare at the television, I sit down with you. I start running my fingers through your blonde hair, as you watch Nicole Kidman sing Diamonds are a Girl's best friend.
"Do you know what today is?" I whispered.
"No," she replied, her blonde curls falling in her face now. I push the hair back with the back of my hand.
"My birthday. I am officially forty," I admit,feeling old.
"You should have told me. I would have gotten you a birthday gift and cake," she says, feeling guilty.
"You are my gift, and my mom is throwing me a surprise party next Friday. I know everything that goes on. I wanted to spend my actual birthday alone with you," I said, getting up to get a black jewelry box from my suitcase.
I open the box, revealing a silver heart-shaped locket necklace. Her eyes go straight to the silver necklace.
Taking the necklace from its box, I placed it around her neck. The locket bore the inscription, "You'll be with me, like a handprint on my heart."
"That is from my favorite song in Wicked," she says, touching the silver heart.
"I know. And when you open the locket, you'll see a picture of you, Penny, and me from our Disney World trip," I said, showing her the picture inside.
She opens up the locket, looking at the picture of our family. I kiss her neck, finding myself wanting to do more. I keep kissing her neck. My hands went inside her shirt, covering her breasts.
"It's so lovely Philip. You shouldn't have brought me a gift on your birthday," she says, trembling from the feel of my lips on her neck.
I was about to say something else when Amy and Penny entered the room carrying two pizza boxes. Andrea quickly buttons up her shirt, getting herself together quickly.
"Penny wanted to have dinner with you two," Amy said, putting the pizza box down on the table. Penny places some paper plates down on the pizza boxes.
"That's a great idea," Andrea says, moving towards Amy and Penny.
"Yes, let's all get something to eat and after we eat, you and Amy go have your spa day. I set it up last night. Give you a chance to relax for tonight," I said, looking over at Andrea.
She nods, getting two slices of cheese pizza and a diet coke. I watch her taking small bites of pizza, the silver locket shining on her neck. The heart around her neck was a way I was showing my ownership over her. You will always be mine, Andrea Noelle.
"So where are we going tonight?" Andrea asked as she finished up her lunch.
"The Empire State Building. I thought we could enjoy the view of the city," I said, looking at her. She knows the proposal is coming, she will say yes. I already called her about my fiance earlier, she didn't argue or make a fuss about it.
"That will be nice. I am going to leave my necklace here while Amy and I go downstairs to the spa," Andrea says, looking for my approval.
"I will put it in the safe and unpack your suitcase. Probably should wear a sweater out tonight. It's colder in New York at night," I said, thinking about how I would celebrate tonight.
Andrea nods in agreement.
"Can I go to the pool?" Penny asked as Amy and Andrea got ready to leave, of course.
"Yes, Penny. Let me grab a swimsuit for you from my suitcase," I said while reaching inside. Andrea puts her necklace down on the coffee table and kisses me on the check.
"We will see you soon in a few hours," she says,leaving the room with her sister.
"I love you," I said, watching them leave the penthouse. I knew they would pamper her at the spa and salon. Hopefully, Andrea would feel like a princess today and when I asked her to marry me, she would say yes.
I get Penny ready for the pool, she swims for about an hour. I then take her back to the penthouse, give her a bath, and put her down for a nap.
"What is your birthday wish, daddy?" she asked, laying down on the white sofa with her favorite blanket.
"I wished for Andrea to be your new mommy and to say yes when I proposed to her," I said, kissing Penny's forehead.
"I wish for that, too. I want you to marry Andrea.I want to be the flower-girl," Penny said before closing her eyes.
My little girl naps while I take another warm shower. I put on a navy blue suit with a white dress shirt. I brush my teeth and fix my hair. Soon we would be engaged.