He had to give them credit. He’d stolen every associate and intern his firm had, paid them each an extra hundred bucks for the day, and given them an unlimited decorating budget. Jamilah had groused about an entire day’s worth of work lost until Aldo sent her off to the massage and pedicure he’d scheduled for her.

She’d texted him hours later after too many complimentary champagnes to tell him he was the best business partner in the world.

“This. Is. Insane.” Wide-eyed and slack-jawed, Gloria stepped inside.

There were fairy lights roped around the thick, rustic beams above them. Flowy white panels hung from the rafters to the oak floor. There was music playing softly on a speaker tucked away between potted palms and pines. A fire crackled in the stone fireplace on the far wall, and a pretty sign that said simply PROM rested on the mantel.

A table, also swathed in white, was set for two with more champagne chilling in a bucket. On one of the plates sat a sparkling tiara.

“Aldo…” It was as far as she got because she was crying.

“Sweetheart.” Gently he pushed her into the chair and pulled out a handkerchief to dab her eyes. “Please don’t cry.”

“This is the nicest thing anyone has ever done for me,” she said, eyes glistening. “I love you for it. Screw it. I love you. I’ve been not saying it for a while now—since the laundry—and…now…” she gestured around them. “I just love you. I love you so much.”

Aldo found himself in the predicament of feeling a little choked up, too. Okay, a lot choked up.

They’d come so far, the two of them. He wanted to ask her right then and there. To talk about the future, make decisions, set goals.

But Gloria deserved this night of no strings.

He cleared his throat, trying to dislodge the lump. When he opened his mouth, no sound came out.

“Oh, hell. It’s too soon,” she said, covering her face with her hands. “Shit. You did this amazing thing, and I screw it all up by being all ‘I love you.’’ And now I made it weird—”

“Gloria, will you please shut up so I can tell you that I don’t remember ever not loving you?”

“What?”

“I love you, Gloria. I’m in love with you.”

“Really?” she squeaked. The tears were back again. “Because if you’re messing with me or saying it back because I said it first, I’m going to kill you. Like run you over with a limo kill you.”

“How could I not love you after a threat like that?” He kissed her, his mouth eagerly seeking hers out. Branding his lips to hers. She kissed him back like she was starving for him.

“Wait, wait.” He pulled back.