Our nights would be spent at fundraisers and sitting on the same side of a booth in dimly lit restaurants. Our weekends would be filled with lazy mornings, runs across the Brooklyn Bridge, and trips to Trader Joe’s. Maybe we’d get a dog. I’ve always wanted a dog.

We’d build a life together. No matter how busy we got, we’d make time for each other. No matter where life took us, we’d be each other’s priority. I would never have to worry about her reciprocating my love. If the last several weeks have taught me anything, it’s that I can trust her completely. In the privacy of our apartment, in the sanctuary of our bedroom—we’d always come back to the home we made in each other.

I sigh as the dream thins in my mind and all the reasons my life can’t be that way bubble up and stain my fantasy.

She rolls over and cuddles closer. “What are you thinking about over there?” she asks through a yawn.

I smile warmly, even though her eyes are still closed. Leaning in, I place the softest kiss on her lips. “I just had a really good dream. The best dream, actually.”

She nestles into my chest, and my heart pitter-patters in response. “You deserve to have good dreams, Dem.”

I wrap her in my arms and sigh again before we both drift back to sleep.

38. Maddie

Chapter 38

Maddie

“Pick out whatever you want,” he declares as we push through the rotating doors. I beam back at him over my shoulder, striding into Tiffany & Co. like I own the damn place.

The space is smaller than I expected, but it’s still sparkly and amazing—and there are multiple floors. I inhale deeply, my eyes flitting from display case to display case as I soak it all in.

I’m in Tiffany.

I’m in Tiffany on Fifth Avenue in New York City.

I’m in Tiffany on Fifth Avenue with my boyfriend, and he wants me to pick out whatever I want.

I would pinch myself if I was sure he wouldn’t notice.

“Anything?” I challenge as I turn to face him and walk backward into the store. He’s giving me that look, but I know he secretly loves it when I test him.

“Anything, princess. Although keep in mind that it’ll be hard to pack fine china for the flight home if you pick tableware or dinnerware.”

I stick out my tongue and turn on my heel before skipping toward the first display.

Running my fingers along the seam of the case, I peer through the crystal-clear glass with wide eyes. Everything is so gorgeous—I can hardly decide where to look first.