They talked over dinner, sharing chicken with artichokes and olives and herb lamb cutlets with roasted vegetables.

“If you really want to start moving tomorrow evening, then I should start packing tonight or tomorrow morning,” she said.

“We’ll figure it out, babe. We can stay at your place tonight and pack for a few hours if you want.”

“How about if we pack, then go back to your place for the night, although I know I’m going to be too excited to sleep.”

“Yay for me,” he said with a raise of his brows.

“Where will we put my furniture? I have to tell Elisa and Angela.” She lowered her voice, leaning forward, and said, “Oh, Quincy, I’m so happy!”

He moved his chair closer and took her hand. “Me too, babe. We’ll put some of your furniture in the second bedroom or put yours in the living room and mine in the bedroom. Whatever you want.”

“I don’t know. I wouldn’t care if we had no furniture.”

They nuzzled and kissed and finished their meals, sharing balsamic berries with honey yogurt for dessert. By the time they left, they were both stuffed.

When they got to the truck, Roni put her arms around his neck and said, “Thank you for such an amazing night. You have officially wowed me.”

“We’re not done yet.”

Her eyes widened. “We’re not?”

“Nope. I have one more surprise for you.” He helped her into the truck and went around to the driver’s seat, hoping with everything he had that she would like what he had in store for her.

She must have asked him five times where they were headed as he made his way through town, but he just squeezed her hand, letting her wonder.

When he pulled down the road that led to their destination, she said, “Are we going to the Harlequin Playhouse?”

“Sure are.”

“That’s where we hold our showcases. I danced here when I was young, but they don’t have productions Thursday nights.”

“This is a special show.”

“What are we seeing?” she asked excitedly.

“It’s a surprise.” He parked in the near-empty lot.

As he helped her out of the truck, she asked, “Are we early?”

“Maybe a little.”

Quincy loved the way her face lit up as they entered the luxurious lobby, with deep-red carpet, dark-wood walls, and fancy chandeliers. A door to their right opened, and Raya Singh, the manager of the playhouse, walked toward them in a fitted blue dress. She had olive skin, straight black hair, and high cheekbones and reminded Quincy of Elisa, only younger. He’d met with Raya several times to arrange the surprise for Roni.

“Quincy, Roni, it’s so nice to see you.” She embraced Quincy. Smiling warmly at Roni’s curious expression, she said, “You have quite a thoughtful boyfriend.”

As Raya embraced her, Roni looked over her shoulder at Quincy and said, “Have you been scheming with Raya?”

“You’ll see,” Quincy said.

Raya lowered her voice conspiratorially and said, “He’s very good at scheming. Let me take your coats, and then you can go into the theater and make yourselves comfortable.”