“Go ahead. I’ll be right here.” Vic stepped back and released Tachina.
She moved forward and spoke passionately about the project, community, and design. The reporter was from one of the local colleges who had snuck in to try to interview Tachina who was all smiles after hearing the young lady’s story.
Vic watched, his hands in his pockets, a sense of pride in his chest. This was what a partnership looked like.
This was what love looked like.
This was what two people who counterbalanced each other looked like.
Vic was happy to be in the background while Tachina shined. That was where she belonged.
The streets of downtown Cleveland glittered beneath a soft snowfall. The flakes caught the glow of the streetlamp as if the city were sprinkled with tiny diamonds. Tachina watched the flakes swirl through the car’s window as Vic reached for her hand. He gave it a light squeeze. His thumb brushed over her knuckles in a slow, tender movement. The feel of him touching her gave her comfort. One thing about Victor Maxwell, he always ensured she felt loved and safe around him.
Two months had passed since the mayor’s dinner,and life had settled into something she’d never thought she’d have again. Peace and stability. The new rhythm that Vic had set for them was so easy now. More so than it was before.
The Artisan Avenue was moving forward beautifully. Her vision was underway, and it was shaping up exactly how she had imagined it. Every day she went down to the building, she was rendered speechless to think that it was her dream and her sketches that were now being made into a reality. Her email inbox was full of praises from other developers wanting to collaborate with her.
There was even a difference with Vic’s parents. Not only had Nancy been kind and gentle, but so had his father, Graham. The patriarch of the Maxwell family had always been a silent, gruff man when she was around. Now he asked questions about herself or tried for a conversation when they were in the same room together.
Vic had been an amazing partner. He’d been attentive, protective, affectionate, and loving. Tonight was supposed to be a simple date night for just the two of them. With her entering her second trimester, and the nausea was sort of at bay now, Vic had insisted they celebrate with a night out on the town.
He’d chosen the most exclusive restaurant downtown, of course. It was perched on the top floor of a historic building with floor-to-ceiling windows overlookingthe city. It had an intimate ambiance with flickering candles at every table and waiters in crisp black uniforms.
Violins played through the discreet speakers. The hostess offered to take their coats. Vic helped Tachina out of hers. She wore a deep-burgundy sweater dress that hugged her in all of the right places and highlighted her small bump peeking through.
“You look incredible,” Vic murmured. He handed her coat to the young lady waiting, then removed his.
“You’re just saying that.” Tachina smirked. She tried not to melt at the way he openly admired her.
He was dashing in his charcoal sports coat over a crisp button-down shirt. He’d left the top two buttons open. His slacks were tailored perfectly for him. His cologne was woodsy and made her want to tuck her face into the crook of his neck so she could breathe him in. Everything about the man was powerful, rich, handsome…and hers.
“Come here.” He snagged her hand and bought him near him.
He pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead that sent her knees weak.
Once the hostess checked in their coats, she handed Vic a small claim ticket. Another young lady escorted them through the establishment to a secluded table near the windows. It was a breathtaking view of the city. Her eyes widened as she stared out at the lights below.
“It’s beautiful out tonight,” she murmured as they took their seats.
The hostess ensured they had their menus before leaving with the promise that their waiter would be over soon. The candlelight highlighted Vic’s features and brought a sigh to her lips. She reached across the table and entwined their fingers together.
“It is,” he agreed. He tossed her a wink. “But I’m looking at the wrong thing if I’m looking outside.”
“Oh, please.” She snorted.
“What?” He chuckled. He raised her hand and kissed the back of it.
The waiter soon arrived and was wonderful in helping them choose their meals. Vic was brought his bourbon, while she was brought her Diet Coke. She would love to have a glass of wine, but Diet Coke would have to do for now. She sighed and reached for her glass and took a sip.
It didn’t take long for their dinner to arrive. The aromas had her mouth watering. Filet medallions with herbed butter for Vic, while she had chosen the pan-roasted chicken with lemon risotto. She could feel Vic’s eyes on her even when he was cutting his food.
Her appetite wasn’t huge yet, but she managed small bites here and there. Thankfully, no nausea.
“So…” She sat back in her seat and stirred the ice in her drink. She was taking a breather from her food. She didn’t want to eat too much too fast and risk getting sick. “Should we talk about how we are going to tell Kian?”
Vic leaned back and smiled. The candlelight flickered across his face. He reached for his drink and took a small sip before clearing his throat.
“We should just be straightforward,” he said.