Chapter 70

POV Clayre

I spent the previous night and the entire day feeling anxious. As I finish getting ready, I feel like I’m 16 again—my legs are shaky, and my stomach burns with nervousness. Why leave so early for dinner? I don’t know, but I’m eager to find out.

My father opens his arms in admiration.

"Daughter, you look beautiful," he compliments, taking in my short, strapless golden dress.

"Thank you, Dad. I’m so nervous! He always calls me his golden star!" I wave my hand in the air to cool my face. "Are you sure you’re going out alone?"

"Daughter, I’m the parent here. Don’t worry about me; I have a dinner as well."

"With whom?" I focus on his face, waiting for an answer.

"That kind nurse from the hospital, Emma!"

A smile escapes me.

"That’s amazing! She seems so kind. I’m happy to hear that. We met her just yesterday, and you didn’t waste any time."

He nods with a smile, and the intercom rings.

I walk to the door, and when I open it, I find Jack standing there. He’s wearing a white dress shirt with the top buttons undone, revealing part of his strong chest. The sleeves are rolled up to his forearms, and his cologne is magnificent. His pants and shoes are black dress attire. His eyes scan my body, and after finishing his assessment, he smirks seductively.

"You look fucking gorgeous!"

A smile forms on my lips, and we embrace.

His hug feels like freedom. Jack intertwines his fingers with mine and pulls me toward the exit.

"Good evening, Gerald. Your daughter will be back early tomorrow."

My father lets out a sound through his teeth and gestures for us to leave.

"I love you, Dad."

I wave, and together, we head to the elevator.

My body starts to heat up with each passing second. With every step we take outside the building, with every gentle evening breeze carrying his masculine scent to me, with every subtle touch of his fingers against mine, with every sidelong glance we exchange until we get into the car.

As I sit in the seat, he makes a point of pulling the seatbelt over me, securing me in place. His face is inches from mine, his breath brushing against my cheek, and once he clicks the buckle into place, I bring my hand to his neck, pulling his lips to mine, pressing them against his with longing.

The texture, the warmth spreading through my core—it’s addictive. This is what I missed, what we’ve been holding back from for days. But tonight, all I want is to be in his arms.

I run my tongue along his lips and slip it inside his mouth. Jack doesn’t hesitate—his lips devour mine with hunger, with urgency. I surrender to the intoxicating sensation, and even breathless, I keep going—slower, deeper, with a taste of wickedness. When our faces part, his full lips graze my skin, trailing kisses down to my neck.

"Let’s go. I don’t think I’ve ever wanted a dinner to end so badly, and it hasn’t even started yet."

We smile, and he quickly straightens up in his seat and starts the car.

The drive is long, and I nervously wring my hands together. Where is Jack taking me? I sigh, taking in the sight of the sky as stars begin to emerge, and the classic rock music he always listens to. Normally, I’d be hearing an opera concert, and I realize we’re complete opposites. But it’s here, in his world, that I fit, that I will be so much happier. Not complete, because as my father always said, we are born whole, but the life I have ahead will be far more thrilling and unforgettable.

If there is a life after this one, I hope to live it with Jack.

The trip lasts nearly three hours, and by the time we park, my heart is about to burst from my chest. I step out of the car, my mouth agape, utterly shocked.

"Jack, are you serious?"

I suppress a scream, but it escapes anyway.

"Oh my God!"

He grins at my reaction while my eyes marvel at the restaurant.

"You never mentioned this place, but Clayre, when I think of it, all I can picture is you and how much you’d love to dine here."

"I talk so much about stars and the sky… And yes, I’ve always wanted to visit, but I never thought I’d get the chance."

I take in the sign that reads Space 220 at Epcot in Disney.

"My God, we’re dining in space!"

I grab Jack’s hand and pull him toward the entrance, eager to see everything. Inside, the theme perfectly simulates a journey into space, featuring an astonishing spaceship design, glowing lights, and extraordinary environments. When I step into the restaurant, my mind feels like it’s going to explode.

The windows outlined in neon blue display an incredibly realistic view of Earth from miles away, surrounded by infinite stars twinkling, offering an unforgettable experience.

We sit down, and I sigh, unable to speak—just smiling. My eyes capture every detail, wanting to imprint them in my memory.

"Jack, this is incredible. Why did you do this?"

"Because I love seeing you smile like this—unable to hold back, with your eyes sparkling."

"When will you tell me what you’re hiding from me? I feel like something else happened!"

Jack nods.

"Do you trust me, Clayre?"

"Yes, I do."

"When the time is right. Just remember one thing: everything is possible. Everything."

He emphasizes the word mysteriously, and I have no doubt that Jack is talking about miracles.

And tonight, I choose to believe!

He orders drinks—apple juice for me and wine for him. We choose our appetizers and desserts and enjoy an incredible dinner while gazing at the glowing Earth.

I admire his face as he speaks, mouth full, excited.

"My parents want to meet you!"

I freeze, surprised.

"They do?"

"Of course, love. I told them about you and everything that’s been happening. My mom is eager to come here. She’s finishing up organizing the summer fashion shows, but they’ll be free soon."

"I’d love to meet them and hear their love story."

"Dramatic, like ours."

We smile together.

"But intense!" he adds.

"Jack…"

He quickly looks at me, attentive.

"I just wanted to thank you for caring so much about me. I love you."

He sets his plate aside and takes my hands, smiling.

"Clayre, I love you. I’d give my life for you. And what I said when we went camping still holds true—you’re my home now, my favorite place, my woman. And I’ll only leave if one day you don’t want me anymore, and honestly, I hope that never happens."

He sighs, smirks slightly.

"Clayre, will you be my girlfriend?"

A smile escapes me. We’ve been together, but we never needed to say the word, yet I liked hearing it.

"I want you all the time. And yes, I accept, officially."

Jack kisses my hand, sending warmth through my entire body, his gaze trailing from my lips down to my dress, stopping at my neckline.

"Time to return to Earth—I’ve missed you like crazy."

We stand together, and I take one last deep breath, admiring the magnificent view before heading to the car.

The way back feels even longer than the trip there—after all, we’ve been dreaming of this moment for days. We listen to music, and as we near the building, my body vibrates.

"Jack, my stomach feels weird."

His eyes shift from my face down to my belly.