“It’s beautiful,” I said.
Then, he turned to Nicholas. “Do you think it’s perfect for Amber?”
“What?” I cried.
“It’s yours,” Dad said. “Everything belongs to you. I know you’ve always wanted to have your own law firm.”
I looked at him. “My own law firm?”
“You are hardworking, and you are also smart. You can handle your own law firm. When I started, I didn’t know half the things you know.”
“Nicholas … but …”
“Amber, things could become complicated if we keep working together. I love you, and I don’t want anything to come between us. You deserve to have your own firm.”
“Amber, I’m sorry for doubting you,” Dad said. “I decided that your law firm will be in only the best part of town, so I can make it up to you.”
“Dad,” I cried, “thank you.”
“I believe in you, Amber,” Nicholas said with love in his tone. “Now, I have to work harder to keep my clients.”
We all laughed. I was overwhelmed with happiness.
I was glad my dad and Nicholas believed in me; they never gave up on me.
I hugged my father, and then I reached out my hand to pull Nicholas in for an embrace. Apart from Sybil, Nicholas and Dad were the most important people in my life; their love and support meant a lot to me.
Epilogue
Amber
A Year Later
It was astonishing how much a person’s life could change within a year. My law firm had become a success. It hadn’t surprised Nicholas, but I was still stunned whenever I thought about it. It’d won several awards—Best Start-Up of the Year, Most Efficient Law Firm of the Year, and so on. My firm was rated second because Nicholas’s firm was still the foremost law firm in New York City. I always teased Nicholas and reminded him to be careful because I planned to be the foremost law firm owner in the county.
Nicholas had become so close to my father; he was like his son. They played golf together and often hung out.
We’d officially been dating for a year. Nicholas and I were so much in love. He wasn’t a perfect man, but he loved me perfectly in so many ways. He would stay up all night to help me go over some tough cases. His words and counsel had guided me on so many occasions. The media termed us the power couple of the legal world.
Nicholas often took time off work, so we could spend more time together. Sometimes, we stayed on his yacht for weeks, sailing across the sea and its ports. Everything we did became an indelible memory that always brought a smile to my face.
We were on his yacht again to celebrate our first anniversary together.
Nicholas wanted to discuss something with the captain, so I decided to take a nap.
When I woke up, Nicholas wasn’t in the cabin. I changed out of my shorts and into a short gray satin dress. I decided to let my hair bounce around my shoulders. Then, I padded my way, barefoot, to the deck. The first thing that caught my eyes was the rose-pink teddy bear sitting on a table, decorated with rose petals. The teddy bear had huge, heart-shaped lettering on its chest, which said, I love you, Amber.
The sun was just setting, but I could feel its warm glow. I had butterflies in my stomach as I followed a trail of red rose petals. The breeze was cool and light. The world seemed to be the backdrop of a beautiful painting with birds chirping happily in the air. The sky was filled with multiple colors, illuminated by the final residue of the sunset.
I reached for a glass of fruit wine, which was placed beside a huge, oval-shaped chocolate cake. I took a sip, and I continued to follow the rose trail, which led to the outer deck. He was standing at the deck, staring at the sea.
My breath hitched when I noticed an amazing inscription on the floor. The words marry me were written on the pine floor with petals of roses.
He turned around, his lips curving into a smile. My heart fluttered with excitement as he went on one knee.
“Amber Cole, will you marry me?”
Tears streamed down my cheeks. This man was asking me to marry him with so much love and sincerity in his eyes. This man was the love of my life, the first man I’d truly loved.
“Yes, I will marry you!” I cried.
Nicholas scooped me into his arms, twirling me around. He turned to face the sea, and he screamed out, “She said yes!”
The birds chirped loudly, as if to echo his words.
He placed a tender kiss on my lips.
“I love you so much.”
“I love you, Amber,” Nicholas said between kisses. “You are the love of my life.”
The end … for now.