I tapped Ava on the shoulder and nodded toward the door. She followed my eyes where her gaze latched with Dean’s. She smiled enormously and ran across the conference room, jumping into her father’s arms. He kissed her on the cheek and congratulated her, whispering something in her ear. He walked over to me and stuck out his hand, shaking mine strongly and laughing as he shook his head. Everything had turned out exactly like a romantic comedy that I would find Ava watching on lazy Sundays.
After the party, and after everyone had gone home for the night, we jumped into the car and headed back home to the penthouse. I watched as we drove through the streets of New York, the lights casting moving shadows in the car. I looked over at Ava and almost lost my breath, realizing just how beautiful she really was. She was glowing with excitement from the day, and I could tell she was more excited to plan a wedding than she thought she would be. With her meticulous planning and my bank account, it was going to be one of the biggest events of the year for our circle of friends and colleagues.
That night, lying in bed next to her, I turned over and watched her sleep. I was such a lucky man to have a woman as beautiful as Ava, with a heart of gold, and a personality that could bring me to my knees. I never thought I would have another chance for a family, and I assumed that I would one day retire from MJ and live alone and quiet in my penthouse. Now, I had my soulmate to share my life with and that was immeasurable. I loved Ava Markus with everything in my body, and I was determined to put her first and protect her for the rest of our lives.
I never thought my life would have a fairy tale ending, but there I was, planning the rest of my life, with my partner and soul mate by my side.