Richard and Maine finally bid Warren and Laura goodbye as soon as the girls returned from the bathroom.
"I hope we could meet up again soon" Laura said with a smile as she gave Maine a hug.
"We can take you on a tour around the city" Warren suggested. "We can show you the different interesting spots that only true blue New Yorkers know about"
"That's a great idea" Richard agreed. "Thank you so much for the offer" he said with a smile. He extended his hand to both Warren and Laura and bid them both goodbye.
"We'll see you again soon" Maine said smiling at the couple who have become their instant friends.
After waving goodbye, Richard and Maine started heading down the sidewalk towards their apartment. They did not bother taking the car as the restaurant was near enough and it was a beautiful day to take a walk. As they walked down the block, Richard reached out and took Maine's hand. Maine looked at Richard in surprise but she did not say anything. She looked at their intertwined hands in wonder. They've never really held hands before except during occasional affairs such as formal dinners for the company where in people would be watching them. Holding hands simply because they were walking on the street was something very new to her. The simple gesture exuded an aura of "togetherness" and she couldn't help but imagine that even just for a moment they were a normal couple in a normal relationship. The feel of Richard's hand on hers was very comforting and she did not want to let go.
They walked in comfortable silence enjoying the sights and sounds of the busy city. Richard did not let go of her hand all through out and she felt her cheeks flush as she felt him caressing her palm with his thumb.
"Did you have fun during lunch?" Maine asked breaking the silence. She wanted to distract herself from the wave of emotions that he was causing her.
"Yes I did" Richard said as he looked at Maine with a small smile on his face. "Warren is very knowledgeable about art. He actually got me interested in sculpting"
Maine smiled back. "So are you going to give it a try?" She asked.
"Maybe, I think I'll try it out just for fun. Warren suggested a few good books on sculpting that I can check out" Richard replied.
Maine was glad that he seemed to have hit it off with Warren given he was quite wary about him initially.
As they were walking they passed by a small flower stand. "Flowers, get your flowers here" the lady manning the stall called out to them with a smile. Maine couldn't help but smile at the burst of colorful flowers displayed. Richard glanced at his wife and saw the smile on her face. He started to head towards the stall pulling Maine along with him.
"Where are we going" Maine asked in confusion. She had a bewildered expression on her face as Richard stopped in front of the flower stall.
"What beautiful flowers you have" Richard commented smiling back at the lady behind the stall.
"Thank you" the lady replied with a pleased look in her eyes. "We have a lot of different kinds of flowers available. Why don't you get some for the lovely lady beside you?" She suggested.
"Do you have some red tulips by any chance?" Richard inquired.
"Yes, as a matter of fact we do" the lady replied.
"Then I would like a dozen please" Richard requested his hand tightening around Maine's.
"Honey?" Maine said with a questioning look in her eyes. He glanced at her offering her a smile but did not say anything.
The lady finally returned holding an exquisite bouquet of red tulips and handed it over to Richard. He accepted them with a smile as he thanked and paid the lady. He then turned towards Maine and handed the bouquet to her.
Maine's jaw dropped in surprise as she reached out and took the bouquet. "Thank you. But what is this for?" she asked shyly.
"Why? Do I need an occasion to give you flowers?" He asked her with a smirk on his handsome face. "I think I can buy flowers for my wife anytime I want to"
Maine stared at Richard as if he had grown another head. What has gotten into him? He had been acting so differently since he arrived.
"I think it's about time that we head back to the apartment" Ricard said before Maine could react. "I'm sure you're tired. You should rest first before we go out for dinner tonight"
"We're going out?" Maine asked, her eyes widened in surprise. Richard did not mention anything about it earlier. Her husband sure has a lot of surprises up his sleeve today.
"I found this restaurant at the corner of 43rd and 9th streets that I wanted to try out. I hope you don't mind" Richard replied.
"Oh, I don't mind" Maine assured him. "I was just surprised that's all"
Richard grinned at his wife as he reached out and took her hand again. He couldn't seem to stop holding her hand. Contentment seemed to seep from the top of his head down to the tips of his toes everytime he felt Maine's warm hand against his. It was a wonderful feeling and he was not willing to give it up.
It was already quarter to four by the time they reached the apartment. Maine headed towards the kitchen to search for a vase for the tulips. She was surprised when Richard announced that he was leaving again.
"But we just got home?" Maine asked in surprise.
"I just remembered that mom wanted me to run some errands for her while I'm here. I think it would be best to get them out of the way" he reasoned out.
"Can't you just do it tomorrow?" she requested. She couldn't see the reason why he had to do it now. They would be staying in New York for a few more weeks anyway. He would have plenty of time to finish everything during their stay there.
"Mon wants to have it done as soon as possible" Richard explained. "Don't worry, I won't take long. I'll be back before you know it"
"Okay" Maine finally agreed. Her husband seemed to be determined to do it now and besides she wouldn't want her mother in law to get mad at Richard for not following her instructions.
Richard smiled and leaned over to give her a peck on the lips. "I'll be right back" he said and headed towards the door.
Maine settled herself on the sofa as soon as Richard left. He had been acting really strange and she couldn't figure out why. He was still the same and yet so different. Maine was having a hard time describing it. Over-all he was still the same old Richard but it was the little things that was making her confused. He seems to be more affectionate towards her and there was a twinkle in his eye that she could not put a name on. Maine used to pride her self on her ability to read Richard like a book. Seven years of friendship enabled her to detect any hint of sadness, anger, happiness, doubt, and fear by just looking into his eyes. But now, there was a certain glint in his eyes that she's having a hard time deciphering. As far as she knows, she's never seen it in his eyes before. It's been there since he followed her at the Empire State Building and it remained there eversince.
Maine had been so distracted with her thoughts that she did not realize she had been staring into space for the past thirty minutes. The peal of the doorbell brought her back to the present. Expecting it was Richard, Maine rushed to the door but found her bodyguard instead. He was holding a package wrapped in brown paper. He handed it to her as soon as she opened the door.
"Mr. Faulkerson wants me to give this to you" he said as he held it out towards Maine.
She reached out for it with a confused look on her face. "Where is he?" She asked.
"He said he'll be back in a while" Maine's bodyguard replied.
She thanked him and headed back inside. Filled with curiosity, she opened the package and let out a gasp as soon as she saw what was inside. It was a beautiful portrait of Venus, the goddess of beauty. A cream colored envelope was also inside and Maine gently placed the painting down in order to read the note.
The goddess of beauty is nothing compared to you…
The short statement was written in Richard's hand writing. Maine could feel her self grow warm with his words. She immediately grabbed her phone to call him but he did not pick up. She called him five times but all of her calls went straight to voice mail.
"Where is he?!" She wondered aloud in frustration. She paced back and forth in the sitting room waiting for him to arrive. Suddenly the door bell rang again and Maine rushed to the door. To her disappointment it was her bodyguard again.
"We have a delivery ma'am" he announced with a slight bow and stepped aside to let the delivery men in.
Maine dropped her jaw in shock as bouquet after bouquet of red roses was brought in to their apartment. In an instant the entire sitting room was filled with flowers. One of the delivery men handed her a note before leaving. With trembling hands she opened the note and read it.
The language of flowers has never been so sweet.
The note was again written in Richard's hand writing. Maine picked up her phone and started dialing again. She had to talk to him. She's now desperate to know what was going on. She tried calling Richard five more times but all her calls were left unanswered.
Maine plopped into the sofa and gave out a frustrated sigh. She checked her watch and found that it was almost six in the evening.
For the third time, the door bell rang and Maine had to maneuver her way around the bouquets of flowers in order to get to the door. Her bodyguard was standing on the door again this time holding out two packages.
She took the packages from him and brought them to her bedroom. The first package contained a beautiful red cocktail dress that reached her ankles. The smaller package on the other hand contained black strappy shoes that perfectly matched the dress. There was a short note attached to the package.
I'll see you at 7 tonight.
Maine stared at the note in bewilderment. That was it? Not even a short explanation of what was happening? He had filled the apartment with flowers, compared her to the goddess of beauty and sent her mysterious short notes that had her tingling with anticipation. Now he wanted her to meet him as if nothing out of the ordinary happened?
Maine was dying with curiosity and anticipation but it looks like she just need to trust Richard with this one. She's going to see him soon anyway and she sure is going to bombard him with questions as soon as she sees him.
Maine was restless all through out the car ride. She had no idea where she was going. When she went down the apartment, the driver was already waiting for her at the curb. She couldn't wait to see her husband. There were so many questions running through her head right now. The painting and the flowers had all come as a surprise. She did not want to allow her self to hope but she couldn't seem to stop herself.
At exactly 7pm, Maine emerged from the car wearing the dress and shoes that Richard had sent her. The driver brought her in front of a chic restaurant downtown. Maine's heart skipped a beat as soon as she spotted him, who was dressed in a dark dinner jacket and dress pants, waiting for her near the entrance of the restaurant.
Maine headed purposefully towards him armed with a slew of questions that she had wanted to ask. But before she could open her mouth, he placed a finger on her lips prompting her to be quiet. He seemed to have anticipated her intention to bombard him with questions.
"You'll know in time" he murmured as if answering all her silent questions. He moved his finger away from her lips to tuck away a strand of curl that had fallen on her face.
Maine stared back at Richard deciding if she should trust him or bombard him with questions. Her mind is about to burst with curiosity. She gazed into his eyes and spotted that unfamiliar glint that seemed to hold a lot of unsaid promises. She finally decided to keep quiet and trust him.
Richard held out his arm and Maine wound her arms around his. Together they entered the restaurant and the maitre'd seated them in one of the quiet and secluded areas. Maine looked around her surroundings appreciatively. She had to admit, Richard made a good choice on this one. The restaurant was beautiful without being too over bearing. The aura of luxury that it exuded was subtle and felt comfortable. In one corner a grand piano was situated and the pianist was playing mellow and enchanting tunes that added on the romantic ambiance of the restaurant.
"It's a beautiful place!" Maine whispered to Richard admiringly.
"I'm glad you liked it" he answered her with a smile.
The waiter finally arrived and the next few minutes found them busy deciding on what to choose from the appetizing menu that the chef was offering for the night. When they finally selected their orders and Richard had chosen the wine to go with it, the waiter left and they were alone again.
Maine gazed at her husband across the table. "I haven't had the chance to thank you" she said.
Richard raised his eyebrows at her. "What for?" He asked.
"For the painting and the flowers you sent this afternoon" Maine reminded him.
"Oh that" he said with a smirk. "Did you like them?" He inquired.
She nodded in response. "But what were they for? It's not my birthday or anything?" She asked curiously.
"I think it's quite normal for a husband to give his wife gifts" be replied mysteriously.
Maine sighed quietly in frustration. It looks like she wouldn't be getting any answers from Richard anytime soon.
Their food soon arrived and they spent the next forty five minutes enjoying their food and sharing a light and easy conversation together. Maine had decided to put aside her curiosity for now and instead focused on enjoying the evening with Richard.
When they were finally done eating Maine focused her attention on the pianist and smiled appreciatively. He was very good and she was enjoying the music. Suddenly Richard stood up from his seat.
"Where are you going?" Maine asked in surprise.
Richard gave her a mysterious smile but did not respond. Instead he headed towards the pianist and spoke to him for a few minutes. She watched her husband wondering what he was up to. To her astonishment the pianist stood from his seat and Richard took his place. He caught Maine's gaze and gave her a playful wink. Then he turned his attention back to the piano keys and started playing. Maine realized that it was one of her favorite songs, (Feels Like Home by Chantal Kreviazuk). Maine watched her husband as his hands glided across the ivory keys. She never knew Richard could play the piano. She's always known that he played the guitar since it was what he played during their pretend date all those years ago when he helped her get back at that good for nothing ex-boyfriend of hers. It was a night that she would forever remember. It was the night that she had fallen in love with him.
The crowd broke into a round of applause as soon as he finished and he gave a small bow before returning to their table. As soon as he was near enough, Richard held out his hand towards Maine.
"Would you like to dance?" He asked. The pianist had returned to his seat and was playing another soulful love song.
Maine gave a small nod as she reached out to put her hand on his. Richard guided her to the dance floor and gathered her into his arms. They swayed slowly with the music and Maine could not help but rest her head on his chest, enjoying their closeness.
"Are you having fun?" Richard asked softly as he held Maine close to him.
"Yes, everything is beautiful" she agreed with a sigh.
"It's a wonderful night to fall in love don't you think?" Richard whispered softly against Maine's ear.
Maine drew a sharp breath as soon as she heard Richard's words. She pulled back a little bit to look questioningly into his eyes. He looked back at her with a gentle smile on his face.
"Honey?" Maine started to ask. He had been talking in riddles all night and Maine couldn't take it anymore.
"Come, I have something to show you" Richard murmured as he guided Maine towards the exit. She followed him quietly as her heart thudded rapidly in her chest.
Maine let out a small gasp as soon as they stepped out of the restaurant. A horse drawn carriage was parked right in front. Richard offered Maine his coat and led her towards the carriage.
"Shall we?" Richard asked with a smirk as he extended out his hand to help her get in. Maine looked at the carriage and then at Richard as she tried to process what was going on. He had given her one surprise after the other that her heart seemed to have a hard time keeping up. If Richard's intention was for her to fall completely in love with him with no chances of recovering then he has succeded, hands down.
Maine reached out tentatively to hold his hand and he gently helped her into the carriage. Richard followed and sat close beside her as he placed a cashmere blanket over their lap to protect them from the cold. As the carriage started to move, he reached out and took Maine's hand in his.
They rode in silence for a while. Maine glanced slightly at Richard wanting to see his face. What is he thinking right now? She wondered silently. His countenance wore a contented expression as he softly traced circles on Maine's palm with his finger.
Maine shivered at the sensations that his touch was bringing her. She had wanted so much to speak up and ask what was happening between them right now but she was robbed of speech for the moment. Her poor heart pounded incessantly in her chest. She was nervous and excited at the same time. Her instinct was telling her that something big was going to happen.
Finally after what seemed like eternity, Richard spoke up. He wore a somber expression as he turned towards Maine and looked into her eyes.
"Do you remember the promise I made to you before?" He asked.
Maine had a perplexed look in her eyes as she gazed back at him. She wasn't really sure what promise he was referring to.
Richard took a deep breath before continuing.
"Remember when we made our agreement, I told you that you could leave this marriage any time you want to?" He reminded her.
Maine's breathing became erratic. What was Richard trying to say? Maine thought fearfully.
"I realized that I could not keep that promise anymore" he announced to her.
"What do you mean?" Maine whispered.
"I can't let you go Maine. I don't seem to be capable of doing that anymore" Richard whispered back.
Maine's heart skipped a beat as she tried to understand the meaning of his words. She opened her mouth to speak but Richard held his finger against her lips.
"Instead, I'm offering you another promise and I hope that you would consider it" Richard uttered in a tender voice. He reached into his pocket and produced a small velvet box and handed it to Maine.
Maine reached for the box with trembling hands and opened it slowly. Nestled inside was a platinum band that had an inlay of diamonds all around. The beautiful gems winked against the soft light as Maine gazed at it in awe.
"They call it an eternity ring" Richard explained softly.
"I'm promising you forever honey"