Color Blind (BWWM Interracial Billionaire Single Mom Steamy Romance Novel) (24 page)

“
I’m taking you out tomorrow night,” he said as he rubbed my shoulders.
 

“
We can’t leave Nevaeh,” I said.
 

“
I’ve already called Lorraine and she said she’ll sit with her. You’ve been so stressed out lately that I thought you could use a night out. These neck and back muscles are so tense.”
 

“
I know,” I said as I rolled my head, trying to loosen up. “Where are we going?”
 

“
It’s a surprise so I’m not at liberty to say, but you will need to wear something dressy.”

“
Oh, Dale, you know that I don’t have anything really nice, plus I’ve gained almost 15 pounds since I lost my job. All I do is sit around and eat. I’m
nearly
as big as the house. Pretty soon, you’ll be singing that Fatty, Fatty song.”
 

He laughed, “The what song?”

“
You’ve heard it, right?”

“
No? Sing it for me.”

“
Fatty, fatty two-by-four, can’t fit through the kitchen door!”

Laughing hysterically, he replied, “No, I’ve never heard that song. Where in the hell did you get that from?”

“
My brothers used to sing it to me when I was a kid. I told you they were a bunch of asses.”
 

“
That’s terrible. I’m sorry that I laughed.”

“
No, it’s okay. It actually kind of is a funny song, as long as you’re not a teenage girl.”

“
And you look beautiful. You can’t even tell that you’ve gained weight. Just wear a nice skirt and a blouse.”

“
I don’t know Dale. I really don’t feel like going out,” I sighed.
 

“
Please? What if I bought you
a lovely
pair of earrings to go out with? Would you let me take you to dinner then?” he teased.
 

“
Maybe. No, seriously, I’ll see what I can dig up out of my closet that might fit. What time are we going?”

“
I made our reservations for 6:30 PM. We should probably drop Nevaeh off at Lorraine’s house about an hour before so we have plenty of time to get down there in rush hour traffic and get parked and everything.”
 

“
Okay, but I’m just telling you right now. I haven’t been feeling too hot so if I poop out on you, it’s just because I’ve worn myself out lately.”

“
We’re going to have a great time. You just make sure you get plenty of rest and I’ll come pick you up.”

The next day, I was so tired. I tried napping in the
afternoon,
but I couldn’t fall asleep with the sun beaming through my windows. Restless, I rifled through my closet,
attempting
to find an outfit that would fit me. I finally settled on a dress that I’d bought when I first got pregnant with Nevaeh. It was a classic black dress with a V-neck that twisted around the V-line and tied in a neat knot. I liked it because it was the perfect length; not too long and not too short. It also showed off my figure, flattering my stomach, giving it a flat appearance.
 

Dale pulled up in front of my house right on time to pick us up. As we drove to Lorraine’s house, he commented on how
beautiful
I looked.
 

“
Thanks,” I said, “but I don’t feel like it.”
 

“
You’re gorgeous! But then again, you could wear a pair of sweats and have a messy ponytail and I’d still think you’re hot.”

“
Why are we going out to dinner again?”

“
To get you out of the house, to cheer you up, and to spend time together.”

“
Am I that miserable?” I asked as we took Nevaeh inside to drop her off.
 

“
No, but I like to see my doll happy. That’s all.”

On our way back out to the car, Lorraine yelled out to us, “Be careful and don’t worry if you stay out late. I’ll keep her until tomorrow.”
 

We waved goodbye as we drove off, heading towards downtown St. Louis.
 

“
It sure is nice out, isn’t it?” Dale asked as he admired the breathtaking sunset.
 

“
It is. The weather’s been
splendid
lately. Actually, it’s been kind of warm out for February.” I added.
 

“
Speaking of, what do you want to do for Valentine’s Day?”

“
Oh, God, I haven’t celebrated Valentine’s Day in forever! How about if we just stay home and watch movies or something?” I suggested.
 

“
Like what kind of movies? That sounds kind of boring.”

“
The Notebook is my favorite movie. Nicholas Sparks is the best author of all time, hands down. And just so you know, the Notebook is not boring. It’s awesome!”

“
Uh-huh, I see. Well, I’ll think about it and get back to you. I may have something else planned for the two of us,” he winked at me.
 

The valet took the keys and parked his car in a private parking garage as we stepped out in front of the restaurant. He wrapped his arm around the crook of my arm as we walked inside.
 

“
Name please?” the petite blonde asked when we stopped at the podium.
 

“
Dale Halloway,” he replied.
 

She scanned the reservation list for a moment. “Oh, yes, come with me,” she said, realizing who he was. “We have a private table for you hidden in the rear corner of the restaurant.”

He must be planning our Valentine dinner early, I thought, as we walked through the restaurant. Upon arriving at the table, he pulled out my chair as
a real
gentleman would.
 

“
After you,” he said, bowing to me.
 

“
Thank you,” I responded as I took my seat. “Is this an early Valentine’s dinner?”
 

“
No, I just thought we’d do something special tonight. I’ve never brought you here before so I thought I would show you what authentic Italian food tastes like. They fly in all of their wine and most of the menu straight from Italy.”

“
Nice!”

While the two of us enjoyed a quiet dinner and shared stories about our awkward teenage years, we laughed the night away. At the end of dinner, he asked the waitress for the check and handed her his credit card when she returned with the bill. When dinner was over, I was sad the night was coming to an end.
 

“
What’s wrong?” he asked as my smile faded.
 

“
Oh, it’s just that we had a great time and I’m sad to see it end.”

“
That’s funny you say that. I actually have another surprise for you. Follow me,” he said.

Curiously, I followed him outside, but the valet didn’t bring the car around. Instead, we began walking down the cobblestone street toward the
riverfront. I strolled along beside him as we neared the Mississippi River. At the end of the
road
where it branched off, I saw a horse carriage.
 

“
Those are so beautiful. I’d love to ride one
sometimes
,” I told him.
 

“
How come? What’s so neat about them?”

“
They’re just so romantic. I love the white horses that carry the black buggy. It’s like something you’d see in a movie.”

“
Hm, well, would you do me the honor?” He asked, holding out his hand as he stepped
into
the carriage.
 

“
What? Is this for
us
?”
 

“
Yes, it is. I told you that I had one more surprise for you, and this was it. Come on, get in.” He said, extending his hands to help me into the cart.
 

Trotting along the riverfront, we admired the river and the lighting of downtown St. Louis. The carriage stopped in front of the Arch. Dale got down on bended knee
inside
the carriage and took a deep breath.
 

“
Kimberly,” he began, “I love you and Nevaeh so much. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Will you marry me?”
 

“
Dale!” I cried. “Yes! Yes, I’ll marry you!”
 

He had
slipped
a brilliant, shiny diamond ring onto my finger before we began kissing. “Oh, Dale,” I said, marveling at my ring. “It’s beautiful!”
 

Tears ran down my cheek as he took his seat next to me when the carriage started moving again.
 

“
What’s wrong?” he asked, cupping my chin
in
his hand.
 

“
It’s just. It’s so beautiful. The whole night… the dinner, the carriage ride, the ring. Everything! You’re such an amazing man.”

“
You’re an amazing woman. I always pictured myself
with
a caring woman who always put her family first. That woman is you. You’ve shown me what love is, and I couldn’t imagine my life without you in it.”
 

“
Wait until I tell Lorraine! She’s going to flip!” I squealed.
 

“
She knows,” Dale smiled at me. “When I asked her to watch Nevaeh, she asked me why so I told her. She’s so happy for you. I’m sure she can’t wait to hear all the details.”
 

“
She knows? And she didn’t tell me? That rat!” I laughed.
 

“
Yep. I figured since your parents are gone, I’d ask your best friend for permission to marry you. She definitely approved.”

“
Did you show her my ring?”

“
No, I only told her my plans over the phone. I bet she’s dying to see it.”

“
I bet! It’s absolutely gorgeous!” I exclaimed, holding my hand out under the moonlight as the diamond shined under the St. Louis skylight.
 

The next morning when I picked up Nevaeh, I showed off my ring to Lorraine. “Look! This is my engagement ring, Lorraine! My engagement ring! I’m going to get married!” I sang as I held out my hand.
 

“
That’s some rock!” Lorraine said, holding my hand to get a better look at the gem.
 

“
When are you going to get married?”

“
I don’t know yet. I’ll have to start planning the wedding. I’d say sometime next year. That should be plenty of time, right? A year to plan a wedding? Plus, I have to tell my family!”
 

“
I’d say so. I planned mine and Tyrone’s wedding over the course of six months. It was kind of crazy and hectic, but you know me. I’m never boring,” we laughed.
 

“
Well, this weekend is Valentine’s weekend. I was thinking of making a special dinner at home with Dale. Could you keep Nevaeh for me or do you and Tyrone have plans?”
 

“
No plans that I know of. I’m sure we can watch her. I’ll come pick her up so you have time to get everything ready.”

Later that week, Nevaeh had her second injection of her new drug. She hadn’t had
many improvements
after the initial loading dose, but she didn’t let that stop her. I drove to her school on a daily basis to pick up her class work so she didn’t fall behind and the two of us did her lessons together. By the end of the week, Nevaeh was actually moving around a bit more; comfortably.
 

“
Nevaeh, I think you might be able to go to school next week,” I told her.
 

“
I think so too. I probably could’ve gone to school this week, but I didn’t want to push myself too hard. I’m ready to go back!”

“
Good, I’m glad. Listen, Lorraine’s going to keep you this weekend while Dale and I spend some time together.”
 

“
Yeah right, mom! I know it’s Valentine’s Day. You can’t fool me,” she laughed.

“
You’re right. I can’t fool you. Dale’s coming over early Friday afternoon, but I think Lorraine’s going to pick you up that evening.”
 

When Friday rolled around, Dale came strolling in right after lunch. Nevaeh saw a present in his hand.
 

“
Is that for me?” she asked, trying to see what was in his hand.