Devoted to Her (Dream Date Book 2) (40 page)

“I still don’t want you to lose your job. As I don’t
model anymore, I’m not busy enough to need an aide. However, my parents could
use your help.”

Kellan turned to look at the Tilleys. William nodded
at him.

“Whatever you need, son, count on us. We owe you for
saving our daughter’s life.”

“Thank you, sir,” Kellan said, nodding. He turned back
to Amanda.

“My family also asked me to tell you happy birthday.
They couldn’t be here.”

“That’s okay.”

Kellan nodded. He then excused himself and went to
talk to Caldwell.

Claire then walked up to Amanda.

“You look radiant, birthday girl,” she said.

“A woman never looks more beautiful than when she’s
happiest,” Nathan said, kissing Amanda’s hand.

“I’m glad things worked out between you two. You were
meant to be together.”

“Nathan and I would have never broken up if it wasn’t
for that woman scorned,” Amanda replied. “I’m sorry for doubting your love,
Nathan.”

“Don’t be. All that matters is that we’re happy now.”

Everyone sat down. The Tilleys got their own table.
Nathan sat with his father, Claire, and Ashton. A couple of waiters arrived
with their food a few moments later. With them came a new arrival.

“Look!” Emmy said to Amanda. They turned to see who
had just gotten there. It was Brad.

“Friend!” Amanda said. She stood up. Brad hugged her
when he reached her table. “You made it.”

“The movie has finished shooting, but either way, I
wouldn’t have missed your birthday.”

“I’m glad to see you here. You showed up just in the
nick of time.”

Brad chuckled. He and Amanda glanced at the waiters
serving the food.

“I’ll give you your gift later, okay?”

“Sure. Sit down wherever you like.”

Brad nodded. He sat down in Emmy’s and Judith’s table.
Amanda returned to her seat.

After passing the time with conversation, the group
finished eating. Marissa poked Nathan’s shoulder to get his attention.

“I think it’s time,” she said. Nathan looked toward
Amanda. She looked at them quizzically.

“What’s going on?”

“I have a special gift for you. Cameron?”

Cameron pulled out a guitar from a case he’d put under
the table where he was seated. He then stood up.

“This is an original song that I wrote on Nathan’s
request,” Cameron told them. “It’s called
The Date of My Dreams
, and
it’s dedicated to Amanda Tilley.”

Amanda looked at Nathan, awed. With the first chords, Cameron
started the song. Everyone quieted down to listen, even the other restaurant
customers. The song had an alt-rock feel with a romantic touch to it. To
Nathan’s surprise, Claire and a few of the others started doing dance moves
while on their seat. Amanda was beaming. Nathan grabbed her hand, squeezing it.

“It’s so beautiful,” she whispered. “I love you.”

“I love you, too.”

The song played for almost three minutes. Cameron
ended with an extended note, which faded out. Nathan pulled Amanda to him for a
short kiss.

“Did you like my gift?”

“Yes! Thank you, thank you. It was wonderful!”

“I knew you’d like it,” Nathan said. “Thanking Marissa
is also in order. She helped me.”

Amanda looked toward Marissa. The latter winked,
showing a thumbs-up.

“I loved the song. It was beautiful.”

Nathan took both of Amanda’s hands. He looked at her,
taking a deep breath.

“I have another gift for you.”

Amanda’s eyes widened. Nathan kneeled in front of her.
Amanda brought a hand to her mouth, realizing what he was about to do. Nathan
pulled out something from his suit pocket. It was a small, black box. Nathan
didn’t look away from Amanda.

“I love you more than I could possibly love any other
woman, Amanda. You mean everything to me in the whole universe.” Nathan opened
the box. Everyone was silent. Amanda looked at the gorgeous silver diamond ring
that Nathan held. He continued. “Would you, Amanda Victoria Tilley, make me the
happiest man ever by becoming my fiancée?”

Amanda was so excited that she began to cry in
happiness. She nodded, and joy flashed in Nathan’s eyes.

“Yes! Yes, yes, yes. I will marry you.”

Nathan grabbed Amanda’s left hand. He slid the ring on
her finger. She lifted her hand up to look. The middle diamond was large. Two
smaller emeralds flanked it. There were also tiny diamonds on the ring band.

“It’s dazzling, love,” Amanda said.

“The emeralds represent your dazzling eyes. And the
diamond is radiant cut…for a radiant woman.”

Nathan and Amanda kissed each other. Everyone else
whooped and clapped their hands at them.

“Congratulations!” Ashton said. Nathan and Amanda
looked toward him, blushing.

“Let’s toast to the new couple,” William said.
Everyone raised their glasses.

“To the new couple!” everyone said in unison. They
then drank. Amanda and Nathan looked at each other again. He wiped a tear from
her face.

“I love you, forever.”

Nathan moved for
another kiss.

THE END

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ivan Kendrick
dreamed of writing books since he was in high school. Now that he’s free from
the demands of schoolwork, he has extra time to devote to his passion for
books. Kendrick prefers reading romances, mysteries, and thrillers—especially
when they have strong, beautiful women and/or cool tech. When he’s not writing,
Kendrick spends his time learning more about computers or playing videogames.

Kendrick currently lives in a small
humdrum town in south Texas. He looks forward to moving to a better city. Due
to being a fan of superheroes like Iron Man, Kendrick is fond of big cities with
tall buildings.

http://authorivankendrick.wordpress.com

Twitter: @IvanKendrick

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BOOKS BY IVAN KENDRICK

THE DREAM DATE SERIES

Dream Date (Book 1)

Devoted to Her (Book 2)

Book 3 coming in 2016

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