Chapter 427
When Caitlin spoke, Gordon stood frozen in place, struggling to process what he’d just heard.
Wait, what?
Had he heard her right?
Caitlin didn’t believe in marriage?
Why?
He was about to blurt out that he wanted them to go public, that he wanted a real, official relationship—a place in her life he could claim openly. He didn’t want to be someone she kept in the shadows.
But before he could say a word, Caitlin continued, “Gordon, you’re not the marrying type either, right? We’re pretty much on the same page. So, if you’re okay with my terms, let’s give this a shot p>
If he agreed, they could try being together?
What if he didn’t?
Hearing this, Gordon felt so miserable he could cry.
He wanted to shout that he and Caitlin were nothing alike!
But he didn’t dare.
He knew all too well-if he even hinted at disagreeing, Caitlin would turn and walk away without looking back.
He felt wretched, but he couldn’t say a thing.
Not only could he not object, he had to pretend to be thrilled. “You’re right, Catie, we really do think alike. Honestly, I worry everything would get too complicated if we went public p>
As he finished speaking, Gordon seemed to conjure magic-he pulled a small jewelry box from his pocket, flipped open the lid, and revealed a diamond-studded bracelet. “Catie, if you’re willing to give us a chance, let me put this bracelet on you p>
Caitlin rolled up her sleeve and offered her left hand. “Alright, I’ll give you a chance p>
Ecstatic, Gordon gingerly lifted the bracelet from its box and clasped it around her wrist, his hands shaking with nerves.
Caitlin’s skin was pale, almost translucent, and her wrist was slender and delicate. The diamonds glittered beautifully against her porcelain skin, catching a shaft of sunlight that broke through the clouds and sent rainbows scattering in every direction.
“You have good taste,” Caitlin said, admiring the bracelet, her eyes crinkling with a smile.
Seeing the bracelet he’d so carefully chosen now resting on her wrist, Gordon’s worries melted away. He swept Caitlin up in his arms and spun her in circles right where they stood.
“Catie, I love you p>
He loved her deeply, desperately.
Even if Caitlin didn’t believe in marriage now, Gordon was sure that one day, somehow, his love would change her mind.
He’d convince her-he had to.
Halfway through spinning her, a sudden thought struck him. He quickly set her down, looking anxious. “Wait-am I even allowed to hug you right now p>
After all, they’d only just made things official. He’d been so overwhelmed, he’d acted without thinking, just instinctively pulling her close.
What if Caitlin thought he was too forward, too casual?
“You can,” she replied, and then slipped her arms around his waist.
He smelled faintly of pine, clean and fresh, a scent Caitlin adored. It was comforting, almost addictive.
No one could have guessed how ecstatic Gordon was at that moment. Until now, he’d only ever held Caitlin like this in his dreams.
He looked down at her, his gaze filled with nothing but her. “Catie, are you sure I’m not dreaming p>
He was terrified this was all just a figment of his imagination, nothing more than another mirage.
He’d been disappointed too many times before.
“You’re not dreaming,” Caitlin said
softly, looking up at him with a dimpled smile that seemed to draw hima. “We’re attracted to each other. We really do like each other.
Caitlin never hid her feelings.
In that instant, Gordon wondered if he was dreaming or just hearing things.
“Catie, pinch me,” he said suddenly.
Caitlin blinked, a little surprised—she’d never had anyone make that request before.
Without waiting for her, Gordon grabbed her hand and smacked himself hard across the face.
Smack!
It stung.
But even through the pain, Gordon was grinning, giddy with happiness. “Amazing, Catie! I’m not dreaming! This is real! It’s really happening p>
“From today on, you’re my girlfriend p>
He lifted her off the ground again and spun her in a dizzy circle. “Catie, I love you!
I love you p>
So much more than words could say!
Bang!
Just then, a burst of heart-shaped balloons rose up from the sea of crimson roses around them.
Pink, red, white-balloons of every shade mingled together, drifting into the sky and creating a breathtaking spectacle.
It was impossible to look away.
And on each balloon, in bold letters, was printed: [Miss Kensington, I love you p>
Gordon had even arranged for a little envelope inside every balloon, each with a surprise inside.
Some had twenty-dollar bills, some a hundred he’d spared no expense,
wanting the whole world to
celebrate with him. He finally won Miss Kensington’s heart; this called for a serious celebration.
“Wow, it’s beautiful,” Caitlin murmured, arms draped over his shoulders as she gazed up at the sky. “Gordon p>
“Yeah?” Gordon kept holding her close. “What is it p>
“How long did it take you to put all this together?” she asked, eyes still skyward.
He looked up too. “Three days p>
“Do you like it?” he asked eagerly.
“I do,” Caitlin nodded, but then added, “But isn’t it a little unsafe to release so many helium balloons at once? And not exactly eco-friendly p>
Helium was safer than hydrogen, but the balloons themselves weren’t great for the environment; she didn’t want their romance to become a burden on society.
Gordon grinned. “Don’t worry, Miss Kensington. The balloons are made from biodegradable material, and theyre filled with hel
ith helium, hot
noto
hydrogen-no risk of explosions p>
Caitlin nodded approvingly. “Mr. Sylvester, your eco-awareness is impressive! You
deserve a gold star p>
Gordon arched an eyebrow, lips curving into a playful smile. “A gold star’s nice,
but don’t I get a real reward p>