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Chapter 46
Being with Richie on tour was heaven. He showered her with attention and gifts but the part she loved the most was being able to fall asleep every night and wake the next morning in his arms. Now, Friday night, they were in Queens at the Kaufman Astoria Studios getting ready to do the video for ‘Superman Tonight’ and Jesse was about to get the surprise Richie had been planning for since their trip to Laguna Beach. Everyone was in various stages of getting ready; Richie was still in make-up with Tico, Jon was talking with the director; and extras were milling around the set. Jesse was waiting in a chair where Richie had directed her to sit while Billy stood off to the side keeping an eye on her.
Billy spotted the flower delivery guy Richie had told him to expect and approached him. “The lady you’re looking for is right over there,” he said as he pointed Jesse out. Before he left, Billy slipped him the $50 Richie had left as a tip.
“Thanks.”
The guy picked his way through the cables and equipment to where Jesse sat and tapped her on her shoulder. “Jesse James?”
“Yes.”
“This is for you,” he said as he handed her a long box.
Jesse was unaware of the entire soundstage coming to a complete stop as she untied the red ribbon on the box. She eased the top off to find a dozen long-stem red roses.
Sister Mary, one of the nuns Jon had chosen to be in the video, was sitting next to Jesse and asked, “Who are they from?”
“Probably Richie but….” She found the card and took it out of the envelope. In Richie’s handwriting, I don’t want to be your Superman tonight…I want to be your Superman forever. Will you marry me? Richie
She’d missed him slip over to her and kneel down until she looked up. He held an open box in front of her and her wide eyes filled with tears. In a whisper, she asked, “You’re serious?”
“I’ve never been more serious in my life. Jessica, will you marry me?”
“Yes!” she breathed.
Richie took the ring out of the box and slipped it onto her finger. Then he stood and took the roses from her handing them to Sister Mary so that he could take Jesse into his arms in a fierce hug. The entire room cheered as the couple kissed.
Pulling back, Richie looked into her eyes and asked, “How’s June 27th sound to you?”
“For what?”
“To get married.”
“June 27th…..2010?”
“Yes.”
“Won’t we be in London?”
“Yes.”
Jesse looked at Richie like he had three heads but all of a sudden, the light came on…the questions about her dream wedding, making a list of places to visit in London, looking at flowers in Dallas. It had all been leading to this.
Richie saw the light come on and smiled. “I have St. Paul’s Cathedral reserved for that day and a priest. I’ve also made arrangements for us to fly to London at the end of April to get you a wedding gown from David and Elizabeth Emanuel, the couple who designed Princess Diana’s gown.”
“All the phone calls?”
“Yeah,” nodded Richie with a smirk. “Do you need time to think it over?”
Jesse’s smile spread to her tear-filled eyes. “I’ve never needed time to think anything over when it came to you, Richie. June 27th is perfect!”
Richie let out a resounding ‘Yes’ as he hugged her again, this time picking her up and spinning her. The others gathered around to wish them their congratulations. Unfortunately, Jon had to break up the party so they could get started on the video. Richie gave her a quick kiss before taking his place on the set.
Jesse was alone again. She lifted her hand to look closer at the ring that adorned her left finger. It was a Princess cut diamond that she guessed to be about two carats set in 18 k gold. There were ten smaller diamonds set into the band as well. She knew exactly when he’d ordered it and sighed with contentment. Richie was everything she’d ever dreamed of in a guy.
* * * * * *
A solitary figure stood in the shadows taking in the entire scene. When everyone went back to work on the set, he slipped out and made a phone call. “They’re engaged.”
