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smiled for his benefit, Grace secretly fought the urge to jump out of the moving car for not being able to contain herself.
    The city lights faded into the distance as Tanner maneuvered the car around a winding road. Massive trees stood on each side of it, providing shade and privacy. Fields of grass spread as far as the eye could see. Moonlight illuminated acres of land divided from the road by white wooden fences. A variety of impressive houses soon appeared on either side of the road. They screamed prosperity. Grace caught a spectacular view of immaculate chandeliers through the floor to ceiling windows of a few. Her attention became focused on a large two-story house after Tanner turned onto a paved driveway. It was white and had a wraparound porch. An inviting porch swing added charm. Vibrant flowers filled the garden. The Southern elegance before Grace was a sight to behold.
    “Home, sweet home,” Tanner announced.
    “Amazing,” Grace said. “It’s a far cry from the posh restaurant I expected.”
    “A restaurant had been my first choice,” he admitted. “But I decided to take you somewhere special. You see, my grandmother used to clean this house for the family who owned it many years ago. My grandfather was the groundskeeper. When I was young, my dad told me it had always been Granny’s dream to raise her family here, instead of someone else’s. So, I vowed to buy it one day. When it became available a few years ago, that’s what I did.”
    Grace detected the pride he felt for his home and his family. “I can tell it means a lot to you.”
    “More than you’ll ever know.”
    Moments later, she stood on the pavement and imagined the spacious yard filled with joyous children who resembled Tanner, while waiting to discover what came next.
    She didn’t have to wait long.
    “Close your eyes,” she heard him whisper. His breath teased the hairs on the back of her neck.
    Without protest, she complied. When he took her hand in his, her heart beat at an alarming rate. Sexual energy surged through her body. Excitement and arousal caused her to inwardly shudder. The anticipation to learn what Tanner had up his sleeve was pure agony. It kicked her in the gut. She struggled to steady herself as Tanner gently guided her up one step, then another. She heard the door creak open, and stepped over the threshold. The smell of cinnamon and spice scented the air. Her heels clicked on what sounded like hardwood floors. She had thought the journey through the house would never end, until she heard a door slide open, and the warm night air kissed her skin.
    Tanner released her hand. She inhaled deeply.
    “Open your eyes,” he said.
    Slowly, she acquiesced. Exhaling.
    “Oh, my!” She gasped, staring in disbelief.
    Tanner had transformed his backyard into a romantic hideaway. Her eyes swept over the enchanting moonlight garden. An array of white flowers illuminated it with beauty and purity. The display astounded her. Exquisite sculptures of goddesses and gods of Greek mythology struck regal poses throughout the garden. She drank in the view of a cherub garden fountain. Banana palm trees were situated near urns overflowing with lush greenery. She was taken aback by the enormous oblong swimming pool. Several golden votive candles floated in the water. Totally stunned, she watched Tanner light four porch torches positioned at each corner of the pool. Poolside, he laid a blanket. After putting large throw pillows and two wineglasses on top of the blanket, he rejoined her at the back sliding door.
    Grace stared at him, wide-eyed.
    “I’m sorry it’s not a five-star restaurant,” he said.
    “Better…much better,” Grace said, despite the lump lodged in her throat. No one had ever done anything so romantic, so sweet for her. She longed to linger in the moment. Words couldn’t describe how deeply moved she was. Thankfully, she had shame and good sense, or else she would have jumped up and down, screaming,