Chapter 19: Chapter 19

Leo

I led us back out to the car and drove to the restaurant overlooking the bay. It was near the beach and boardwalk we had just visited. I pulled up to the front door where a man was waiting to take our car. I helped Austyn out of her seat and tipped the valet.

I watched Austyn’s eyes light up and her lips part in a silent gasp as she looked over the restaurant. It was dimly lit with a roaring fire and candles burning everywhere. There were twinkly lights hanging from the exposed wooden beams. The tables were spaced apart to allow for privacy. I gave the hostess my name and she led us to our table in the very back of the restaurant, next to the fireplace.

“This is amazing, Leo.” Austyn gasped as I pushed in her chair.

“I’m glad you like it.” I grinned proudly, sitting down across from her.

“This is definitely the fanciest place I’ve ever been to.” She nodded.

“I’m glad I get to be the one to experience it with you.” I reached across the table for her hand.

The waiter arrived and handed me the wine list. I chose something for myself and a sweet tea for Austyn, knowing that she was still underaged. The waiter handed us the menus and quietly walked away.

“There are so many options.” Austyn stared at the menu with wide eyes.

“Would you like me to make a recommendation?” I asked. Austyn snapped the menu shut and sat it down,

“Just pick for me.” She shrugged.

“Okay, if you want.” I asked skeptically. I didn’t want to assume control or overstep, causing my mate to feel stuck or anxious.

“Yes, I don’t have any idea what to order at a place like this.” She said.

“Your wish is my command, love.” I smirked and she shook her head at me with a small smile.

The waiter came back and I ordered us both a salad to start, then a steak for me and eggplant parmesan for Austyn as the main course. I knew she had food allergies so I was careful to avoid them and chose a gluten free option. The waiter asked if we wanted the gluten free breadsticks and Austyn nodded eagerly, seeming excited about food for the first time since we arrived at the restaurant.

“I like bread that doesn’t make me sick.” She shrugged as she tore apart a breadstick with her teeth. I couldn’t help but chuckle at my adorable mate.

“I can see that.”

“Are you making fun of me?” She narrowed her eyes at me and I quickly shook my head,

“Never, baby.” It wasn’t long before our food arrived and we both dug in. I was proud to see that I had chosen correctly for my mate and that she loved her food.

“Austyn?” I asked, staring at her beauty when she wasn’t looking.

“Yes?” She raised her eyes to look at me innocently.

“Are you happy?” She sat down the fork she was using, seeming caught off guard by my question.

“Am I happy?”

“Yeah, here, with me, are you happy?” I asked again.

“Honestly, Leo,” She sighed and I braced myself for the impact of her words,

“This is the happiest I’ve ever been.” Her words literally made my heart stop. I’m pretty sure I died for a second. I stared at her with my eyes wide and my mouth hanging open.

“Are you okay?” Austyn was watching me almost like she was contemplating whether or not I needed CPR.

“You’ve just made me the happiest man in the world, Austyn-Rose.” An earth shattering grin broke out across my face. Austyn giggled, blushing behind her hand.

“No one ever calls me that.” She said out of the blue.

“What?”

“Austyn-Rose.” She clarified.

“Does it bother you when I do?” I asked in concern. She shook her head,

“No. My Dad was the only other person who ever used my full name. I kind of like hearing it again.” She admitted with a shrug, trying to act like it meant less than it did.

“Well, I like saying it.” I smiled. The waiter came back and offered us the check. Austyn announced that she had to use the restroom before we left. She went off to find it while I paid the bill.