Mr. Valentine's Heart

Found

~Cherise~

I smooth the dress over my body, looking in the mirror again. I’m nervous, very nervous. I get to go outside today, which I haven’t done… well, ever. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve been out and about since I’ve been here, but this is an actual outing with other people.

Alexi kept me locked up for years. I could never go out in a crowd or be around other people. I still don’t know why that is, but I know I hated it. Living here, I have been able to explore the world. Some things leave a feeling of familiarity, but nothing brought anything back to me completely.

I turn my head and continue looking in the mirror. I had to get help picking out a dress because I had no idea how to do such things. The saleswoman and Lyrissa were very helpful. I’ve been getting to know Lyrissa, and I like her a lot. She’s a great person, and I enjoy spending time with her.

Lyrissa helped me pick out am emerald green, sleeveless A-line dress with a plunging neckline and slit on the right. It fits me like a glove, showing just enough cleavage to be sexy and not too much to be tacky. I’m nervous that Caleb won’t like what he sees, but I’m trying to be optimistic. My hair is in an updo, exposing my neck, and my makeup is light.

The knock on the door breaks me from my thoughts. I let out a deep breath and slowly walk to the door. When I open the door, the air rushes out of my body. Caleb has always been an attractive man, but him in a tux is next-level hotness.

Caleb stands in a black tuxedo with the lines down the side of the legs. It’s the same material that is on the lapel of his jacket. He finished it off with a black bow tie, and I just want to eat him alive. Caleb’s eyes run up and down the length of my body, making my skin hot.

Caleb asked me if I loved him, but I didn’t answer him. I didn’t answer him because I wasn’t ready or able to admit my feelings for him. I do love him, and it’s crazy to me because I haven’t known him long. How the hell could I fall in love so fast with someone I really don’t know? I don’t have an answer to that, but I can feel it in my bones. “I can’t even say you look amazing because that doesn’t cover it.” I feel the smile grow on my face and take a step back.

“You already know how good you look so there’s no reason to voice it.” Caleb slips one hand in his pocket.

“Do I? Hmm, you can always tell me anyway.”

“And let you get a big head? Nah, I don’t think that’s a good idea.” Caleb throws his head back and laughs. He turns to the side and pushes his arm out, bent at the elbow.

“Shall we?” I take his arm, grabbing my evening bag and locking up behind me. My eyes widen at the limo parked on the curb. As far as I know, I’ve never ridden in a limo before, so I’m pretty excited.

The ride to the venue didn’t take long. Caleb kept me entertained with small talk. He’s the first to get out of the limo, and I wait for him to come to my side. The door opens, and Caleb sticks his hand inside. I grab it and let him lead me out, only to be met with a barrage of flashing lights. I'm not prepared for the attention and intentionally keep my head down in hopes of keeping my face out of the pictures.

When we step inside the building, Caleb stops and wraps his arms around me. “I’m so sorry I didn’t prepare you.”

“Uh, it’s okay. I just wasn’t prepared for the pictures.” Caleb kisses me on my forehead.

“I know and I should have thought about that. I’ll make sure you face stays obscure.” I nod and take a few deep breaths. “Let’s have a magical night.”

~Alexi~

I drop my duffle bag on the floor of my hotel room. I’m just not getting to Misty Falls, having to run to the pack to handle some business. Now that I’m here, I can figure out how best to approach this situation. I don’t plan to leave until I know where my wife is. She’s been gone much too long, and I’m sick of it.

I order some room service, starving from the long trip. I turn on the television while I wait for my food. I flip through the channels, bored at what is being offered for viewing. I stop on a news channel that’s running a late report.

Locally, the news covers the events of the day. I scroll through my phone, checking emails. I look up to see a picture of a man holding hands with a woman. She is wearing an elegant dress, and they are walking up the stairs. Her face is hidden, but that doesn’t matter to me much.

They zoom in on the picture, saying something about it. I wasn’t interested in sound, so I muted the television. Looking at the picture, my heart stops. The girl has no face showing, but there’s something that lets me know who she is. She has a heart tattoo at the base of her neck. It’s the same tattoo that Cherise has. I know where my wife is.

I pull up my contacts list and scroll through until I find the number I’m looking for. I let the phone ring, but it goes to voicemail. I call the number again, getting the same results. I have no idea where this woman is, but I need her to answer the phone. The third time the call goes to voicemail, I leave a message. I know where my wife is, and it’s time to bring her home.