Then Raymond looked at Valentina and spoke in a calm voice.
"You don't need to stress about anything. When the time is right, you'll see it yourself. You'll feel it."
At that moment Valentina chuckled softly, resting her back gently against the seat. The weight of the day had been lightened by his words. With everything Raymond had done—the diamond dress, the entire shopping experience—she knew she had nothing to be afraid of anymore. If he could make the entire boutique stop and stare, then she truly had someone by her side who could move mountains.
She smiled, a real smile that came from deep within.
They got home shortly after.
**
It was the next day, Liam stood outside his car, checking the time for the third time in five minutes. He had been standing for a while now. The engine was still running.
