The CEO's Hidden Love: Midnight Temptations and Deep Desires novel Chapter 1342

Dorothy was caught off guard, standing there slack-jawed for a good three to five seconds before she could muster a response.

"Mr. Lopez, you're not proposing to me, are you?" she blurted out, clearly taken aback.

She wasn't prepared for this. Not in the slightest.

"Proposing? Oh, it's not as simple as all that... let's just say I'm gauging your interest," Everett said, lifting an eyebrow, "Tell me, do you fancy a winter wedding or a summer one?"

"You want the truth?"

Dorothy had to crane her neck to meet his gaze, even as Everett stooped down.

"Is there any other kind?"

With a chuckle, Dorothy said, "Honestly... it feels like we've already had our wedding. I wore the dress and everything. Maybe we should just find some time to swing by the city hall and make it official."

She had toyed with the idea of another ceremony. Every girl dreams of her big day, after all.

But then again... organizing a wedding, with all its fuss and bother, especially when both she and Everett were so busy, seemed unnecessary.

"That won't do," Everett replied, his voice firm and decisive.

"..."

"Last time didn't count."

That was a hurried affair, almost on the brink of divorce. How could that be considered proper?

Dorothy understood his sentiments, gently brushing his hand, "Everett, having you and the kids with me is more than enough. None of that other stuff matters to me."

After everything they'd been through, being with the ones she loved was all she cared about.

"Dorothy, I want to marry you properly. Every step, every ceremony, nothing should be missed!"

How could she say no to those earnest eyes staring back at her?

"I'm just worried you're too busy for all that."

She knew better than to tease Everett on this subject.

Some jokes were fine, but this was off-limits.

The restaurant owner had the chef whip up a feast of Havenbrook City's finest, including dishes not even listed on the menu!

The table was barely large enough to hold everything.

"Try these! You won't find authentic flavors like these just anywhere," the owner said warmly, pushing dishes toward Dorothy, "We've been swamped lately, but let me know when you're coming next time, and I'll make you some dumplings! My filling is second to none!"

"Sounds great!" Dorothy nodded, her mood visibly brightened.

She loved this atmosphere.

It reminded her of her college days, surrounded by old friends.

Everett, with his meticulous ways, was carefully deboning a fish for Dorothy, making sure each piece was perfect. His attention to detail was one of the many things she loved about him.