"Is this okay?"

"Yes."

"But are you-"

"I assure you, you look stunning. Just perfect for the occasion."

"Liam, Do I really need to-"

Liam pulled Jessica closer and kissed her passionately, throwing her endless questions about self-doubt out of the window. And that did work. After much resistance to the temptation, Jessica finally moved away.

"Any more questions?" He looked straight into her eyes.

"No sir. Let's leave."

It had been a busy week, with preparations in full swing for Ryan and Larry's wedding, and college, and Jessica trying to make time to spend with Liam. Those were usually a few hours, but it was worth it. She remembered every moment, every wind that blew over his face, caressing those beautiful locks, and how he smiled like the rising sun when he was with her, or how annoyed he was with the phone calls he received every few minutes on some busy days. She framed the memory of when the had the cassata ice-cream, and how gently he put on her shoes for her when they got ready to leave anywhere. It felt the like summer of love, the rising joy inside her heart was overwhelming and she wanted to remember as much of it as she could. It was just the start of love, and she could still feel her falling and falling. Too hard. She thought she liked him enough. And yet the feeling grew in her every time she looked at him. It was now, she felt life was complete. That she had all she would ever want. Maybe, this was how love was supposed to feel? Maybe, just for a little while, she felt happy.

Today was the day, she would officially meet someone as Liam's fiancée. Mr. McCallum had invited them over for dinner, it had no purpose, in the old man's words, but in fact, this was a meeting designed for him to meet Jessica and know about her, and she knew it. She would be in the spotlight, and that's what had made her even more nervous. 

The place was about twenty miles away from Liam's new home, a long journey for a meal, but to Jessica each mile flew by in a blink and they were already there. She wore a simple evening gown, subtle makeup and heels. Her hair was let loose in waves that Liam himself had worked for. He, on the other hand, chose to wear a simple white shirt and jeans, with formal shoes and Jessica wondered if they looked a little too mismatched. For even in that simple attire, Liam somehow seemed to borrow more eyes than Jessica. It was perhaps something in the way that he walked in, the aura that he held. And Jessica was proud of that. Also doubtful whether or not she too, could someday match his energy. She had too, after-all, the would be married. 

Throughout the way from the car to their table, Liam held Jessica's hand and made sure his pace matched that of hers. Then, like a gentleman would, he did adjust the chair and only when Jessica sat comfortably, did he take his own seat. The old Mr. McCallum was already sitting opposite to these two, grinning widely as he saw the two young love-birds show all the young love they had for each other. 

"I see you too are quite affectionate." He glanced at Liam and then his eyes lingered at Jessica, even as Liam spoke.

"Good Evening, Mr. McCallum. Yes, I guess, we are quite new in love. We look forward to learn much more from you." He looked at Jessica who smiled and nodded in approval while looking at him. She was already getting uncomfortable.

"Ah, I'll teach you all I know, Liam. But before that, I might want to know this lady a little more."

Jessica's face flushed and she looked at Liam in search of help.  But he only raised an eyebrow and gestured her to go ahead and answer. The air grew empty as the two other men in her vicinity waited for her to fill the silence. It was too much attention for her, yet she managed to reply in a rather decent tone.

"I'm Jessica Adams. I am a student-"

"I did that much research on you, Ms. Adams." Mr. McCallum interrupted. "Tell me more about your future plans, hobbies, likes, things like this. Ones I won't find without talking with you."

Jessica's heart was starting to race again. It was getting more and more like an interview, with only her and this old man in picture. Time slowed down for her as she searched for the right words to answer such a simple question. 

"Well, being a university student, I'm mostly focused on my subjects, but besides that, I do take some time to read, go out for walks and paint, whenever I am free." She smiled.

"That's nice. Are you interested, in, say, business?"

Jessica glanced at Liam who assured her with his eyes. She knew it. She wouldn't screw it up for him. And he trusted her on that.

"Business remains a field I haven't explored before, but I am always willing to try." She held Liam's hand and stared into his eyes. "Now more than ever, since Liam and I have chosen to be on the same path."

Mr. McCallum chuckled. "Yes. Before we continue, dig in. I specifically ordered these dishes keeping in mind that taste of this young gentleman." He gestured towards Liam who lightly nodded his head in approval.

"Indeed, these are my most favorite ones, sir. You didn't have to."

"I had to, my child. I am troubling you and Ms. Adams and taking so much of your time, it's only fair this way. Jessica, "

"Um, yes?"

"Can you do me a little favor?"

"Yeah, sure, what is it?" 

He gestured her to come near him, only to whisper something in her ears. Before Liam could ask what it was about, Jessica was already on her way to fulfil the task, though, he guessed it was alright since Jessica appeared calm. 

"Now, Liam. Let me quickly say this. I've to return home and sleep on time, old age isn't easy, you see." He laughed. 

"I will know someday, I hope." Liam followed as he too laughed a little. "If you do wish to leave, then-"

"Ah, let me speak, young man."

Liam nodded his head. 

"I promised the business is yours on one condition, and so I suppose you have fulfilled. Jessica is nice girl."

"I can swear that over my life."

"No, no need for that." Mr. McCallum chuckled. "I am happy to say that we may, finally draw the terms and finish the formalities, legal and such."

"Believe me, I cannot be happier. I assure you, you will not be disappointed." Liam suppressed the joy that was forming in his heart, ready to explode like an overflowing helium balloon, flowing up and up. "I-"

"Say no more. Because I haven't finished saying yet." The old man smiled.

"The legal owner, shall be Jessica."

Liam's face froze. He took a while to process what he just heard.

"You'd sell your shares to her!?" He paused for a while.

"No." It was on impulse that these words flew out of his mouth. But he was certain. "Jessica is not suitable for this. She can assist me if she wants, but-"

"Do you, as her to be husband, not trust her?" Mr. McCallum sipped the coffee just served in front of him. He flinched a little, maybe it was too hot, but definitely not hotter than Liam's temper right then. Even more, when the old man continued. "She would be utterly disappointed to know." He shrugged.

"Mr. McCallum, it is not that I don't trust Jessica. She is not familiar with all of the stuff I do, she isn't experienced enough to handle all of it, if that is what you imply. I don't want to push her into something she isn't ready for, or suitable enough. Even you realize it takes expertise to-"

"If it's about experience, then till then, let her be the face, and you be the brain. Humans learn, Liam. Teach her."

"But why do you suddenly insist on such an arrangement?"

"Am I obliged to tell you all my mind? Its not an unscrupulous demand? Is it?"

"No-"

"Or is it that you do not wish to share any of your belongings with Jessica?"

"I-"

"Mr. McCallum-" Jessica chimed in. Unlike when she went, she had a big smile plastered on her face. "It's done."

"And I've news to share." Mr. McCallum ignored Liam as he stood up from his place and handed over a small card to Jessica. She silently read what it said and kept it in her purse. "You will be the next owner of this old man's life establishments."

Jessica and Liam looked at each other, one with anticipation, other with denial, in his eyes.