Chapter 136

Ella POV

I slipped into a flattering dress and shawl, carefully styled my hair, and applied my makeup with a steady hand, though my thoughts were anything but calm with my dream still lingering.

By the time I made it downstairs, Alexander was already there, standing near the front door. He was deep in conversation with my father, their tones hushed.

They both fell silent the moment Alexander’s eyes met mine. A warm smile spread across his face as he greeted me, and I felt a small thrill at the sight of him.

I was curious about what they had been discussing, but I didn’t ask. They were two Alphas, after all—likely going over some matter of business, perhaps the solar farm or the wedding. Whatever it was, it wasn’t my concern for now.

My mind was still distracted by the vivid dream I’d had the night before, and I’d spent much of the morning making phone calls to arrange my surprise date for Alexander. The thought of it lifted my spirits, and I couldn’t wait to see his reaction.

“You look incredible,” Alexander said, his tone filled with genuine admiration.

“Thank you,” I replied, my smile widening. “I could say the same of you.”

“If we want to make it to the tasting on time, we’ll have to get going,” he said, glancing at his watch. “Are you ready?”

“Yes.” I turned to my father, who stood watching us with a fond smile. “I’ll be home tonight,” I assured him.

“Have fun,” he said, his tone warm and teasing as his gaze flicked to Alexander. “After all, this is your last date before you become man and wife.”

A strange flutter filled my chest at his words, and I quickly looked away from Alexander to hide my reaction.

“I hope you’ll still blush so easily once we’re married,” Alexander teased, his voice laced with amusement.

“I probably will,” I admitted, letting out a soft laugh to mask my awkwardness. “Especially since I doubt very much that your behavior will change.”

“If you mean that I’ll keep teasing you, you’re absolutely right,” he said, his grin widening. “You didn’t really think I’d stop just because we’re married, did you?”

I shook my head, feeling a bit braver. “I’d be disappointed if it did,” I confessed softly.

Alexander’s smile softened as he reached out, taking my hand and pressing a light kiss to my knuckles. “Good. Because I can’t imagine life any other way.”

“Right, you lovebirds,” my father said with a grin. “That’s enough. Get going before you’re late.”

“Of course,” Alexander replied, offering me his arm.

I looped my arm through his, and we headed out, my father closing the door behind us. A part of me expected Alexander’s demeanor to shift the moment we were alone, but once we were safely in the warm car, he was still smiling fondly at me.

“You seem to be in a better mood today,” he said, his voice light and observant.

“I am,” I admitted. “You were right. That text wasn’t something to get too worked up about, so I’m trying to stay positive.”

“That’s good,” Alexander said, his tone encouraging. “There’s a lot to be positive about. We’ve done so much to ensure everything goes smoothly. I think we should trust that our efforts will pay off.”

I nodded, realizing he was right. It was a perspective I hadn’t considered, but it gave me a sense of reassurance.

We chatted about the wedding details as we drove, and the conversation made the trip seem much shorter.

When we arrived, I was struck by the beauty of the vineyard. Rows upon rows of grapevines stretched into the horizon, framing a stately old mansion in the center.

Alexander stepped out of the car first, then offered me his hand. I accepted, and we walked arm-in-arm into the building.

A young, bubbly woman greeted us with an enthusiastic smile. “Hello, Alpha Black. Hello, soon-to-be Mrs. Black,” she said with a giggle. “We’re so pleased to have you here today. We’ve arranged a private tasting as requested, with some snacks available as well.”

“Perfect,” Alexander replied with a polite smile. “Please, lead the way.”

She nodded and led us inside. The interior was stunning—rich with old wood and beautifully preserved antiques that gave the space a timeless charm.

We were shown into a large room where a long table was set up with an array of wine bottles and small glasses for tasting.

“This is it,” she said brightly. “There’s a form at the end of the table where you can check off which bottles you’d like and how many. Just hand it to us on your way out, and that’ll be all.”

“You weren’t kidding about private,” I said softly. “I’d expected someone to stay and guide us through the tasting, maybe share some history about each wine.”

“That’s not necessary,” Alexander said, his tone calm but assured. “I know enough about wine to handle this. I just want us to find something we both like without overthinking the vintage.”

I nodded, trusting his confidence.

“Perfect,” the young woman said. “If you have any questions or need anything, just come find me. Otherwise, have a wonderful time.”

“Thank you,” Alexander said, flashing her another kind smile.

As she left, I turned to Alexander, feeling a sense of ease settle over me. The room was quiet, intimate, and comfortable.

Alexander stepped up to the first bottle of wine and poured a small amount into a cup. Then he handed it to me with a gentle smile.

I didn’t know much about wine, so as Alexander explained a little about each bottle, I nodded politely and tried to pay attention.

But it wasn’t long before I began to feel the wine going to my head. I rarely drank, and it didn’t take much for me to feel the effects—a fact that David had once used to his advantage. But I wasn’t worried about that now. I trusted Alexander completely.

By the time we reached the seventh bottle, I stumbled slightly as I moved toward the table. Alexander laughed out loud, his amusement clear.

“You’re cute when you’re drunk,” he commented.

“I’m not drunk,” I argued, though I could feel the warmth in my cheeks and was acutely aware of my unsteady gait.

“It’s okay,” Alexander said, his tone playful but reassuring. “I’ll make sure you don’t embarrass yourself when we leave.”

“I’d be embarrassing you,” I pointed out with a small pout. “After all, I’m your wife.”

A strange expression flickered across his face, but his smile didn’t fade. “Not quite yet,” he said softly.

“But I will be,” I said with a grin, reaching for the glass in his hand. My fingers closed around his, but Alexander didn’t let go.

Maybe he was worried I’d spill it on myself. I pulled the glass toward my lips, bringing Alexander’s hand with it. As I took a sip, his knuckle brushed my lip, sending a small shiver through me.

The smile on his face faltered, and he stared at me with an intensity that made my breath catch. Something unspoken hung between us, heavy and electric, as I released the glass.

Alexander stood still for a moment, his gaze unreadable. Then he took a deliberate step away from me, and the mood in the room shifted.

My smile faded, embarrassment flooding through me. Had I gone too far?

Alexander didn’t mention my behavior. Instead, he moved to the next bottle and poured a smaller amount, carefully holding the cup by its base as he offered it to me.

I swallowed my embarrassment and took the cup from him, determined to carry on as though nothing had happened.