Page 121 of All of You

“It’s so beautiful,” she says while the parents try to get their phones up and ready to record.

“Viv says it’s ranunculus. It’s supposed to be better than just roses.” I chuckle. “She specifically said it will set you apart from the other girls.”

Delia grins. “I love it. It’s perfect.”

The parents pose us so that their view for photos is just right as I slip on her corsage and she pins my boutonniere to me. Then they pose us some more.

“Ok, Mom…seriously. Enough pictures!” Delia shouts, finally reaching her breaking point. The parents all laugh and tell us to have fun.

I smack Delia’s butt and say, “Let’s get going.”

She frowns at me.

“What?” I ask.

“Maybe I don’t want to be smacked on the butt and toldto get going."

My chin pulls in toward my body and my brow wrinkles. “Whatdoyou want, then?”

She takes a step closer to me. “I want someone to caress me gently and askif I’m ready? It is prom after all not a lacrosse game.”

I look at her, my eyes softening. I place my hand on her neck, thumb brushing her ear lobe, my touch gentle. “Are you ready?” I ask, voice filled with sincerity.

A smile tugs at the corners of her lips as she gazes into my eyes. This simple gesture reminds me of why I fell for her in the first place—the way she always strives to understand us and speaks up about helping me meet her needs. It’s as if she can read the depths of my heart without me uttering a word.

“Yes,” she replies, the word barely a whisper. “I’m ready.”

My hand lingers on her neck a moment longer, tracing delicate patterns along her skin, before I withdraw it slowly. The tenderness in it sends shivers down her spine, filling me with a warmth that spreads through every inch of my being.

I take a step back, My gaze never leaving hers. “Then let’s make this prom a night to remember,” I say, a hint of excitement in my voice.

I help her into the truck and as we pull away Gramps, Anna and Dad and Mom wave us off. Gramps even rings the big porch bell.

Sixty Two

Delia

As we walk hand in hand towards the venue, I can’t help but feel a sense of completeness.

The night air is filled with anticipation as we approach the grand entrance. The soft glow of fairy lights illuminates the pathway, casting a magical spell that seems to envelop us in its ethereal embrace. Langdon’s hand, warm and reassuring, holds mine tightly as we navigate through the crowd of excited students.

Inside, the prom hall is a sight to behold. Elegant decorations adorn every corner, transforming the space into a dreamlike realm. The air is filled with laughter, music, and the sound of dancing feet.

Langdon leads me to a secluded corner, away from thebustling crowd. He pulls out a small velvet box from his pocket and opens it with a gentle flick of his wrist. Inside lies a delicate gold necklace, crafted with vibrant colored stones in emerald and sapphire that match my gown perfectly.

My breath catches in my throat as I gaze at the nicest piece of jewelry ever gifted to me. It sparkles under the soft glow of the lights, reflecting the love and thoughtfulness Langdon has put into this gift. Tears well up in my eyes, threatening to spill over, as I realize how lucky I am to have him.

“Langdon, it’s beautiful,” I say, my voice filled with awe and gratitude.

He grins, his eyes twinkling with joy. “I wanted to give you something that would remind you of this night forever.”

In that moment, I couldn’t imagine a more perfect prom date or a more perfect prom night. The journey we’ve taken together to get here. The ups and downs of senior year and family crap and work to this magical evening.

Carefully, Langdon fastens the necklace around my neck, his touch gentle and loving. As he steps back to admire his handiwork, I feel a surge of confidence radiate through me. With every beat of my heart, I know that this is a night that will be etched in my memory forever.

“Thank you,” I whisper, my voice filled with emotion.

Langdon’s eyes meet mine, filled with an overwhelming tenderness. “No, thank you,” he murmurs, his voice barely audible amidst the music and laughter surrounding us. “Thank you for always bringing out the best in me.”