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She nodded quickly. “He’s coming over and we’re watchingThe Parent Traptogether.”
“Again?” I remembered being a kid and watching movies over and over again.
“Yes! He’s never seen it.”
“He’s in for a treat,” I said with a smile. I brushed my hair over my shoulder and looked in the mirror. “How do I look?”
“So pretty,” Maya said. “Like a princess.”
I smiled. The highest compliment a little girl could give. “Thanks for helping me get ready.”
From the direction of the living room, I heard Gray call, “Anyone home?”
Graham yapped and Maya groaned, mustering more exasperation than I knew an eight-year-old was capable of. “Graham, it’s just Grampy.” She scooped him into her arms, even though he’d already gained a good five pounds, according to our vet visit this week. “We’re in here!”
We both walked out of the bathroom, and I felt my cheeks growing warmer. Gray knew I was going on a date with his son, and it was clear how much effort I’d put in with the dress, the hair, and all the makeup.
When we met him in the living room, his eyes fell over me, warmer than the chocolate chips in a cookie straight from the oven. “Well aren’t you a sight for sore eyes.”
His words echoed Fletcher’s that first day in town, making me smile at the memory. “Thanks.” I rubbed my hand over my arm. “I heard you and Maya are going to watchThe Parent Trap.”
“Can’t wait,” he replied with a wink.
Maya said, “Can you make popcorn for us?”
He nodded.
I gestured toward the door. “I’m going to wait for Fletcher outside.”
Maya put Graham down and wrapped her arms around my waist. “See you later.”
Feeling Gray’s eyes on us, I hugged her back. “See you soon, baby girl.”
I waved goodbye to Gray and then walked outside just in time to see Fletcher’s truck coming down the dirt road, dust billowing and fading into the bright blue sky. A smile spread on my lips as the sunshine touched my skin and hope warmed me from the inside out.
It felt like everything I’d dreamed about was coming true. It just took a dozen years to come to fruition.
The pickup slowed to a stop in the driveway, and I swore the moment happened in slow motion. Fletcher stepped out of his freshly washed truck, wearing a tux with a lilac tie and pocket square. He carried a plastic case with flowers inside and walked to me like he’d been trained on a runway.
“What is this?” I asked, in almost disbelief.
His smile had so much light behind it. “I’m taking you to the prom. And this time, I’m doing it how I want to. Not as your friend, but as so much more. Back then, Rhett told me I shouldn’t date his sister, and I listened. I missed out on so much with you. Not anymore.”
I pressed my hand to my chest. “Fletch...”
“You don’t have to say anything; just let me put this corsage on your wrist.”
I extended my hand, and his fingers were full of heat as they stretched the band and adorned the beautiful lilac flowers and baby’s breath on my wrist. I lifted the flowers to my nose, inhaling the fresh scent, and the petals tickled my nose. “I love it.”
“I hoped you would.” He smiled. “And I think Maya and Dad approve.”
I turned toward the window just in time to see the blinds close, and I laughed. “They’re adorable. Now let me put that boutonniere on your handsome suit.”
He passed the flower to me, and I carefully pinned it to his lapel. When I was done, I brushed my hand over his chest, remembering the last time we went to prom together. His mom hadn’t been there, but my mom told him she would have been proud. I felt like someone needed to say it now too.
“Fletcher...” I looked up at him, catching his brown eyes. “Your mom would be so proud of the man you’ve become.”
He didn’t have words, only a trembling smile as he extended his arm for me and led me to his vehicle. He held the door open for me to get inside.