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“You look perfect,” Cullen assured her.

And she did. Wearing a pair of strappy, heeled sandals and a pale pink dress with long sleeves that floated around her thighs, she looked incredible. Her blonde hair was braided and pulled back into an updo.

“So, what’s the plan for tonight?” she asked.

We looked at one another, silently communicating.

Gideon was the first to say something. “Well, I think our plans may have just been canceled.”

“Oh no. Why?” Beth said, her face falling.

I couldn’t help it. I burst into laughter. “The plans were to go to an outdoor concert that had food trucks. Outside, as in the open air…”

Beth’s mouth dropped open as she looked back toward the doorway, where we could hear the rain hammering down. “Ah, I can see how that would be a problem.”

“I’m so sorry—I should have thought about this,” Gideon started to say, but Bethany waved him off.

“Don’t apologize. While you are very impressive, Gideon, I don’t think you can control the weather.”

Cullen snorted. “If he could, he would.”

“I don’t doubt that,” I agreed.

Gideon deflated. “We will reschedule. I promise, Bethany.”

She smiled brightly. “There’s no need to reschedule.”

My heart dropped. Was she regretting giving us a chance?

Shit, we needed to fix this.

This was our first official date, which meant we should be spoiling her with flowers, food, and a good time. Bella had been so demanding, and our plans were already pretty casual for us.

Joey’s mother would have been pissed if our plans had fallen through. The temper tantrum was always brutal. Her rage would be felt throughout the house for days. We’d only put up with it because we had a daughter with her. Even though I wanted to avoid that more than anything, I would rather Bethany be angry then give up entirely.

“Bethany…” Cullen started, but she turned to him, still grinning.

“You’ve told me time and time again how good a cook you are. I think it’s time you use some of those skills, and we can utilize that amazing theater room of yours.” She beamed at us. “I may need to towel off first, though,” she said, looking down at her damp clothing.

Perfection. Bethany Wells was utter fucking perfection. She took the canceled plans in stride and even suggested a pretty fucking amazing alternative.

Gideon grinned. “A movie night does sound like a good idea.”

Pulling Bethany into my arms, I kissed the top of her head. “You’re too damn sweet.”

She grinned up at me. “You won’t be saying that when I am demandingallthe desserts.”

Bethany padded upstairs to grab a towel and dry herself off to the best of her ability. I followed her while Cullen got to work in the kitchen.

“Do you want a change of clothing?” I asked as I handed her a clean towel from the linen closet in my room.

She chewed her lip thoughtfully. “That may be for the best. My shorts are fine, but my dress is pretty soaked.”

“I’ll grab one of my shirts.”

I would take any excuse to have her wearing my clothing.

I didn’t know why I expected her to disappear into the bathroom to dry herself off, but she started to pull her dress off right then and there in my bedroom.