Page 120 of The Addendum

That didn’t make sense, but before I could ask, he tugged Heather’s hand. “Let’s go, babe. I need a drink.”

I shook my head as they walked away, disappearing through the door. I tried to see inside the room, but it looked dark.

This was the oddest event I had ever been to.

Then Luc breezed in, looking drop-dead sexy in his suit. His tie and pocket square matched my dress. Even his shoes were a deep wine color.

He was carrying a small box in his hand. He lowered his head and captured my mouth. “Love, you are bewitching. Absolutely gorgeous.”

“Thank you. Right back at you.” I touched his tie. “We match.”

He winked. “That was my plan.”

We walked toward the door Heather and Reed had gone through, and he paused.

“This event seems, ah, different,” I whispered. “I’m not sure who is in charge.”

“It’s all good,” he replied, his smile wide.

Something was up. I could feel it.

“Luc, what’s going on?”

He smiled and lifted the lid on the small box. Inside was a gorgeous orchid, which, as he lifted it from the box, I realized was a corsage. A smaller boutonniere was nestled in the corner.

“Luc?” I asked again.

He lifted my wrist, sliding on the corsage. Then he handed me the other flower and lifted one eyebrow. I pinned it on his lapel, then tilted my head.

“What have you done?”

He bent and kissed me again.

“Ashley, love, I want to give you everything. Including this.”

“This?”

He smiled widely. “Would you go to prom with me?”

“Prom?”

He nodded, looking proud. He tugged me to the door.

“Welcome to our grown-up version of prom.”

And he pulled open the door.

I blinked. The room was covered in balloons, streamers, and glitter. Punch bowls were set up like they would be at a regular prom. Arches for photos. Tables scattered with party favors. And the room was filled with people. But not strangers.

My new family.

And standing front and center was my dad. Richard looked as excited as Luc, beaming.

I was speechless, trying to take it in. Beside me, Luc grasped my hand. “Love?” he asked. “What do you think? Will you let me take you to this prom?”

I had to blink away the tears. “You did this for me?”

He wiped away the moisture under my eyes. “Yes.”