Page 107 of Nixon’s Promise

The hitch in McKenna’s voice propelled Nixon forward. He opened the door and saw McKenna gingerly walking into the living room, but she stopped and looked over her shoulder when she heard them enter.

“Hey. Did you guys finish the studio?” she asked.

“Yep. We hung the shelves and Nix put in the window AC so I wouldn’t sweat my booty off all summer. It looks great.”

McKenna’s gaze shifted from Mandy to him, and when her smile hit, just like the first day he saw her, Nixon was taken aback by her beauty.

There was nothing in this world more magnificent. His heart pounded in his chest and Nixon Swagger knew he was finally home.

The next day

McKenna

“You look beautiful.”

“You sure?”

My sister turned away from the mirror to fully face me, and my breath caught in my throat. She’d left her long brown hair down, but had added big curls to her already wavy locks. She’d expertly shaded and contoured her green eyes, somehow making them even more stunning than they normally were.

The slate blue maxi dress was simple and elegant. Understated in a way that made it sultry. I couldn’t believe my baby sister looked so grown up.

“Positive.”

“And the silver sandals are okay? I have—”

“They’re perfect. Did you remember to put your flats in your purse?”

“Crap. I forgot.”

Mandy dashed to her closet to find the new sparkly flip-flops we bought her. By my estimation she’d make it through before prom dinner and pictures with her heels. After that she’d switch to something more comfortable. God knows I would.

“Found ’em,” she announced.

“Do I need—”

“No.” I stood from my perch on her bed and made my way to her. Grabbing her hands I held on tight. “You don’t need anything else. Your hair is perfect. Your makeup is beyond beautiful. Your dress is going to send Nixon over the edge when he sees the open back. Zack is going to scowl when he sees the hidden slit up the front when you walk downstairs. Caleb is going to know he is the luckiest boy at prom to have you on his arm. Everything is perfect. All that’s left is for you to enjoy your night.”

“Thank you,” she whispered.

“I didn’t do anything but sit and watch you get ready.”

“No. For everything.”

“Mandy…” I warned. I didn’t want to cry. Not tonight. I wanted my sister to have the best prom ever, and me breaking down into sobs wouldn’t make for the best prom ever.

“You have to know, I get it now. I know what you gave up to take me and Zack in. I know you put us first and yourself second. I understand what you’re trying to give us and I appreciate it. You were right, we’re a family and we have to stick together. So thank you for not giving up on me.”

“I’d never…” I had to stop to clear my throat. “Never give up on you. I love you, little sister.”

“I love you, too, big sister.”

I failed. Epic fail. Hearing Mandy say those words, ones I hadn’t heard in almost a year, the dam broke. I let go of one of her hands to wave mine in front of my face, thinking I could somehow wave the tears away. I failed again. They continued.

“We better get downstairs before Caleb shows up and Nix and Zack lay out the ground rules,” I said, pulling myself together.

We made our way down the stairs and just like I’d predicted, Zack scowled as the slit in Mandy’s dress showed her leg as she walked. It wasn’t until after Caleb had shown to pick up my sister and she and her date were walking out the door that Nix finally saw the back of her dress.

“Christ,” he growled.