Page 90 of I Choose You

I doubted she would ever understand how much this meant to me. She doted on me the best she could, and she gave me all she had. But having her make me this dress mattered so much. I’d asked her to make it for me because I knew I would never ever find something in a store that suited my body. But I’d also asked her to make it for me because I hoped it would help her.

We’d had a rough time of it after Dad left. I worried sometimes that she was depressed, and I was helpless if she was. How could I help her? What could I do to make her smile?

She’d dabbled with sewing as a hobby in the past. It fell to the backburner over the years, though. I hoped by asking her to make my dress that it would be a bright distraction from the hardships of life. And it had worked. She’d been so excited to do this for me, and I was overjoyed that I could bring her out of that gloominess of losing her spouse.

“This boy sure is very lucky to have you as his date,” she said, checking the dress. I couldn’t tear my stare from my reflection, so stunned that was me I was looking at. She inspected the seams and the fit, double-checking the spots she’d wanted to address in the last round of alterations.

“You still won’t tell me who it is?”

I shook my head. “Just a boy.”

She pursed her lips. “He’s not one of those troublemakers, is he?”

Yes. But I shook my head again. “He’s cute.”

She glanced up at me. “Being cute isn’t the only thing you should consider.”

“I know. I know.” But this is Kody Wagner! If there was ever a real-life example of Cinderella, this would be it. The pauper gets the prince. Or something like that.

“He’s a nice boy?”

I nodded. I mean, everyone has their moments.

“He doesn’t drink?” Again, she glanced up at me.

I shook my head. I didn’t know, but I could tell neither of the twins hung out with the potheads.

I smiled, turning slightly as I admired the dress. She poked and tugged, checking it over. This was it. This was the dress I would be going to prom with. I sighed, enjoying this moment with Mom. Like the calm before the storm, I felt ready and excited.

I can’t believe it’s almost here.

“He will pick you up himself, right? He’s got a car?”

“Yeah.” Mom had to work that night and simply couldn’t get out of it. I didn’t want to be home alone and get picked up, so I planned to get ready at Paige’s and he’d pick me up there. “It’ll be better that way. I can have Paige help me with my makeup.”

“And her mom will take lots of pictures?” she checked. Standing straight, she pouted. “I hate that I’ll miss it. My baby girl all grown up and going to her senior prom.”

“She’ll be there. I’ll make sure she gets pictures.”

“I’m sorry I can’t see you off,” she said.

I took her hand and squeezed it. “Ouch.”

She giggled and made a whoops face. “Forgot a pin, did I?”

I knew she struggled adapting to being a single parent. She did her best. It was just me and her, and that would be good enough. If Dad hadn’t left, he probably wouldn’t have wanted to be involved with this anyway.

Still, I couldn’t shake the questions from creeping in.

“What’s wrong?” she asked, peeking at me in the mirror.

I shook my head. I didn’t want to drag her down with a mention of Dad, but she’d always expected me to be honest. I shrugged. “Just wondering what Dad would think if he could see me now.”

She pressed her lips together and nodded. “Well.” Another sigh halted her. “He would see how lovely you are. A beautiful girl on the cusp of becoming a wonderful young lady.”

“Thanks, Mom.”

“He would be excited for you to start your classes in the fall.”