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“Yeehaw,” I whoop, holding onto the ladder like it’s a bucking bull trying to get me off even though River is barely shifting it, not wanting to actually knock me off but rather knock my ego down a peg or two. “Is everything ready?”
“Yes, everything’s set,” Eli tells me. He and Arielle, along with River and Mrs. Watson, have been great helps at getting everything set up for tonight.
For the prom, but also for Riley’s surprise.
* * *
“You look gorgeous, Sunshine,” I tell Riley a few hours later. She’s wearing her white Docs, but her yellow socks are lacy and go up over her knees. With the floaty white dress she’s wearing, there’s a tiny sliver of pale thigh peeking out that is driving me absolutely crazy.
We sway slowly on the dance floor to an old song I’ve never heard, surrounded by people. All the residents are here with the staff chaperoning as they watch for any arising health issues, but also, a lot of the patients’ family members came to celebrate ‘prom’ too. It’s sweet to see the old ladies get fussed over by their grown kids, telling them how pretty they look and seeing how the younger versions of themselves glow from inside.
“Not so bad yourself,” Riley says. A moment later, her eyes leave mine to scan the floor. “Do you think Becky’s okay?” She nibbles at her lip. “Maybe she needs a water or a cookie?”
I follow Riley’s gaze, where Becky is sitting in a chair, absently rubbing her growing belly while she watches her husband, Simon, dance with Loretta. I met the whole Crew earlier when they arrived to support Arielle and Riley with whatever was needed. “I think Simon is taking good care of her, and he will get her anything she needs or wants.”
Riley’s eyes return to me, her chin ducking sheepishly. “I know. I just worry.”
“No, you want everyone to be happy. And that’s beautiful.” I see River waving from the door, catching my attention, and then talking to the videographer who’s filming tonight’s event, pointing her to Riley and me.
Between the photographer taking pictures of everyone and the video, all the attendees should have lovely memories of this prom. I’m sure the residents’ family members will especially appreciate that.
But I know someone else who will too. Riley.
“Speaking of wanting everyone to be happy, that’s what I want . . . for you.” My voice has gone serious, no teasing light or humor. It’s a vow I’ve made to Riley over and over, both aloud and in my own heart. I’ll do anything to make her smile.
“I am happy, Noah.” She meets my eyes, her truth displayed there too.
I lean into her ear and whisper, “I’m not the only man who makes you happy, though.”
She pulls back, brows knit in confusion, and I spin her in place. It takes her a second to see him even though people have intentionally moved out of the way.
“Dad? Dad!” Riley shouts, running for the man in the doorway. He catches her in his arms, her feet swinging a good foot off the ground. Over Riley’s shoulder, Joseph Watson meets my eye, a smile on his face too. “What are you doing here?”
He sets her down, chuckling. “I heard there was a prom here tonight, and you didn’t think I was going to let your mother find a new man, did you?” He looks to Rachel, who’s come up to his side, snuggling in under his arm.
Viktor calls out, “Aw, shucks, I thought I had a good chance with that one.” He’s totally kidding, and everyone laughs.
I look over to Arielle, who’s been helping me plan this. Actually, everyone has been—The Crew, the residents, Mr. and Mrs. Watson, River, and my mom. Everyone but Riley. I give Arielle a nod, and she changes the music over to the song I selected after listening to dozens of them.
Jason Mraz’s Sunshine Song comes through the speakers, warm and happy and reminding me of Riley with every word.
Send out your ray of sunshine . . .
That’s what Riley’s done. Sent her sunshine out into the world, and so many people appreciate that. But what I love the most about her is that she shared her sunshine with me, teaching me what is truly important in life. It’s not existence in the present for some future reward. It’s living in each moment because they are all we’re promised.
“Riley,” I say. She’s across the room from me, but she hears me and turns.
I’m down on one knee, an open velvet box in my hand. Her mouth drops open an instant before her hands cover it. Shock and surprise, hope and happiness light her eyes. She talks a slow step my way, then freezes, looking around the room at everyone watching. “Noah?”
“Come here, Sunshine,” I tell her encouragingly, and then she moves again, steadier at first and then almost running to me.
