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I was elated to hear those words, but tonight’s the big night, and butterflies are dancing in my stomach. OMG, can I handle this? Nonetheless, I try to push the doubts out of my mind so I can focus on getting ready.
In preparation, I take a long shower, making sure I shave every inch of my body. I spend an hour blow-drying and straightening my hair, and another thirty minutes on my makeup. Then, I reach for a figure-hugging, blush pink gown with long cape sleeves that Mason bought specifically for me to wear, and squeeze into it, making sure it’s positioned just right.
I look at myself in the mirror. It’s perfect. I look beautiful but also modest and classy. As a finishing touch, I add silver chandelier earrings and a matching necklace that my mom gave me for my sixteenth birthday. In a strange way, I wish my mom could see me decked out like this, but Rosanne isn’t home, as usual. Honestly, she’s out a lot these days, but I don’t think it’s on make-up jobs. I think she’s basically living at Harvey Pindot’s mansion and enjoying living a luxurious lifestyle.
I’m spritzing myself with my favorite perfume when suddenly, the doorbell rings. Quickly, I grab my purse and head down the stairs to fling open the front door. The air escapes from my chest because of course, Mason looks incredibly handsome in a black tux which highlights his broad frame and athletic physique. His hair is slicked back from his forehead, and those blue eyes flash with desire when he sees me.
“Hi,” I whisper, suddenly shy.
“Baby, you look beautiful,” he growls. “This is for you.”
I gasp at the bouquet of roses in his hands, and my heart flutters with delight.
“Thank you,” I say, burying my nose in the aromatic blooms. “Let me just put these in a vase, and I’ll be ready in a sec.”
With that, I disappear into the house for a moment. My hands tremble as I search for a vase because red roses signify love, right? Is Mason saying that he loves me? I hope so because I took a pregnancy test a few days ago, and the news made me gasp. I’m expecting his child, and I hope against all hope that he wants a baby too.
But it’s something I’m saving for after the ball. First, we just need to get through the night.
“Your hair’s different,” he says when I reappear. I giggle a little.
“Really? It’s just straight. Usually I wear it in its natural state, which is curly. Do you like it?”
He grins.
“I do. But then, I always like how you look, sweetheart. Come on,” he says, taking my hand in his. “Are you ready? Your ball awaits, my princess.”
With a giggle, I get into his truck and we begin heading for the Tudor Hotel. It’s a fancy hotel on the outskirts of town, but then again, the Annual Fireman’s Ball is a fancy shindig. It’s a fundraiser that the fire station sponsors for a few local charities each year, and often manages to raise more than six figures. It’s a huge deal for Cherry Falls, and some of the most influential people will be there tonight, ready to see and be seen.
But now, anxiety strikes again. I’m just a high school student. Am I really ready to swan about with people triple my age, and quintuple my net worth? Am I really ready to hold my head up high and make small talk with society women who may despise me for reasons I can’t control?
We arrive all too soon, and Mason comes around the truck to open my door for me. But I tug at his arm suddenly.
“Mason, wait,” I whisper. “Are you sure you want to do this?”
He throws me a searching look.
“Yes, why? I thought we talked about this already.”
I merely swallow hard and lower my voice to almost a whisper.
“I just want to give you a chance to back out, if you want.”
He throws his head back and laughs, revealing even white teeth.
“No sweetheart, I don’t have any reservations at all. I’m not going to back out. Why, do you want to back out?”
I shake my head solemnly, and with that, he tucks my hand into his elbow before striding forward again.
“I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life, baby. I adore you, and I don’t want to hide our relationship anymore. I want to show you off to the world, sweetheart. You know, shout it from the rooftops and all that.”
My heart slows a bit and I take a deep breath.
“Okay.”
He shoots me another sideways smile.
“You’ll do fine,” he murmurs while patting my hand. “They’re going to love you, don’t worry.” With that, we enter the hotel and are directed to the Grand Ballroom. I gasp when we enter because the space is absolutely gorgeous. Golden curtain swags decorate enormous windows, with oil paintings depicting flower and still lifes scattered in between. There are marble pillars in each corner of the massive room, and they shimmer in the gentle light cast by glass chandeliers. The floors are a dove grey granite, and flecks of mica sparkle as we walk across it.
