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“She’ll be thrilled. Like over the moon, thrilled. I think she’s been secretly waiting for this day for a long time.”
I laughed. “Well, then I guess she’s going to have a really good Christmas.”
Lifting my hand to his lips, he brushed his lips over my knuckles and whispered, “That makes two of us.”
Epilogue
MIA
Ismoothedthebodiceof my royal-blue velvet dress and smiled. It was a miracle I found one on such short notice, but not only did I find a gown, I found one I loved. It was gorgeous with long, sheer sleeves and a sweetheart neckline. It fit my curves and petite frame like a glove, and when I walked, the slit gave a peek of my legs and sky-high silver heels.
My prince paused when he saw me step outside. Based on the slight widening of his eyes and the hitch in his step, I knew I chose well, and I counted off my list of accomplishments in my head.
Carson mesmerized.
My very own Prince Charming carrying a bouquet of red roses.
A date with the most handsome guy at Lakeview.
My gaze flickered over his perfectly tailored navy-blue suit and silver tie. His dark hair had been tamed into a stylishly messy quaff, and his blue eyes glittered—brighter than any ocean I’ve ever seen.
Carson resumed his way up the walkway, his eyes fixed on my face. I smiled at him as I toyed with the crystal snowflake around my neck, and when he finally reached me, he handed me the flowers, then placed a hand on his chest, over his heart and grinned. He shook his head and laughed a little before he leaned in and whispered, “You’re so beautiful, I’m speechless.”
When he pulled away, it took everything in me not to throw myself at him and kiss the smile off his face, but my parents were watching, so I maintained my dignity—just barely—and said, “Carson Brooks speechless? That’s a first.”
Smirking, he raised a brow. “Ready?”
When he reached out, offering me his arm, I nodded, turning briefly to my parents and Ella. They stood on either side of me. My father had moved out three days ago—the day after Christmas. It would take me a while to adjust to this new dynamic, but for tonight, I was focusing on the dance, on Carson, on my future.
I handed my mom the flowers and asked her to put them in water for me, then waved goodbye to them, but not before Ella pulled me into a giant bear hug and whispered, “You get an A+ in the date department.”
Then she stepped away, and I hooked my arm in Carson’s, allowing him to escort me to his Jeep. Leaning against the side of it were Ethan and Beth, both dressed in black.
I smiled at him as we drew near. In the end, he had been right. Webothhad dates to the Snowflake Ball. My life may still be a mess, but for once, I wasn’t trying to control everything, and I no longer cared about being perfect. If the last few weeks had taught me anything, it was to live in the moment and enjoy the ride. I couldn’t be the answer to their problems any more than I could take responsibility for everything around me, only my own happiness. In the end, things would be okay. I would be okay.
When we stopped in front of Carson’s Jeep, Ethan offered his brother a head nod, then turned his smile to me. “Told you we’d find you a date.”
I laughed, thinking about the day in the gymnasium when I snapped and tried to strangle Carson.
“What’s so funny?” Carson asked.
“I can’t believe we’re together.”
“Me neither, especially after I left that welt on your eye with the basketball. You should’ve seen your face.” He laughed, and I smacked him lightly on the chest.
“I saw yours,” I shot back. “When I tried to unsuccessfully throttle you.”
Ethan snorted. “Just think, had Mr. Gorby not pulled you off him, we wouldn’t be here right now.”
We all laughed, and I added, “Who would’ve thought I’d end up with the boy who tried to drown me when I was nine?”
Carson opened my door, then rounded the other side. “Hey, I was a kid. It was my way of flirting.”
Once inside, he closed his door, and I reached across the seat to grab his tie. I tugged on it, pulling him closer, murmuring against his mouth, “Thank, goodness, your flirting skills have improved over the years, huh?” Then I pressed my mouth to his, sinking into the kiss until Ethan groaned behind us and started banging on the backs of our seats.
“Come on, guys,” he said. “You promised you’d keep the PDAs to a minimum tonight.”
“We’re not even in public yet,” Carson protested.
