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They walked out with me, and I pushed away the worries and doubts. Tonight was about what Delaney needed, and I was looking forward to showing her a good time.
For the first time, I wished I had something that wasn’t a truck. Maybe Delaney would prefer to be escorted in something fancier. I told myself she was just happy I was taking her. I didn’t need fancy things to impress her. My presence and attention were enough.
When I pulled up to the B&B, my heart was pounding in my chest. It felt different from any other time I’d been here. I wasn’t here to work or take Natalie and Delaney out for a casual dinner. This was important.
No matter what I’d said to Sam and Alice, this thing with Delaney felt big. It wasn’t just a favor. I was getting in deep with these two, and I needed to be careful. Not only to protect myself but them, too. I didn’t want to disappoint Delaney like her father had.
I knocked on the door, and Natalie answered. Her eyes widened, and her nostrils flared as she took me in. “You look handsome.”
“Thank you.” I felt nervous, like I was taking a girl out for the first time and meeting her parents. This was important to Delaney; therefore, it was significant to me too.
Natalie stepped back so I could come inside.
“Where’s Delaney?”
“She’ll be out in a minute. We had a last-minute wardrobe change,” Natalie said, her lips twitching in amusement.
“She didn’t buy a dress?”
Natalie chuckled. “She bought two because she couldn’t decide.”
My heart contracted.
“I’m ready. I’m ready. I’m ready,” Delaney chanted as she skipped up the hall and came to a stop when she realized I was already there.
“You’re here?” Delaney asked as she looked up at me.
I handed her the bouquet. “I told you I would be.”
“Look, Mom. He brought more flowers.”
“I see that, baby girl,” Natalie said as she took the bouquet and arranged the flowers in a jar.
“This is for you too,” I said, handing Delaney the corsage box.
“What’s this?” Delaney asked.
“It’s a flower that goes on your wrist. A guy always brings one for his date to a dance.”
Delaney opened the box and pulled it out. “This is so cool. Will you help me put it on?”
I moved closer, helping her wrap it around her wrist. “It looks perfect with your dress.” I wasn’t sure what colors she was wearing, and apparently, neither did she, so I went with a simple white.
“Beautiful,” I said.
Delaney picked up the ends of her skirt and twirled in a circle. “Do you like my dress?”
“It’s lovely, and so are you. Are you ready for dinner? We have reservations.” I felt a little overwhelmed by the whole situation. I was plagued with thoughts of wanting more things like this in my life.
Delaney giggled. “Oh, fancy.”
“Nothing but the best for you,” I said as I offered her my elbow and turned to face Natalie.
Natalie shook her head and grabbed her phone. “Uh-huh. Not so fast. I need some pictures.”
“Mooom,” Delaney said, rolling her eyes.
“Just a few. It won’t take long.” Natalie posed us in front of the fireplace where she’d placed the bouquet.
