Page 16 of She Was Mine First

Her mom, however, was more than willing to help in any way she could. Ecstatic that Livvy would have a beautiful memory from her last year of high school. I rented a tuxedo that matched her white lace gown.

The look on her face was priceless as soon as she opened the door.

That was all the reassurance I needed.

“Ethan,” she greeted, surprised I stood there before her. “You look, oh my God, you look amazing. What are you doing here?”

I smiled. “I’m here for you.”

“I thought you had to go to Kansas with your uncle for the weekend.”

“You’re more important to me, Livvy. So I’m here to be your knight in shining armor. Allow me the honor of taking you to the prom.”

With wide, teary eyes, she conveyed, “What?”

“You heard me.”

“But… I don’t have anything to wear. I don’t even have tickets.” She looked down at herself. “I mean, look at me. I’m a mess.”

“I am looking.” I loved seeing her in my clothes. “You’re always perfect, but your mom—”

Right on cue, her mother opened the door a little farther. “Ethan, you look amazing. So handsome.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Collins.”

Livvy peered back and forth between us, catching on without us having to say anything.

“Honey, your dress is on your bed,” Mrs. Collins shared. “I laid it out for you, along with the heels I bought for it.”

“You two were in cahoots?”

I winked at her. “I took care of the rest.”

“What about Dad?”

Her mom smiled. “Don’t worry about your father. I already warned him not to ruin this for you.”

Livvy instantly threw her arms around her. “Thank you, Mom. I’m so lucky to have you.”

“And don’t you ever forget that.”

Livvy beamed, letting out a loud shriek before she ran up the stairs. I waited in the living room for her, but it didn’t take long for her old man to show up. The sound of him clearing his throat made me turn around. He stood under the archway, all tall and intimidating. I figured he was about to start the “prom conversation.”

Don’t touch my daughter.

Have her home by a certain time.

No drinking.

Be responsible, and so on.

“Hello, Mr. Collins.”

He nodded to the couch. “Have a seat, Ethan. I’d like to talk to you for a minute.”

“Sure,” I breathed out, sitting beside him, turning to give him my full attention.

This was the most he’d ever said to me, and I couldn’t help but feel anxious.

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