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?"Mother, this is Sarah McKenzie. Sarah is my Lizzie's best friend," he advises, gesturing to her. A small gasp escapes my lips at his admission of my being his, to his mother no less.
?"It's a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Knight," Sarah acknowledges her gracefully.
?"Oh, you girls are so polite. Please, call me, Amelia," his mother says graciously. Sarah gives her a nod and a warm smile.
?Miles comes back to his chair, leaning over, giving my cheek a chaste kiss, and telling me he is going to the bar to get a drink for his mother.
?"Would you like anything, darling?" I gaze up at thisgorgeous man that treats his mother well, and I can't help but to be in awe that he chose me to be his, I still can't wrap my head around it, but I've never been so happy to have bumped into this total stranger in my entire life.
?"No, but thank you," I answer.
?"I'll join you. I need one, as well," Sebastian states, walking toward Miles.
?Miles leans over and whispers in my ear, "Will you be okay while I'm gone?" I nod and smile at his thoughtfulness.
?Both men head toward the bar, and I can't help the deep affection I feel when I look at Miles. I turn my attention back to our table, and Amelia has her focus on me. I can't help but feel a bit nervous.What if she doesn't think I’m good enough for her son? What if she thinks I’m after his money?A sick feeling settles in the pit of my stomach. I raise my champagne flute to my lips, take a large sip, and concentrate on the bubbles that glide over my tongue.
?"Elizabeth, it seems you’re just as smitten with my son as he is with you. I know that look all too well. It was one my late husband and I shared.”
A pang of sadness hits me at her words. How terrible it is to lose the love of your life. I can't imagine. "I'm so very sorry for your loss, Amelia."
"Thank you. I miss him every day, but I wouldn't trade what we had for anything." I nod my head in understanding. As I am about to respond, Miles and Sebastian return to the table. Miles gives his mother her drink, and then takes his place by my side. He slides his arm around my shoulder to bring my body closer to his, and I'm engulfed in his cologne and the scent that is all his own. I slowly let out a deep breath and inhale this man beside me. He drops a kiss to my forehead before he takes a sip of the whiskey he got from the bar.
"I'm going to be giving a speech soon. Being the CEO, I’m expected to start this charity event off. Then we can walk around and look at the items in the silent auction," Miles murmurs in my ear.
"That sounds fun,” I reply, nuzzling closer to him. He hums his approval at my movement. The sound sends chills through my body.
Chapter 27
Miles
Standing at our table, I button my tuxedo and lean over to give Lizzie a quick kiss to her forehead before I walk to the stage. A little flurry of nerves shoots through me, which catches me off guard. I am used to talking in front of crowds. I’ve been doing it for most of my life and never given it a second thought. However, tonight I know Lizzie will be watching me. This will be the first time she sees the CEO me. Climbing the steps to the stage, I walk over to the podium just as the band finishes playing their set. The chatter in the room begins to quiet as guests start noticing me. Taking a solid, deep breath, I begin my speech. "Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. As most of you know, I am Miles Knight with Knight Publishing Company." I pause as cheers erupt through the ballroom, and I glance at Lizzie, who has a wide smile on her face. It makes my heart flutter at the sight. “Thank you all for taking the time to be here tonight for this special charity event. The Knight Foundation contributes to many charities throughout the year, but this one has always held a special place in my heart. The Children’s Fund for Mental Illness helps those who suffer from various conditions, so they get the therapy, medication, and support they need to grow to become thriving individuals in our community. Many children with mental illness go undiagnosed in our country and/or are unable to get the help they need. The Knight Foundation strives to help pediatricians and early childhood educators by funding the extra toolsneeded to assist in screenings and proper medical services for all children under their care."
"The reason this charity is dear to me is because I have seen, firsthand, the difference in a child without help, and then with her getting the aid she needed. It was a small miracle for that family, and if we can help more kids like her, then we can build a stronger foundation and support system for other children, as well, to prosper and grow up to be important members of our society. Thank you all for supporting our cause by helping these wonderful children. Lastly, again, thank you for attending tonight’s event. There is a silent auction that will begin soon. The prizes have been donated from many businesses and families throughout the city. If we all come together, we can help these children. Enjoy your evening." I wave to the crowd who have now gotten to their feet to applaud. I shake hands with our foundation treasurer, who then goes on to explain how the silent auction will work.
As I walk off the stage, trying to get back to my girl, I am stopped several times by associates and clients wanting to thank me for the charity auction. Some want to talk business, and I have to excuse myself politely. Many people come to these charities to network, which is something I am not interested in doing tonight. As I round the corner to our table, I see Lizzie laughing and talking with Sarah and my mother, which makes my heart happy that they are all getting along. I knew my mother would love Lizzie, but seeing it with my own eyes confirms, in my heart, that Lizzie is the one for me.
"Miles, you were amazing up there. I had no idea how huge this charity was. I am so proud of you," Lizzie gushes as she stands, pulling me into a hug as I get to the table. I squeeze her body close to mine and drop a kiss on the top of her head, her vanilla and coconut scent floods my senses. I take a moment to breathe her in before I let her go.
"Thank you, sweetheart." I give her temple anothersmall kiss.
"Miles, you always give such wonderful speeches, dear. Your father would be so proud of you," my mother states as she dabs her eye with a cloth to catch an unshed tear. I walk over and give her kiss on the cheek.
"Thank you, mother. He taught us well," I reply, winking at Sebastian. "Lizzie, I’m going to the bar. Would you like to join me?" I ask. She nods, placing her clutch on the table, then walking toward me. I take her hand and place it on my forearm as we make our way through the crowd. We get stopped several times by more business associates, and I get the chance to introduce my beautiful girl on my arm. Seeing her face light up as I introduce her as my girlfriend gives me great satisfaction, but I can't help but want to introduce her as my fiancé or wife. Everyone she meets seems to be totally besotted with her. I can't help but get a little jealous that I’m having to share her with others.
Once we make it to the bar, we only have to wait a moment before we’re served. "What would you like?" I lean down, asking Lizzie in her ear. I love seeing the goosebumps covering her skin when I whisper so close to her. She looks up at me with a knowing smile, like she knows that I know the effect I have on her.
"I think I would like a glass of Moscato, please," she says to the bartender. He takes a moment to look her up and down with an appreciative smile, then looks to me silently asking for my order. I take that moment to pull Lizzie closer to me, keeping my hand on her waist. The bartender pales when he sees the glare, I’m giving him.
"Macallan for you, sir?" I nod as he gets our order. I reach out grabbing Lizzie's chin to bring her eyes to mine. "Have I told you how stunning you are?" Her cheeks blush at my compliment, which makes me smile wider. She doesn't knowhow beautiful she is, but I will spend the rest of my life telling her, until she finally believes it.
"Yes, I believe you have. It's all thanks to you and this gorgeous dress."
"No," I state, adamantly. "It's all you, baby. That dress would look like rags on anyone else. It was made with you in mind. You're breathtaking!"
"Here are your drinks, sir." The bartender places them in front of us. I pick up the glass of wine and hand it to Lizzie, then take my glass.
"Would you like to look at the lots in the silent auction?" I ask Lizzie, as we walk toward that section of the ballroom.
