I like the way she saidus. Like I’m part of Crew’s life as well. Like I belong. My smile couldn’t be bigger when I’m once again taken down by the cutest boy on the planet.
Thirty Seven
Lyndi
“Crew!”Iscreech,watchingmy giant of a date crumple in half like a balloon man. “What did I tell you about doing that?”
Crew looks up, successfully using his innocent blue eyes against me. “I yelledhold your peanuts! He didn’t listen.” He shrugs like that should explain everything.
I scrub my forehead, doubting every parenting decision I’ve ever made. “To your room, young man!”
“No! I don’t want to!” Crew instantly has tears in his eyes. It’s magic how they can appear so fast.
“I’m fine,” Ward wheezes from the floor.
“I’ve got the little one, you take the big one,” Maddie says, grabbing Crew and leading him to his room.
I lean down and reach for Ward’s hand. “I’m so sorry. I don’t know what goes through that kid’s head sometimes.”
“I think I have a pretty clear idea.” He chuckles and uses me to stand up. Kind of.
I smile. Then my smile turns to a laugh. I clamp my hand over my mouth but it’s too late.
He straightens fully, managing to do so with only a slight grimace. “Are you laughing at me?”
I keep my hand over my mouth and shake my head. “I think it was a hiccup.”
His head tilts to the side and his mouth purses. “It’s a good thing you’re so beautiful.”
I look into his eyes, and then I see it. The truth of his words is written all over his face. For the first time in my life, I feel seen by a man. But not just any man. By him.
I bite my bottom lip. “It’s kind of fun playing Cinderella for the night.”
He returns my gaze; those brown eyes not playing around. “You’re not playing anything. You’re the real deal.”
I’ve never felt like a princess before. I had more in common with Cinderella, minus the fairytale, while growing up. I didn’t feel like a princess when I gave birth alone in my empty hospital room. But for once, I’m not worried about the extra pound or two on my hips or the stretch marks on my stomach as Ward leads me into the immaculate building. Tonight, I’m more than my limitations, my social standing, or my job description.
“Have I told you how beautiful you look tonight?” Ward whispers in my ear while leading me up the stairs.
Warmth rushes down my spine. “If you keep telling me, I might just believe it.”
He stops our entrance into the gala, keeping me right outside the doors, and lifts the bottom of my chin. “Then I’ll tell you every moment for the rest of the night.”
The back of my eyes sting at his comment. What if he changes his mind? Our fake relationship was only meant for tonight. What happens tomorrow?
“Ready for this?” he asks, fiddling with his tie for the twentieth time since picking me up.
I pat my purse with a check he gave me already half written out. “I’ve got everything I need to buy the perfect man.” He told me I could spend whatever it takes, but I hope it’s not too much. I don’t think I could waste thousands of his hard-earned dollars.
“That better be me.”
I shrug a shoulder. “I’ll have to scope out all my options first.”
He shakes his head, trailing a hand down his jawline. “You’re going to give me a heart attack.”
The doors open for us as a couple comes out, and my breath lodges in my throat. Every wall, table, and chair is covered in white, with gold accents all over the place. There are gold chandeliers and centerpieces, even a few statues. It looks expensive and beautiful all at the same time. This place is a fairytale, a dream.
And I’m a princess.
