Harrison leaned his forehead to mine and softly said, “I missed you.”
“What do you mean?” I asked with a laugh. “I saw you earlier today.”
Taking a step back, Harrison captured my eyes with his. “No, I mean, I’ve missed you.”
I fought to stay upright while my knees wobbled. “I’ve missed you too.”
“Turn around, let me take a good look at you in that stunning dress.”
With a smile, I did as he asked, only to have him kiss me again when I faced him.
“I’m afraid I kissed all of your lipstick off.”
“That’s okay,” I whispered as I ran my finger along his jaw. “I’ll put more on.”
“And do I get to unwrap you out of this dress later?”
Biting down on my lower lip, I nodded. “But only if I get to unwrap you out of that tux.”
“It’s a deal.”
Harrison held out his arm. “Shall we?”
I took his arm and grinned when I saw the limo waiting outside of my house. “A limo, huh?”
He winked. “Only the best for my girl.”
My heart tumbled around in my chest as I stared up at Harrison. “Your girl?”
“I hope so. I know we moved fast, then we came to an abrupt halt, but I really want you to be a part of my life, as well as Noel’s. She adores you, and I’m pretty sure she sensed something was wrong these last few weeks. I’ve never felt this way before, Em. I’m jumping, so I hope you’ll be along for the fall.”
I nodded. “I need you to know I would never want to hurt you or Noel.”
Harrison’s eyes met mine. “I know, that’s why I trust this.”
The benefit dinner was a huge success. The decorations were spot on. The food was fantastic, the band was a dream, and everyone truly had fun.
“I’ve never been so full in my entire life,” Wendy said as she dropped back in her chair. “That tiramisu was by far the best I’ve ever had.”
Joyce nodded. “I agree, it was amazing. All the food was amazing.”
Smiling, I said, “We couldn’t have done this without you, Joyce. Thank you so much.”
Harrison’s mother flashed me a wide smile. “It was fun to plan an event like this again. I didn’t realize how much I missed it.”
“You know, you could always plan next year’s benefit dinner,” Pricilla stated right before she took a sip of wine.
Joyce tilted her head and nodded. “If you’re being serious, I might take you up on that. I’ve already told Emma I would like tovolunteer more at the library, and if my talents can be used, I’m more than happy to help out in any way.”
Pricilla leaned forward. “Joyce, are you serious right now? Because if you’re not, don’t tease me like that.”
Everyone at the table laughed.
“I’m serious. I’d love to be able to get back to planning events.”
“What about smaller ones? We have lots of little events at the library that we could really use your help planning,” I said.
“Count me in. I truly enjoyed spending time there when I took Noel to story time.”
