As we sit holding hands and watching his niece perform her solo, my heart feels close to overflowing. I’ve never experienced so many emotions at once before. I’ve been closed off for years to everyone but my besties, never allowing myself to get close enough to someone to risk getting in the way of pursuing my dreams—or getting hurt.
Evie finishes her dance with a slow curtsy. The whole auditorium is silent as the music fades. Once the crowd startsto applaud, our row erupts into cheers like we’re her personal cheerleaders.
I glance over at Tyler, surprised to find tears streaming down his cheeks and a smile on his lips. Seeing how proud he is of his niece and how much he cares tugs at my heart.
He looks over at me and wipes his eyes, shooting me a goofy smile and squeezing my hand like he’s thanking me for being there with him. He pulls me in for one quick, hard kiss that sends me into a daze.
With my heart pounding and mind reeling, I wonder if it’s all worth it. If opening myself up to let someone in—if opening myself up to love someone and be loved in return—is worth the risk.
Right now, I’m feeling like it might be.
“Youwereamazing,Evie,”Shayna coos.
“The best dancer up there,” Mallory agrees.
“And that solo…” Alyssa mimics her mind being blown. “Wow.”
Evie beams under their praise before turning to me. I pull the bouquet out from behind my back.
“Are those for me?” When I nod, another smile blossoms on her face. “They’re beautiful.”
“Not as beautiful as your dancing tonight.”
“Thanks, Ms. Kelsey.” She hugs me, holding on tight while my friends head to Daisy Mae.
I squeeze her right back. “I’m always here for you, Evie girl.”
She turns to Tyler. “You said something about ice cream?”
He laughs. “I should’ve known you’d never forget about sweets.” Tyler’s eyes find mine. “Do you want to join us?”
I consider abandoning my friends because ice cream coupled with a wonderful man and the cutest five-year-old is a tempting option. But I need to put our tradition first.
“It’s girls' night.” I gesture back to my roommates.
“I knew it was probably too much to hope for.” He looks at the ground, shuffling his feet.
I shoot him a sympathetic smile. “I hope you two have the best time.”
“Thanks.” He nods his head toward my friends. “And tell them all thanks again for coming, please. It means a lot to Evie and me.” Tyler kisses me on the cheek, and I wave goodbye before meeting my friends in the car.
“You had one job, Kels.” Alyssa groans.
I stare at her. “Do you want to tell me what that job is?”
“You didn’t kiss him goodbye.” She pretends to faint. “Now we’re going to have to watch a romcom at home to make up for my lack of romance.”
“Does that mean you finally decided not to see Peter anymore?” I say, my voice filled with hope.
“Yeah. Surprise, surprise, he still doesn’t want to get married.” She runs her fingers through her blonde curls. “And don’t think I didn’t know it was you who messaged Austin to come over and cheer me up after.”
I shrug, feigning nonchalance. “I have no clue what you mean.”
“Mm-hmm.” She shoots me a disbelieving look.
Shayna glances at me in the rearview mirror before turning onto the road. “But seriously, why didn’t you kiss him goodbye?”
“I’m not going to kiss him in front of Evie when we haven’t talked about what we are.” Not to mention that I already kissed him twice inside…but my besties don’t have to knoweverything.
