It was his superpower.
The dress hugged my body perfectly, flowing flawlessly as I entered the Cape Fear Gardens and found our seats. Made from hunter-green silk fabric, it clung gracefully to my frame. The deep v-neckline was alarming at first, but it elegantly highlighted my figure. Once again, Liam’s design filled me with an unshakable confidence.
The most captivating part of the dress was a delicate composition of see-through lace, layered over strategically positioned silk lining that covered my breasts to preserve some modesty. It mimicked a corset style, but transitioned flawlessly into the skirt. The slit that extended mid-thigh added another touch of allure, but maintained that sophisticated elegance for a formal outing. It only proved why he was an international superstar.
I was imbued with self-assurance, and I could crush anyone who looked at me wrong. Maybe I could even figure out what I wanted with my life.
This dress was magic.
Mom had settled on a navy-blue cocktail-length dress. It wasn’t anything fancy, but it was just enough to show off her long legs and curves.
I glanced around the crowd, trying to locate any of my friends. I didn’t find them, but I figured I’d meet up with them later.
Once the show began, my mom and I had the best time ‘ooo’ing and ‘ahh’ing at the clothes. Again, it was no surprise that Liam Knight Creations was popular. Liam had an eye for styles and fabrics.
When it ended, Jamie walked on stage.
“Hi, everyone,” he said into the microphone. “Thank you for coming out today to support something so near and dear to my heart. For those of you who don’t know who I am, I’m Tech Sergeant Jamie MacIntyre, and I grew up here in Fayetteville. Iknow many of you in the crowd came out to see a Liam Knight Creations fashion show, but I thank you for coming, anyway.
I’m here to raise awareness for the service members who experience combat overseas and come home feeling lost. The ones that have trouble sleeping or have difficulty moving on, or…” he paused. “Who are alive after watching their best friend die. The Phoenix Foundation was named after one of my best friends who was there for me during my rock bottom, Noah Richey—Air Force Combat Controller, whose call sign was Phoenix. He picked me up and set me on the path to find peace and to heal. This foundation is here to help those service members in need, to be there for them through the transition back into everyday life. To help them find a way to heal. Anything from a simple phone call in the middle of the night, to helping them find peace through different forms of therapy. Whatever it is, we are here to help those who need it. So, thank you for all your donations tonight, and a big thank you to Liam. I couldn’t have done this without you, buddy.”
Jamie grinned at Liam offstage, and my hand moved to my mouth. I had no idea Jamie’s project was an ode to Noah. As I fought to keep the tears in my eyes from falling, I was both overjoyed to be here, and furious I’d missed so much of my friends’ lives.
“How about a big round of applause for one of my best friends, Liam Knight and LKC?” Jamie shouted into the mic.
Liam held his head high as he walked toward Jamie, but I could tell from the line on his forehead that he wanted to be anywhere else. He’d always hated the spotlight.
They hugged before waving and walking off stage together while the crowd stood and clapped.
Mom and I followed the mass of guests to the after-party, where we were promised drinks and appetizers. I grabbed a flute of champagne off a server’s tray asthey walked by.
I was getting that nervous, giddy energy that settled in your stomach when you were excited. I couldn’t wait to see my friends. It had been too long.
And when I saw a pair of familiar broad shoulders adorned with shaggy, dark brown hair, I moved without thinking. I wrapped my arms around Liam’s waist. Manners be damned. He was in the middle of a conversation, and I definitely interrupted, but I didn’t care.
Liam twisted, and when he laid his eyes on me, his look of absolute disgust morphed into the euphoria I felt.
“You’re here!” he said as he folded me in a tight hug. I did my best not to spill my champagne all over the two of us.
“I couldn’t miss this. Not after missing Noah’s funeral.”
“I’m just happy Elijah decided to let you out of his sight… unless… ” Liam looked over his shoulder. “He’s here somewhere.”
“No. He’s not here. I… kinda just left without telling him.”
“Sounds like something you’d do.”
Liam was right. I used to pull stunts like this all the time as a kid. Always in my own world and disappearing without telling anyone. When had that changed? Maybe because I grew up? Or was there something else behind it? I used to be notorious for giving in to any whim I’d had. If I wanted to go somewhere, I just went.
And Liam had always tagged along with me to make sure I stayed out of trouble. Perhaps that was why Elijah disliked him so much. We had a special bond. I’m sure Liam being way more successful than Elijah didn’t help, but Liam and I had always been close.
At least… until recently.
“This is amazing, Liam. I can’t believe you threw all this together.”
He lifted his shoulder. “This was easy. The one doing the hard stuff is Jamie. Right now, actually.”
I covered my mouth with my hands. “Omigod. You mean he’s proposingright now?!”
