Ryan bounces between us, one hand in mine, one in his father’s, occasionally lifting his feet to swing. His excitement is contagious.
“Daddy, look!” He points to an animatronic Santa in a window display. “Can we go see?”
Ronan looks down at his son with such tenderness it makes my chest ache. “After we help Rayne find a dress, buddy.”
Ryan sighs dramatically. “But dresses are boring. Why don’t you just wear a Godzilla costume?”
I laugh, squeezing his little hand. “You know what? You’re right. But maybe you could help me choose? I bet you have great taste.”
His eyes light up. “I do! I know all the colors. Even periwinkle!”
“Periwinkle?” I lift a brow at Ronan.
“His preschool teacher is very thorough with color wheels,” Ronan explains, a smile tugging on the corner of his mouth.
We enter a boutique so exclusive there’s no price tag in sight—never a good sign for someone with my budget. Oh, wait. I don’t have a budget.
Ronan strides in confidently, Ryan trotting beside him. A saleswoman materializes instantly, her smile brightening when she recognizes Ronan.
“Mr. Ward! What a pleasure.”
“Evelyn.” He nods. “We need a gala dress.”
Her eyes sweep over me assessingly. I resist the urge to fidget. God, I hate being the center of attention.
“For the Bergman Christmas Gala tonight, I presume? I have several options that would be stunning.” She turns to Ryan with a genuine smile. “And who’s this handsome young man?”
Ryan instantly hides behind me, and I tell Evelyn, “His name is Ryan, and he’s my fashion advisor today.”
“Well, we’re lucky to have such an expert.” She winks at him before turning back to me. “Let’s find you something magnificent.”
What follows is like a scene from a movie I never thought I’d star in. Evelyn leads me to a private dressing room larger than my entire bathroom at home. Ronan and Ryan settle into plush chairs outside while assistants bring dress after dress for me to try.
I emerge in the first one—a slinky black number with a slit up to mid-thigh—feeling self-conscious.
Ryan scrunches his nose. “Too boring. It’s Christmas! Where are the sparkles?”
Ronan’s eyes, however, burn as they travel slowly up my body. “I like the slit.”
I blush, scurrying back to try the next one. God, only he can turn me on with just a look and four words.
The second dress is emerald green with an open back. Ryan gives it a thoughtful look before declaring, “Better! But you look like a Christmas tree.”
“A very beautiful Christmas tree,” Ronan adds, his voice low.
The third dress is deep red with gold accents. Ryan sits up straighter.
“Ooooh! You look like a princess!”
I twirl for him, the skirt flaring out. “You think?”
“Daddy, doesn’t she look pretty?”
Ronan’s eyes never leave mine. “Beautiful.”
We go through five more dresses, each earning commentary from Ryan ranging from “too puffy” to “too shiny” to “that’s periwinkle”, and “that color looks like Godzilla’s scales.” Finally,I slip into a midnight blue dress with tiny crystals that catch the light like stars. The bodice hugs my curves before flowing out into a skirt that moves like water when I walk.
When I step out, Ryan gasps.
