"Now you sound like a businesswoman again."
Her nose wrinkled."Sorry.It's hard to turn off."
We danced passed Eve and Maddox, who'd stopped to talk to a little girl who was decked out in a dress with a tiara on her head.
"Kids love the ball too.They get their hair styled and their own ball gown."
"You've thought of everything."
Natasha chewed her lip."You think that's Maddox's daughter?"
The little girl was holding Maddox's hand."Maybe.Is that a problem?"
Natasha sighed."I guess not.I just worry about my sister."
"She's an adult.She can handle herself."I spun her away from her sister.I wanted her to relax and enjoy the night.
"I've always looked out for her, but ever since our parents died, I feel like I have to stand in their role too."
"I don't think that's how it works when your sister is an adult."
She blew out a breath
"If you want your sister to stay out of your life, you have to stay out of hers.She's a big girl and can make her own decisions."I was drawing on my experience with Aspen.
"I suppose you're right."Then she looked up at me."This is supposed to be your night at the ball."
"Am I Cinderella in this situation?Will I turn into a pumpkin at the end of the night?"I asked cheekily.
She giggled, and when she recovered, she said, "I don't know.But we're going to find out."
I loved that I made her laugh.I didn't want her worrying about her sister.This was our night.
We danced for a few songs, then stepped away from the dance floor to get a drink and rest our feet.Even though we weren't part of the firefighter family, we fit in just fine.
Eve held up her end of the bargain, spending the evening with Maddox and his daughter.They left early, probably because the girl had to get to bed.
Natasha squeezed my hand, pointing with her free one at the clock that read eleven p.m."You want to go up to my room before you turn into a pumpkin?"
"That sounds perfect."I couldn't wait to be alone with her.As nice as it was to dress up for one night, I preferred Natasha in nothing at all.
Upstairs, I took my time undressing her, laying her ballgown carefully on a chair before stripping her bare.Then we kissed as I lowered her onto the bed.I came over her, enjoying every inch of her body pressed against mine.
When I entered her, there was no rush.I had all night to savor her.When we crested the wave, we did it together.The moment was sweet, a memory I'd carry with me forever, no matter what happened.
Chapter21
Natasha
The morning after the ball, I woke up naked and wrapped in Ford's arms.It was the best way to start the day.When Ford woke, we showered together and cooked breakfast.
"What are your plans for Thanksgiving?"Ford asked.
"I haven't thought that far ahead."We used to visit my parents for Thanksgiving and Christmas.They were my favorite holidays, but I couldn't bring myself to even think about that now.I planned to work at the inn and deal with any issues that arose from the guests.
We served a Thanksgiving meal midday to anyone staying at the inn or locals who didn't feel like cooking.I'd comforted myself by saying I was working, so there was nothing I was missing out on.
If I thought too hard about what it was like last year, I wouldn't be able to get up in the morning at all.The grief was crushing around holidays and anniversaries.
