"That would be nice." I never thought I'd be dating, much less become part of someone else's family again. But it was a good feeling.
Ford nodded to the top of the stairs. "They're here."
My gaze raised to see Eve and Natasha's arms looped together and Sofia in front of them. She bounded down to meet me, holding her dress out. "What do you think?"
"You're a beautiful princess. As always."
"I love balls." She twirled on the carpet as Natasha greeted Ford, and he led her away.
Eve stood on a step above me which made her the same height as me. Her sleek hair was pulled back into a low bun, and a tiara was perched on top of her head. Her gold dress shimmered in the light.
"You're gorgeous." There were no words for how stunning she was in that dress.
I held my elbow out for her. "I'm here to escort you ladies to the ball."
"Why thank you, kind sir," Eve said, quickly falling into my playacting.
Sofia skipped ahead of us, and when the doormen opened the double doors, music filtered out. The room was filled with families and the men and women of the fire department.
Everyone was talking, laughing, and a number of people were on the dance floor.
"I'd say your party is a success," I said, smiling down at Eve.
Her eyes sparkled with happiness.
An announcer came over the microphone, introducing us as if we'd just been married. "Introducing Ms. Eve Palmer and her escort, Mr. Maddox Knight along with his daughter, Miss Sofia Knight.
Sofia dropped into a deep curtsy before running off to find her friends.
"That was a nice introduction," Eve said.
I guided her farther into the room. "You didn't plan for everyone to be introduced?"
She shook her head. "I don't know if they did that for everyone or just us."
"You're essentially the mayor. You've done so much to support this town. You deserve all the accolades."
Her lips curled into a smile. "I like the sound of that."
"Want to get a drink at the bar?" I asked her, spotting the rest of the guys.
"Sure."
We got champagne, then moved around the room, talking to people who participated in the toy drive or were recipients. Everyone was grateful and happy to be here.
I was proud of Eve for all the hard work she'd done to make the toy drive a success. After we'd made one round of the room, I coaxed her onto the dance floor.
I breathed a sigh of relief once she was in my arms. "I finally have you to myself."
She gazed up at me. "This is nice."
We danced around the floor until Sofia ran up to us. "You guys have to see this."
Eve gave me a look before I took Sofia's hand and let her lead us onto the balcony connected to the ballroom. Outside, there were large, decorated trees on either side, the columns were wrapped in garland and lights, and there was a seating area with champagne on the table.
"What's this?" Eve asked, probably realizing the seating wasn't here before.
Sofia took Eve's hand and guided her to sit next to her. "We have something important to ask you."
