She showed Sofia a few of the updos we offered for girls, and Sofia picked one that would go nicely with a tiara.
"That one will be lovely."
"Where's my dad?" Sofia asked.
"He went to get coffee across the street. He's going to meet you when your hair and makeup are done and you're in your dress. Don't forget. There's a little photo shoot before the dance. And we don't want your date to see you before you're done up."
Sofia giggled. "Is my dad going to dress up too?"
I frowned. "We didn't talk what he was wearing. But I'll make sure he's got a suit for the evening."
While Terri brushed Sofia's hair, I sent a text.
Eve: Are you set for tonight?
Maddox: Meaning?
Eve: You have a suit? I was so concerned about Sofia; I completely forgot about your outfit.
Maddox: I have one to wear. Don't worry.
Eve: Sofia's excited to see you in it. You might want to pick her up some flowers at the shop here.
Maddox: You have a flower shop on Candy Cane Lane?
Eve: Sure do. It's a few doors down from the coffee shop.
Maddox: You don't have to worry about me. I've got it.
Eve: And I'll make sure your date is ready to go.
Maddox: Are you talking about Sofia or you?
I laughed.
Eve: Both of us will be presentable.
Maddox: Are you doing the princess package too?
Eve: I've already done it. Bianca set me up with a few dresses that I rotate for events like this.
That made it sound like I went to the dances often with a date, which wasn't true.
I tucked my phone away, not wanting to get distracted. I had an event to manage.
"Terri, I'm going to the ballroom to make sure everything is set up for the evening."
"We have quite a few girls coming in to get their hair and makeup done for the dance. Do you think you'll host more of these parties?"
"We'll see how it goes, but if it attracts more business, I don't see why not." I was always looking for ways to bring in more customers to the surrounding shops, whether that was dresses, hair and makeup, or even the restaurants.
There was no question that the fire department's holiday party was drawing more customers than usual. We could rent the ballroom out in the future. The idea excited me, and I started running through ideas to put on the website to make the offer.
"Sofia will be ready for her photo shoot soon. She's absolutely beautiful," Terri said, and Sofia beamed.
Girls tended to love the princess package, but there was something about Sofia having a wonderful day that made me feel really good.
I wanted her to be happy, to let go of her grief and worries, even if it was just for a little while. I wasn't doing it for Maddox. This was for her.
