“I don’t want a limo. Everything is perfect.” I raised a brow. “And maybe I should remind you that as of tonight, I own literally nothing but this dress, a book, and a stack of letters. I’m not in a position to be picky about transportation.”
He laughed and regarded me. “You’re radiant.”
I kissed him softly. “That’s because I’m so happy.”
It was a little after nine o’clock when we stepped through the front doors. I tucked my hand in the crook of Xander’s elbow, his left hand covering mine. He stopped short when we stepped inside. The prom was still in full swing with Academy students dressed in their finest. I watched Xander, my heart in my throat as he took in the decor: the black balloons that looked like glass orbs, the clear lighted balls that bobbed between tables set with elaborate centerpieces.
“Jesus, Emery,” he said. “I knew it would be amazing. I couldn’t have imagined this.”
“Turned out pretty good, I think.”
“Good?” He gazed down at me and started to speak, but I shook my head.
“How you’re looking at me right now…like you really see me? That’s the best compliment. That’s all I’ve ever wanted.”
“I see you Emery,” he said. “And I pity anyone who can’t.”
I reached up to touch his cheek. “I feel sorry for your mom. What a treasure she had that she let slip through her fingers.”
Xander cleared his throat and blinked hard. “Will you dance with me?”
“I’d love to.”
We made it exactly three steps.
“Emery! Xander! Oh my God!”
Delilah, in a black dress, raced at me and engulfed me in a hug. “You look so beautiful! And Xander…” She hugged him too. “I’m so glad you made it. You told me that you weren’t going to make it, and I was so sad. But now I’m so glad! I mean, look at it, Em! Come see the centerpieces in this light…”
“Wait,” I said. “I don’t have a phone. Is Harper here? Have you heard from her?”
“She was here earlier. Just to see, she said. Haven’t seen her since. Orion’s not here either…” Delilah shook her head. “Nope, I am done gossiping. Come on. We have to tell everyone you’re here.”
“No, we don’t—”
Delilah led us through the ballroom, past the drink and food stations, to the crowded dance floor. Tucker and Elowen were wrapped in each other’s arms, his hand on her ass, a satisfied smile on her face.
Delilah ran ahead to the DJ booth and the music suddenly stopped.
“Everybody, everybody,” she said into the microphone. “I just want to interrupt really quick to say, on behalf of the prom committee, welcome to your senior prom!”
The room broke out in cheers and applause, and once the crowd quieted, she said, “I’d also like to recognize Emery Wallace, whose vision and artistry made all of this possible!”
“Oh, Delilah,” I murmured as the room erupted again, everyone turning their smiling faces toward me and Xander.
“Soak it up,” Xander said in my ear. “You made this happen for them.”
Delilah relinquished the mic and then “She Will Be Loved” played over the sound system. Couples moved together, and Xander took my hand and held it against his heart, his other wrapping around my waist and pulling me close. He drew me into his space, his warmth, and the hard, protective strength of his body. He was my sanctuary, a place where I knew I’d be safe forever and where he would be safe with me. After all his hurts, he trusted me with his heart, and I vowed to keep it close to mine, always.
“It’s been quite an eventful evening,” I said.
He sniffed a laugh. “You can say that again.”
I glanced up at him. “You called me your wife tonight.”
“Yeah, sorry about that. It just slipped out.”
“Don’t be sorry,” I said. “There’s no use fighting what we are to each other, right?”
