The ballroom is full of couples dancing, and people standing around laughing. There are snowflakes and silver everything, and all I can see is Sophie, dancing with her father.
Wearing the bronze dress that I found for her. The one that matches my tie that I had delivered yesterday.
Sophie laughs at Duncan and my heart gives a hiccough because I want her laughs for myself. I want her smiles, and the way her nose scrunches.
But I want her to be happy, so I need to share.
If she’ll give me a chance to make her happy.
I honestly don’t know if she’ll forgive me. It could go either way. But whatever happens, I’ll be here in Battle Harbour.
I told the king that I’ll be one of his consultants on his road project, which will mean driving around Laandia. I also told him I need time off to do the FluxFuel race—my last one.
I haven’t processed it all yet. I waited until I heard from Sophie.
I went four days without speaking to her, and I don’t want to do that again.
The song ends, I start across the floor, just as Sophie hugs Duncan.
She sees me, and a myriad of emotions cross her face. Fighting the urge to run, I hold my ground, even nodding at Duncan.
To my surprise, he holds out a hand. “Ashton. Just so you know, the case has been closed. No charges will be laid against you. And you’re free to leave Laandia.”
“Thank you, sir, but I’ve developed a liking for the place. Cold and all.”
“Glad to hear it.” And with a smile at Sophie, Duncan leaves us.
Us. Me and Sophie. Standing in the middle of the dance floor, waiting to see who will be the first one to speak.
“You look like you figured out the dancing thing,” I say.
“Stand and sway.”
She’s done something different with her face—I know it’s makeup, but it’s different from what I’ve seen her wear before. Her hair is a tumble of curls, and the dress… “You look breath-taking.”
She smiles shyly. “You could have started with pretty, or beautiful.”
“But you take my breath away.”
Her shoulders hunch forward like she’s embarrassed. “Your tie looks like it matches my dress.”
“I made sure it did. That’s my grand gesture.”
Hearing her laugh is the best part of my entire night. “That’s your grand gesture? Like in a romance novel?”
“I was going for rom-com movies, but yeah. I know it’s a bit lame, but I’m not sure I want to take credit for how the decorations turned out.” She gives me a quizzical smile. “I met your mother when Ioffered my services to the decorating committee. I think she approves of my bank account.”
“I’m sure she does.”
“My father—”
“Shook my hand. That was pretty cool. But it wasn’t cool that I listened to mine. Sophie, I was an idiot, and I’m sorry. I’m so sorry that I hurt you.”
“You never say you’re sorry.”
“Only when I really mean it. My father told me to woo you—”
I’m not sure it’s a good thing that she erupts with laughter. “Woo? He actually used that word?”
