Heisa Maddox, which means he’s got all sorts of money.
Giddy about the dress and pushing aside the feeling in the pit in my stomach, I take the box to the bedroom. I quickly shower, put up my hair, apply fresh makeup, and slide into the gown.
It fits like a dream, and the skirt rustles when I spin.
I turn this way and that in the mirror, getting a view from all sides. It’s the most elegant piece of clothing to ever have graced my body. It shimmers when I move, sending rainbows of light dancing over the walls.
What does Stone have planned?
I put on heels and am ready to go when, at seven, the doorbell rings.
The last thing I expect is Ron in a suit wearing a chauffeur’s hat—but that’s what I get.
“Hey, Ron.”
“Hey, Coco. You look nice.”
“Thank you. So ... I don’t suppose you’ll tell me where we’re going.”
“Mum’s the word.”
“Hmm. Suspicious.”
“You ready?”
“Never been readier.” As he escorts me down the sidewalk, I pepper him with questions. “Are we headed to the airport? Is there a jet waiting on the tarmac? There’s a jet, isn’t there? Is Stone wearing a tux? You’re not flying the plane, are you?”
Ron doesn’t answer as I jabber at him. He opens the back door of a sleek black limo and I get in, half expecting Stone to be sitting in the back.
Who am I kidding? Stone never would’ve waited in the car. He would’ve gotten out and retrieved me himself.
However, even though he’s not present, there’s another note on the opposite seat. I do a little happy clap. Maybe it’s a clue!
I slide out the card and take a look.I’m sure you’re starving, and we’ll eat soon. Hang tight just a little bit longer.
Okay, so are we flying to New York for dinner? Maybe California? Probably California, given the time difference. Oh, this is so cool!
As Ron pulls the sedan away from the house, my gaze skims the familiar streets. Tonight, my town sparkles, and it isn’t just because of magic. It’s because someone wrapped twinkly lights around the lampposts. It’s enchanting, and looks like the set of a Hallmark movie.
Is Hallmark filming in Mystic Meadows?
The lights sparkle all the way to the end of town, where a small white building is decorated with bright pansies popping out from window boxes and tulips sprinkling the front garden.
My excitement turns to horror as Ron pulls up in front of the building.
“Ron,” I whisper, “we’re not stopping here, are we?”
He doesn’t answer, but comes to a halt directly in front of the door. My insides shrivel and die.
Oh no. No no no no no!
Icy dread fills my stomach, and the glowing lights, the ones I thought looked so beautiful only moments before, now mock me.
My core tightens and a charge builds on my fingertips.No.I’ve come too far to lose control of my magic now.
I could run. I could leave this very moment. It would allow Stone to have a future without the wreckage of my truth.
But that wouldn’t be fair to him.
