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Sophie

One Year later

AsIwalktoward the stage, my hands shake nervously. I steady myself, which isn’t easy in these stilettos. My navy blue formal gown sways at my feet as I make my way up the stairs and across the stage to the podium. There are at least five hundred in attendance this evening, which is great, but that’s a lot of people to speak in front of.

Ugh, I wish I had Madden’s knack for public speaking.

The grand ballroom in the Broadway Hotel downtown feels incredibly glamorous, perfect for tonight’s event. Everyone is seated at the various round tables around the ballroom, decked out in formal wear. The tables are donned in white linens and have lovely centerpieces of red and orange flowers. My mom helped me plan the event tonight, thank goodness. I couldn’t have done it without her.

I take a steadying breath before I start my speech and lock eyes with Drew, sitting at the very front of the room. He smiles and nods his head toward me, an encouraging gesture. His faith in me gives me the courage to be up here in front of all these people.

“Good evening, everyone,” I speak into the microphone with a smile. The room quiets down and waits for me to continue.

“Thank you all for being here tonight to help us raise money for something very close to my heart.”

After marrying Drew in an intimate backyard ceremony in my parent’s backyard, we honeymooned in Hawaii. During our honeymoon, we had so much time to talk … uninterrupted. Which allowed us to have several long conversations about things we’d never discussed before. Such as my trust fund. I knew what I wanted to do with my trust fund and Sam’s life insurance money, but the fact that Drew wholeheartedly agreed with my plan made it even better.

“Together, with my husband Drew, we are very excited to announce that with your help, we have fully funded the Samuel Miller Scholarship fund.”

Cheers and applause fill the large room, and I take a moment to clap along with the crowd. Drew beams at me from his seat, looking so dashing in his tuxedo and freshly shaven face. I grin back at him.

The applause dissipates, and I continue, “This scholarship will help so many children in our community to attend Heartland Academy. Our school has so many great resources that, for so long, couldn’t be afforded to families who could benefit from them the most. Especially families with special needs children. With this scholarship fund, we are providing the link for these families to access the resources they need to help their children.”

I pause to look down at the notecards I brought up on stage with me, not because I don’t know the words, but more to build up some courage.

“My late husband, Samuel Miller, would’ve been so proud of what we’re accomplishing here for our community. Your generous donations have not only allowed us to provide several scholarships, but we’ve also partnered with Heartland Academy to hire another special education teacher, and created a sensory room.”

Glancing around the room, I can see my family at one of the tables near the front. They’re all here showing their support tonight, my parents and all of my siblings. The pride in my father’s eyes means so much to me, especially knowing that we haven’t always agreed on how I should use my trust fund. I lock eyes with my dad and he winks at me, like a silent acknowledgment of his support.

“Thank you all so much for coming out tonight for our very first Samuel Miller Scholarship Gala. We couldn’t have made this happen without you! I’ll stop talking now so everyone can start dancing.”

I smile toward the crowd and earn some laughs before retreating from the stage. Another round of applause goes around the room as I walk back toward our table. Music from the live band begins, and Drew stands from his seat and comes forward to take my hand.

“Mrs. Reed, may I have this dance?” He pulls my hand up to his lips and kisses the back of it.

A smirk pulls at the corner of my lips at his endearment. He never misses a chance to call me Mrs. Reed, and I love it.

“I thought you’d never ask, Mr. Reed.”

He meets my gaze as we walk toward the dance floor, a devilish twinkle in his eye. “That’s Dr. Reed, thank you very much.”

“Oh? I thought you were a phlebotomist. My apologies,” I reply before biting my bottom lip to keep from laughing.

He chuckles as we reach the dance floor and pulls me into his arms.

“You think you’re really funny, don’t you?” He asks just as we start to sway to the music.

Instead of answering, I just wink at him.

The dance floor has filled with couples, everyone obviously enjoying the big band music. Madden and Odette pass by us.

“Great speech, sis!” Madden says before spinning Odette.

“I learned from the best!” I respond, and he grins.

“You really did great up there,” Drew says, drawing my attention back to him. “I couldn’t be more proud to be your husband. I love your generous heart.”

This man never ceases to melt me. I slide my hands around his neck and stand on my toes to kiss him. Drew leans into the kiss, tightening his hold around my waist.

“Geez, you two, get a room.” We pull apart and look over to see Brooks standing next to us with his pretty blonde date.

Drew grins at him. “Sounds good to me.” He glances back at me. “How soon can we get out of here, Soph?”

“Gross, I do not want to know about any of that.” Brooks grimaces and steers his date in the opposite direction.

Drew ignores him and releases me into a spin. I can feel his eyes roam over my formal gown, the heat of his gaze sending a tingle down my spine. My dress is navy blue chiffon with a sweetheart neckline. It cinches at the waist and flares out at the hips. But the best part is the—tasteful—slit that goes up to the middle of my thigh. The gown is classy and sexy. I knew Drew would love it.

“But seriously, though, how soon can we get out of here? Because the slit in your dress is beckoning me.” He pulls me back into his arms as the music from the band slows down.

I push my bottom lip out in a pout. “As much as I’d like to get you out of that tux, we should probably be the last ones to leave tonight. Seeing as we’re the hosts and all.”

He heaves a sigh and rolls his eyes sarcastically. “I was afraid you would say that.”