Page 130 of When There Was You
A few weeks later,the big night arrives. Butch insists on picking me up for our date, as he would if it were our high school prom, so I stay at his house to get gussied up and he changes at his parents’ house. He tried taking Emmy with him, since his parents are babysitting her overnight anyway, but she wanted to hang out with me while I got ready.
She’s been attached to my side through makeup, hair styling, and donning my dress and jewelry, peppering me with questions.
How do you keep the mascara from getting in your eyes?Carefully.
What does the blow dryer feel like?I point it at her head, the blast billowing her long strands as her giggles erupt.
When will I wear a bra?When your breasts start to grow—and show.
Will mine look like yours?There’s no way to know until they mature, but whatever size they become will be perfect.
Do you love my daddy?So very much.
Do you think you’ll marry him?I don’t know how toanswer so I lob back my own question:Would you like that?And she nods.
You’re so pretty. Am I pretty? Yes, you are beautiful. And you’re beautiful inside, where it matters most.
Then she says, “I love you, Jacqui.” It’s the first time.
Hugging her tiny body, I whisper, “I love you too, Emmy.”
Double goo.
Butch knocks on the front door of the cabin right on time, and Emmy answers, allowing me a grand entrance moment down the stairs. I hold onto the railing, steadying myself as I descend in strappy, elegant heels, careful not to trip over my floor-length, flowing black gown.
My date comes into view. Our eyes connect briefly before mine travel down his masculine frame. He’s wrapped in a black suit with a crisp white dress shirt, opened a few buttons at the top with no tie. He’s clean shaven and my insides flutter as if it really is prom night.
His gaze rakes over me. He’s taking in the halter top, attached to two panels covering my breasts but providing a peek between, how the material hugs my curves and flares at the bottom, and the enticing slit up the left leg. My hair is styled in an updo with loose tendrils framing my face.
He holds out his hand and I take it.
“You are breathtaking, Sundance. A vision beyond my wildest expectations.” He spins me to see the open back, then hums his approval.
“Stunning,” he murmurs.
“Likewise, handsome. I mean,whew. I could get used to that.”
He grins. “Maybe don’t getusedto it. But tonight? It’s all for you.”
I appraise him another minute then narrow my eyes.
“What?”
I shrug. “I’m a little disappointed.”
His expression falls. “Why? What did I do?”
“Jeez, Butch…I really thought you were going to give me the purple tux.”
“Trust me on this.” He flashes a smile I can’t quite interpret.
The two of us stand there openly admiring each other until Emmy says, “Sheesh…why don’t you marry her already.”
Oh my god.I must be fifty shades of scarlet and Butch nearly chokes.
“On that note, missy, get your butt over to Mimi and PopPop’s. I’m not leaving until you call and let me know you got there.”
“Where else would I go? It’s literally next door.”
