Page 99 of The Deal Breaker
She’d avoided this part of town for years because it hurt too much to remember. Every day, she missed her mom. She rarely thought about being pushed out of her dad’s life so easily now. But occasionally, Iris even missed him. Despite the choices he’d made, she hoped he wasn’t living with regrets.
Standing here brought back so many feelings. Each breath seemed to take a conscious effort and hurt. She expected tears to fill her eyes, but none came. Only a sense of loss did. One that still cut deep.
“What are we doing here?” Iris whispered, afraid if she spoke louder she might awaken more memories and the ghosts that accompanied them.
A serious expression crossed his face.
“Henry?” she asked.
“I hope this doesn’t hurt too much.” Compassion shone in his blue eyes. “You’re thinking about your parents.”
Of course he would understand. She tried to nod but couldn't because the pain was too raw, too sharp, even if it was six years old. “I haven’t been back here since the day my father kicked me out.”
Henry hugged her. “Places trigger memories. Focus on the happy ones. And perhaps you can replace the not-so-good memories with better ones.”
She doubted that. “Please tell me what we're doing here.”
“You’ll see.” Henry opened the door for her.
Iris froze at the threshold. Her insides twisted. She never thought she’d step foot inside again, but she forced herself to move.
A romantic ballad played. “I didn’t know you enjoyed this kind of music.”
Henry shrugged. “I’m a connoisseur of all types.”
The paint color had changed. The hostess stand was missing. Only one table was in the dining room, a stunningly set table for two with a linen tablecloth, flowers, candles, crystal stemware, and fine china place settings.
She glanced at Henry. “What’s going on?”
“I don’t think I’ve mentioned it, but you remind me a little of Cinderella, only with an evil father and no horrible stepsisters. You don’t have a fairy-godmother, but you do have me, who’s on a first-name basis with every sales person at Tiffany’s.”
Iris laughed, feeling more at ease.
“Don’t think too much, okay?” He kissed her cheek. “And enjoy yourself, princess.”
With that, he and Frank went to the kitchen.
Someone cleared his throat.
She turned toward the sound and saw Dash. He wore a dark gray suit with a white dress shirt, a yellow tie covered with video game controllers, and leather shoes. He greeted her with a kiss. Shorter than most, but equally hot.
The painful memories faded. Her heart swelled with love. “I should have known you were involved, but what is all this?”
His grin crinkled the corners of his eyes. “A little something I dreamed up for us.”
“I like the sound of us.”
He laced his fingers with hers and led her toward the table. “The first time you brought me into this restaurant, we were thirteen. You introduced me to your mom and dad as your new friend. But even back then, I wanted to be your boyfriend. I just didn’t have a clue what I was feeling.”
Iris squeezed his hand. “I’m happy you figured it out.”
“Me, too. You’re the best thing in my life.” He brushed his lips over hers.
“Tease.”
He laughed. “My parents and your dad weren’t good role models, but we’re not them. We don’t have to follow in their footsteps. And we haven’t, which is why we share an amazing love.”
Joy brimmed inside her. “I love you.”
