I was thrilled about the fact Brooke and my sister had hit it off. They had common interests, and seemed to find endless topics to talk about. They shopped for clothes and decorator items for the remodel. Winter had introduced Brooke to some of her colleagues at the South Boston Youth Center where she was interning for her master’s degree, and now had Brooke signed up to volunteer once a week. Brooke really loved helping the kids, and I could see the potential for her to make an even bigger impact on the center in the future. I’d not forgotten the story she’d told me about the woman who had helped her so much after she’d escaped her abusive marriage. Marni Cole. I wasn’t crazy about the neighborhood where she went to volunteer and made sure she was fully protected when she went there, but so far everything was settling into a good routine she seemed to enjoy.
C: I have to pick up one thing and then I’ll be home. Can’t wait to take my Cinderella to the ball. xx
B: I can’t wait to be taken by my Prince Charming to the ball. xoxoxoxoxo
We still did the thing where we mimicked each other’s words. Somehow it never got old or felt cheesy, even though it totally was.
C: I’ll “take” you after the ball, baby.
B: Is my prince sexting me?
C: Yes he is. Send me a picture please.
She sent me a picture all right—wearing a strapless black bra with her hair in giant rollers, and blowing me a kiss.
B: That’s the best I can do with others in the room. Lol. Use your imagination.
C: Sexy. I always use my imagination when thinking of you. See you soon, beautiful.
B: See you soon, handsome.
I opened my desk drawer and pulled out the velvet box I’d been hiding inside there for weeks. I’d bought the gift on a whim along with the bracelet when I was in Abu Dhabi for the conference. I’d spent one evening browsing the shops in the hotel complex where the sessions were being held, when I discovered it in a window display.
A ring.
And a very unusual ring at that.
Giving a ring to Brooke seemed like it would have been too much, too fast, at the time. So, I’d held on to it, knowing eventually the time would be right. The ring had been an impulse buy, because it was so perfect for her—for how we’d met—and I hoped she’d understand my thought process in choosing it. I hoped she would want it on her finger.
I’d be finding out soon enough.
I headed toward the elevators leading me down and out of the building, to where Isaac was waiting to take me home . . . to my very own Cinderella.
Brooke
Have you turned around, Caleb?” I called from the hallway into the living room.
“Yes. I’m behaving myself, baby. You can come on out. I’m dying to see you.”
My gut danced in nervous glee over attending this ball tonight with Caleb. I’d never gone to anything like it before, and hardly knew what to expect. I liked the fact the Autumn Ball was to benefit charity, and I loved my burgundy silk ball gown, but beyond those two points I wasn’t so sure. Caleb just kept reassuring me he would be beside me every second, and that everyone would be displaying their best behavior along with their frocks. The Autumn Ball was always well attended, and thoroughly covered by the media, both local and national. Caleb wanted us to attend as a couple, to hopefully end some of the fascination the press had about our relationship. It was completely nuts to me why they would care so much, but care they did.
I stepped out slowly, testing how to maneuver in yards of silk and tulle. The dress I’d found was a work of art. Deep, wine-red silk, with a sash waist and a full-tulle skirt. The skirt is what sold me on the dress when I first saw it, because it was embellished with three-dimensional velvet cascading flowers. It was a Cinderella dress indeed.
Caleb had turned away from the door as I’d requested. He was wearing a black velvet jacket I’d never seen before, and he smelled delightful. Even from across the room, his unique manly scent, combined with the delicious cologne he used, tempted me. He always looked good, too.
When he’d arrived home to get himself ready, he had to use the guest room to shower and dress, because Winter and I had commandeered our bedroom for the beauty makeovers. He didn’t blink an eye over being deposed from his domain. He’d taken one look at the plethora of girly supplies in his bedroom and bathroom, and surrendered to us without a fight. He was so easygoing about such things. Just one of the many qualities of Caleb I adored. I couldn’t imagine my life without him now. He was a part of me.
I loved him so much.
“You can now turn around,” I said finally.
He pivoted on his foot and swept his eyes from top to bottom, and then back up. “You are Cinderella in that dress. I am speechless right now. Every man in the room will be envious of me tonight.”