Page 129 of The Lucky One

“I wish you could be here too.”

“Richard wants to speak to you.” She handed him the phone without waiting for my approval.

“Emily, how are you doing?” Richard asked. Was it just me, or was his voice a little more careful, a little less snobby than before?

“A bit nervous,” I admitted. Since our talk, I was done hiding my feelings from him.

“You’re a great person. Everything will turn out fine. I mean, look at you. You survived the year!”

That didn’t quite cut it, though. “I didn’t just survive. I’m a different person now.”

And it was true. I felt like I’d found my wings and learned how to fly, as corny as it was. I finally appreciated myself. I’d discovered passions like writing and cooking. I had a family—two, even. I was going to fix my relationship with Richard and let go of Papa. I’d found friends who accepted me, flaws and all. I wanted Jon Henry Denson in my life, but I didn’t absolutely need him to be happy. I was actually, finally fine without him.

After chatting with Mama and Richard a couple more minutes, I hung up. The door opened, revealing Paul. “Wow,” we said in unison, breaking into laughter. He looked stunning in a dark suit with a white tee beneath and a light blue bow. His recently cut hair showcased his high cheekbones.

Paul came up to me, holding out his hand. I accepted it, and he twirled me under his arm. “You look lovely,” he said.

“You know how to clean up nice too.”

He pretended to primp his hair. “I know, right? I could be the next Bachelor.”

“Stop!” I laughed, and he wiggled his eyebrows. I asked the question that was burning my tongue. “How was it at the police station?”

“I recognized the guy. They locked him up.”

“That’s great news!”

He nodded. “And... I forgave him.”

It took me a second to register who he was talking about. My breath hitched just thinking about him. “You did?”

“Yeah, and I think you should too.”

It was like he’d pulled out the ground from under me. Paul telling me to forgive Jon was the last thing I expected him to say. It was like signing off on a contract: with this, he was giving us his blessing. Now all that was left was my own signature.

I wanted it to be easy. To have a perfect prom night with Jon. But I would be gone soon. I didn’t want to go through the healing process all over again.

“I don’t know if I can do that,” I said, tugging at my fingers.

Paul put his palms on my shoulders. “I know it’s not easy for you, but he loves you and you love him. I can see it in your eyes when you talk about him. I didn’t want to accept it for such a long time, but you’re my best friends, and you’re just plain happier when you’re together.”

At that, I hugged him as tight as I could. He patted my hair carefully so as not to disrupt the curls. “I’m scared, Paul,” I admitted.

“I know. But I’m here to help you, every step of the way. Forever.”

I was fighting back tears again. Paul and I shared a bond so profound, I knew it would last a lifetime, no matter where I ended up living. He was my home.

Aiden picked me up in his jeep even though we were just going as friends. He looked extra handsome in his gray suit and red bow tie—but I realized, it’s not looks that draws you to someone; it’s their personality and the connection you have with them. Hanging out with Aiden was fun, but it was nothing like the feelings in my chest when I was sitting in Jon’s car.

Soon we were pulling up to Boonville High. Aiden parked the jeep and lifted me out so I wouldn’t have to jump. “Hang on, I gotta get my flask,” he said as I straightened the fabric of my dress.

“Right.” I scanned the parking lot—and was immediately drawn in by chocolate brown eyes.

Jon stood close to the entrance, looking absolutely breathtaking. His dark hair an organized mess, one curl hanging down his forehead... The white bow tie over his black suit matched my dress! He smiled at me, so warm and hopeful that every inch of my skin prickled. He’d come to prom after all.

Next to him, Paul clapped him on the shoulder before turning to Kiki, resplendent in a glittery dark blue dress that highlighted her trim figure. They made such a great couple—both athletes, both absolutely beautiful. Paul took her hand and they headed inside.

Jon was coming my way.

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