Page 37 of Autumn's Coming

I looked so regal. It fit me perfectly, hugging my curves just right. The skirt flowed when I moved, even if I tripped on it a little in my bare feet.

“It looks lovely on you, dear,” the woman said warmly.

“I love it. How, um…how much is it?”

“The gentleman up front said not to worry about that.”

I huffed softly. “Of course he said that.”

She chuckled. “He clearly cares about you very much.”

“I think he does.”

She smiled. “Do you want him to see the dress?”

I looked in the mirror. “No. I don’t think so.”

Let him wait. Let him be surprised.

“All right.”

She helped me back out of it and bagged the dress up again. I looked at it longingly.

I couldn’t believe something so beautiful was going to be mine.

I walked out of the fitting room when I was dressed again. Cody stood at the counter, holding a black garment bag and another shopping bag.

I nodded to the shopping back. “What’s that?”

He shrugged.

I groaned. “Did you buy the whole set?”

Again, he shrugged. “You’ll find out when you get dressed tomorrow. No peeking.”

I sighed. “You’re impossible.”

“But you like it.”

That made me grin. “I do.”

He nodded. “Let me get you home, then. Have a lazy day tomorrow. You deserve it.”

I laughed softly. “I don’t think I’ve ever had a lazy day in my life.”

“Well, start now.”

I let him drive me home. He parked in front of my apartment building, looking at me seriously.

“Do you want to come in?” I nodded toward the building.

Cody shook his head. He leaned across the console and kissed me. “I’ll pick you up tomorrow.”

“Okay.”

“Sleep well.”

“You too.”

I got out, looking over my shoulder. He waved for me to go up to the apartment.

When I turned to close the door, he was pulling away.

I watched him go, biting my lower lip.

Everything was changing, and fast.

I was ready for it.

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