Page 56 of Yours to Conquer

“How did you get here? Who sent the invite?”

Layla bounces like she can’t wait to tell me. “Your boyfriend sent us the information and tickets to attend. He’s the nicest man and cute, too. You’re a lucky girl,” she gushes with enthusiasm.

“Yes, I was a lucky girl.” Not wanting to sour the happy reunion vibe, I ignore my sadness and embrace the moment. I reach into the box on the entry table and pull out three sashes, two tiaras, and a crown. I accessorize the Smith family and guide them to the photographer. “Let’s take a family photo,” I suggest. The thought of having a family brings a goofy smile to my face.

We stand under the floral archway and smile for the camera. In front of us, making faces, are Damon, Kat, Chris, and Trevor. I guide my new family to my old family and introduce everyone. Layla seems thrilled to death to have two new gay brothers and a sister who has a wealthy fiancé. We chat for over an hour. They are amazing people. I’m shocked at the generous nature of Amy, who is willing to open her family to a stranger. Layla is hysterical, and I can’t wait to get to know her better. Tate is beyond my wildest dreams. I can see why my mom fell in love with him.

He brought several pictures of my mom as a teenager with him, and I’m touched by his thoughtfulness. She was stunning as a young girl. I always thought she was a beautiful woman, but she was my mother, so I thought maybe I was biased.

Tate asks Amy to dance, and I send Chris and Trevor to dance with Layla. I excuse myself so that I can talk to the DJ. I ask him to slow the pace a bit for the couples who might want to share a moment. I look around the crowded room; there are hundreds of couples on the massive dance floor. I scan the space for him and resign myself once again to the fact that he’s not coming. In the corner, I see Roxy locked lip to lip with Bobby. I smile at the sweetness of a lost love that has been found.

I slide up to the bar and order a martini. I’m not driving, so I might as well be drinking. The DJ says something over the loudspeaker. I’m not paying much attention, but I hope it’s to announce the start of some romantic music. I pick up my martini and toss it back. I hear the DJ say something about playlists. I think about the songs I sent Anthony last week. I’d hoped he could find it in his heart to forgive me. “All of Me”by John Legend plays. I bury my head in my hands and exhale.I love this song.

“Can I have this dance?” I hear his voice. I don’t want to turn around in fear that I may be conjuring him from my want. Can you do that? Can you want something so badly, your mind makes it materialize?

“Emma—babe, dance with me. Listen to this song and tell me you’re ready.”

I still don’t turn around. My heart swells with extreme emotion. “I can’t dance with you. I promised this special man I’d wait for him. He’s late, but I know in my heart he’ll show up. He’s worth the wait. I keep asking myself why he’s taking so long.”

“He was waiting to see if you were ready to jump in with both feet. He wants to know you’re not going to turn around and runwhen things get tough. He needs to be sure you love him as much as he loves you.”

“I do.” I slowly turn and see a gorgeous man standing in front of me. His black tuxedo is perfect, and his hot pink cummerbund and bowtie are the exact color of my dress. My eyes take him in from his smile to his hot pink Converse sneakers.

“You’re late,” I say as a tear runs down my cheek.

He brushes it away. “I had to wait for my Chucks to be delivered. My date was precise in her requests.” He smiles at me, and I melt. He pulls me to the dance floor and signals to the DJ to replay the song. I dance in his arms as if we are the only ones in the room. His lips lean down to brush mine. “Did you say I do? I haven’t asked, my love.”

I stop and look into his eyes. “I don’t understand.” My confused look sends a smile to his face.

“I went to Phoenix to find your dad, not to cheat on you. Your sister is cute, but she’s not you. I wanted to give you your family. I knew in my gut they existed. I asked him for his blessing, even though he’d never met you.” His hand palms my cheek. “I told him what an amazing woman you are and how my life will never be whole until you become mine completely. Do you understand what I’m asking you, Emma?”

I look at him with tears spilling from my eyes. “I do.”

“You understand, or youdo?”

“Both.” I fall into his warm embrace. We stand in the middle of the dance floor until John Legend completes the perfect love ballad. As the song finishes, he drops to his knee and places a large pink diamond on my finger. It’s not a traditional stone, but there is nothing traditional about us.

“Let’s say goodbye to everyone.” He pulls me toward the edge of the room, where my family and friends wait.

“Where are we going? You just got here.” I ask. His arm wrapssnuggly around my waist as he leads me through the room. He pulls me off to the side so we can talk in private for a moment.

“I came late to give you time with your family and friends. First, we’re going home so I can make love to you. Then we’re heading to Vegas. I’m not letting you get away again, babe. I’m taking no chances.”

“Why did you make me suffer all week?”

“I wasn’t trying to make you suffer, Emma. I just wanted you to have space to think. You once told me if you squeeze a chick too hard, you’ll squeeze it to death. I don’t want you to feel suffocated by me. I was hoping the time away would help you see how much we need one another. I didn’t want my presence to influence your decision.”

“I thought you didn’t love me anymore.”

“How could you think that? I was angry the day we had our fight, but I told you how much I loved you Monday when I brought you home from Trax.”

“I don’t remember anything. I just hoped you would get my flowers, listen to my songs, and forgive me.”

“You were forgiven the minute I saw you running into the doctor’s appointment. You do need to wear more practical shoes. By the way, our house smells like a flower shop. I may have to give you a raise to pay your florist bill.”

“Why did you run out the door at the doctor?”

“Somewhere inside, I was hoping you were pregnant. I was so disappointed. When you weren’t pregnant, I thought maybe I’d lost you forever. I was such an idiot.

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