Page 113 of Check the Halls
“It’s not her dress.”
I look between the garment bag and Ben, confused. “What do you mean? Of course it is. This is the one Chanda and I picked out for her.”
He shakes his head, wrapping the towel around his hips. “It was. But…don’t be mad.”
My eyes narrow.
Ben runs a hand roughly over his face. “I ran into Chanda the last time I came to visit you at the office. She was on her way to tell you that Annika had requested to wear something different tonight.”
“What?” It comes out as a shout.
“Yeah. Something about it being too close to what she wore at the Olympics.” He takes another step closer, running a hand through his hair. “I may have told Chanda that it was probably for the best since no one could possibly look more beautiful in that dress than you.”
“Ben…”
“I asked her not to tell you. Then I reached out to the boutique and asked if I could pick it up with my suit.”
“But…it was too snug on me.”
“I asked them to alter it a little so you’d feel more comfortable.”
I don’t know if I want to laugh or cry. Or climb him like the mighty oak tree he is, hair and makeup be damned. I can’t believe he went to so much trouble.
“You don’t have to wear it, obviously,” he continues. “You’ll look stunning in whatever you wear. I just wanted you to have the option. Besides, that dress has a lot of sentimental value for me.” He bites his lower lip. “You were wearing it when you agreed to go on a date with me.”
My eyes start to sting and I blink them rapidly, determined not to ruin my makeup.
He continues, “Regardless of what you decide to wear, I will graciously help you take it off later.”
A giggle bubbles out of me. “You’re such a gentleman.”
“I really am. You’re so lucky.”
I close the distance between us and wrap my arms around his shoulders. A few water droplets fall on me, but I don’t care. Looking deep into his eyes, I tell him, “I really am.”
“I am, too.” He gently cups my cheek in his warm hand. “So damn lucky. Just say the word and I will lose the towel.”
I laugh as I pull away striding over to the green gown in the closet. I run my hand over the soft fabric once before making up my mind. Giving Ben a coy smile over my shoulder, I ask, “Can you help me with the zipper?”
The ballroom looks exquisite.Like the scene I’ve been picturing in my head for the last several months, but better. The entire room is draped in rich reds and deep emerald greens. Towering evergreen trees, adorned with twinkling fairy lights and gilded ornaments, frame the space, while crystal chandeliers cast a warm glow over thepolished marble floors. Tables are dressed in velvet tablecloths and adorned with centerpieces of lush garlands of holly, pinecones, and red and white roses.
The guests will be arriving soon.
Ben is whisked away by the stage manager, who’s filling him in on everything he missed during yesterday’s dress rehearsal. He has his notes in hand, so really, all he needs is a quick walkthrough—where to stand, when to speak.
I do a final sweep of the room, mentally ticking through my checklist. Everything seems to be in place. I’m in the middle of counting chairs when I feel someone approach.
I look up and spot Keely. I smile. “Hey! Thank you so much for everything you’ve done. I honestly don’t know what I would’ve done without you.”
Her expression tightens at the compliment, and she doesn’t smile back. “I need to tell you something.”
I step closer. “Are you okay?”
“No. Not really.” Her face is pale, and I instinctively guide her toward the nearest table.
“Sit. I’ll get you some water?—”
“I’m the reason so many things have been going wrong.” The words tumble out of her, panicked and fast.
