Page 113 of Kiss Me Forever

Aunt Dana came in just as I was almost done. "Hey, did you manage to get any rest?" I asked her.

"No, but that man of yours kept me company." The corners of her mouth lifted again. Oh my God, she was smiling. I was stunned. I had to ask Luke what his secret was.

I stayed with her at the salon while they did her hair, curlers and all. It was a good look on her, gave her hair lots of volume.

After she was done, I laced my arm with hers, walking out of the salon. "You want me to show you the neighborhood a bit, or are you too tired?"

“I'm not tired. I had a lot of coffee. I want to see the area."

"Good." The day was cold but sunny.

"He's a good man, that Luke."

"Okay, I've got to ask you, how did he win you over so quickly? Was it the flowers?”

“Those helped. Mostly it was seeing how happy he makes you.” She took a deep breath. “Child, I've had a lot of time to think. I'm sorry about always being on your case about putting your job first and focusing on relationships later. I was speaking from my own experience and bitterness. Life is not the same for all of us."

"You were just looking out for me. That's okay." And it was. I could see being the same with my children; you only wanted the best for them.

"You're a good girl. Now, about the money."

"Oh, no, I won't hear of it. This is something I really want to do for you."

"Are you sure? You're young. You could use it for a lot of things."

"But I'm happy with what I have. I've got a great, great job. My salary is more than fine. I've always been saving up, just the way you taught me."

"I just want to know you're okay."

As we walked through the neighborhood, I pointed out my favorite bakery and a shop with fantastic bath products. I was waiting for her to scold me about living with Luke, but she said nothing, which made me suspicious. I was even more suspicious half an hour later when she said, "Come on, we should go back."

“Why?" I asked. "We don't have plans until later."

"Wedon't," she said and winked at me. "But Luke has some for you."

"Am I about to find out how he won you over?"

"Perhaps, but don't tell him I told you that."

"I won't."

To my astonishment, Luke was wearing a suit when we entered the apartment.

"What is happening?" I asked.

"I'm taking you to a surprise lunch to celebrate. Just the two of us."

"Oh, we're going somewhere fancy. Let me change. I need a lot of time."

"I know," Luke said. He nodded at Aunt Dana. These two were already plotting together. I had not seen that coming.

Wanting to prove them both wrong, I dressed quickly. It was a cold day, so I put on a pink sweaterdress with black wool tights and knee-high boots. It was elegant, but not too elegant for lunch.

Men had it so easy. All they had to do was pick out a suit.

I went back to the living room, feeling proud of my outfit. "I'm ready," I said, twirling around once.

"You look fantastic, darling," Aunt Dana said.

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