Page 19 of Forged Forever

I grab a spoon for him to eat his coconut cream, and we visit for a little while before I need to get going. “Have a nice dinner. Love you, Sum,” Jake tells me.

“Love you too.” I blow him a kiss and wave to Will and Ray.

Rushing to my Jeep, I drive home to grab a quick shower. I choose a little black dress from my closet for dinner. A satin cowl neck top flows smoothly into a form-fitting velvet bottom. Wearing my necklace from Seb, I let my hair cascade down, with only a small section clipped back. A little makeup and heeled boots complete the look. It’s still funny to me that I wear dresses willingly now. I refused growing up, preferring athletic wear above all else.

When I leave my room, Dad's just coming in the front door. “You look beautiful, darling,” he smiles, handing me half a dozen deep crimson roses just beginning to open. “I missed being your valentine growing up, so indulge me, please.”

Inhaling their sweet scent, I hug him in thanks, digging out a vase in the kitchen to put them in. “They’re beautiful, Dad. Thank you.”

The doorbell rings, so I stop plumping the flowers and answer it. Alex is standing on the porch in a black suit with a matching tie and shirt; a dozen white roses providing a stark contrast to his all-black ensemble. “You are beautiful, Summer.” He smiles and offers me the flowers.

“Wow, thank you, Alex. Come in.” I can smell the distinct and delicate iceberg roses without even putting my nose close. They smell as if they’re fresh from a garden. “Where did you find such fresh iceberg roses?”

“I cannot reveal all my secrets, Summer,” he winks. Alex winks! He’s a lot more affectionate and easygoing this year since his dad returned and Reesa's out of the picture.

Shaking my head with a grin, I grab another vase. Zander requests a photo of us before we leave, so we stand in front of the blank dining room wall as Alex wraps his arm around my waist, pulling me against him. I look up, shocked he’s being so bold, to find a huge grin and sparkling eyes staring at me. What has gotten into him this evening?

I grab my coat after Zander snaps several pics, so we can leave. Alex holds open the passenger door for me and then gets into the driver’s seat, and we are off. He has classical music playing at a low volume. “How was Jake today?”

“Good. He liked his chocolate-covered strawberries and coconut cream. I gave some to Ray and Will, too.”

“I am looking forward to the dinner menu tonight. E gave me a glimpse yesterday. He created a brand new dessert for this special occasion.”

“Oh, I bet it’ll be amazing.” We chat about colleges and some new research he’s been reading until we arrive at a small, warmly lit restaurant just outside Charleston. Alex hands his keys to the valet and helps me out of his SUV. Offering his arm, we walk inside. E has a table reserved for us, so we follow the host.

The restaurant has a romantic glow from the dim lighting, red tablecloths, and quiet orchestral music playing throughout.

Seb is already waiting by himself at a round table with candles flickering, casting his silhouette in changing light and shadows. His eyes go big and round when he notices me. “Sunshine, hot, hot, hot.” He stands to hug me before pulling out my chair. He whispers in my ear, “That dress was made for you,” before nipping it.

Shivering, I kiss his cheek as Alex takes the seat on my opposite side. A server quickly sets two flutes in front of Alex and me. “E made a special cocktail for us,” Seb tells us. “Give it a try.”

I take a sip, and my tastebuds explode with tropical fruit flavors, followed by bubbles and a hint of spearmint. “Fantastic,” I comment.

Penny and Bay arrive a few minutes later. She has a cute, knee length red dress on with cap sleeves and a square neckline, her hair pulled up in a chignon. Bay is in a black suit and red tie. “You guys look great.”

“Thanks, Summer,” Penny replies. “Look at the bracelet Bay got me.” She holds out her arm for me to have a closer look. It’s a fine silver chain with a piano charm dangling from it.

“You did good Bay. It’s lovely.”

Bay smiles as Penny beams, pecking him on the lips. He pulls her chair out for her before sitting beside her, and Seb squeezes my knee under the table, knowing it’s still hard to see him with another.

E arrives shortly after with appetizers and joins us. The meal is amazing. E created a fusion explosion for us. We eat three courses of stuffed portobello mushrooms, a citrusy soup, and a steak noodle dish, followed by roasted tart cherries covered in a seaweed cream sauce. My belly is stuffed by the time we're done.

Seb's driving me home while Alex and E head to their place. After waving goodbye to Bay and Penny, I kiss Alex and E on the cheek, thanking them for a lovely dinner, before Seb helps me into his Jeep.

Seb places a gentle kiss on my hand, intertwining over fingers over the center console, as he hums to the music playing.

When we arrive, Seb jumps out and asks me to wait. He jogs over to my side and opens the door, falling into a bow. “My lady,” he says, holding his hand out for me to take.

Giggling, I take his hand and get out. “This was a lovely night, Hurry, although I didn’t expect the dozen iceberg roses from Alex when he picked me up.”

“Smooth,” he winks. “I approve, but the night isn’t over yet.” He jogs to the back of the Jeep and swings open the half door, grabbing a bag. Taking my hand, he pulls me up onto the porch and over to the swing. “I gave this a lot of thought, Sunshine, but I couldn’t come up with a gift to show you how I feel, so I picked more than one. This first gift, though, is from E.”

He pulls out an envelope and hands it to me. Opening it, I find two passes to a conservatory this spring, along with a note.

Summer,

Please take whomever you wish to visit the conservatory. Try to go when the azaleas are in bloom. It’s spectacular. I would be happy to accompany you if you want. Know that I’ve been seeing a therapist. For myself, no one else. I'm working through all that's happened to me.