Page 19 of Princess and Country

Our eyes drank each other in for a long minute, neither of us saying anything else. I could see the stars in Jeff’s eyes. Could he see the sparks in mine? Could he tell how happy I was right now?

Without releasing my waist, Jeff put me down on my feet. My cheeks felt so warm, I could have burned down the house with the fire blazing inside me.

Mrs. Hills clapped her hands in front of her, and I snapped out of my trance.

“This is wonderful,” she said. “You two will make an adorable couple. Your mama will be so excited, Dahlia.” She pivoted until she faced Carter, sitting still, his math homework long forgotten. “Carter, set the table. Dinner will be ready in five minutes.” Then she faced Jeff and me. “You two make me so proud. I can’t wait to see you all dressed up.” Mrs. Hills leaned forward, rose to her tiptoes, and dropped a kiss on her oldest son’s cheek. Then she grabbed my upper arms and pulled me into a hug. “You’ll make my boy happy, Dahlia,” she whispered in my ear. “I just know it.”

Without another word, she got back to her sauce simmering on the stove.

I watched Carter, a crestfallen expression clouding his face.

Freshly glued-together pieces of my heart fell one by one.

Was Carter’s mama clueless about his feelings for me, or did she not care?

My happiness crumbled as sadness shadowed my best friend’s now red-rimmed eyes.

I inched closer to him and placed my hand on his forearm. Carter tensed then relaxed.

A deep sigh escaped his lips. He placed his hand over mine and raised his gaze to me, helpless in his pain. Tears pooled in both our eyes as we acknowledged our love and the doings of our heart. Both of us were helpless in whom it chose. And now we would have to live with the repercussions.

I closed my eyes as rivulets made their way down my cheeks. Carter’s did too. Only Jeff was the silent witness to the bond that broke and reformed with this changed equation between us.

“Hey,” I said softly. Carter nodded, understanding what I couldn’t say aloud.

He forced a smile on his lips. “I’m glad for you two. I was the one who wanted Jeff to ask the girl he liked to prom. I just didn’t know it would be you.”

The words died in my mouth. Whichever Hills brother I chose, the other would be left devastated. It was an impossible situation.

A wildfire erupted inside me, one big enough to ravage an entire forest.

“I’m sorry, Cart. I shouldn’t have said yes so quickly. Jeff should’ve asked me in private, and we should’ve talked about this. The three of us. I don’t want things to be weird between us. You’ll always be my best friend. Forever. It changes nothing.” I traced a cross over my heart. “It’s only prom, okay? We won’t make a big deal out of it. I promise.” Carter hung his head low. “We can talk after dinner.”

My best friend’s eyes found mine. “No. No need to hear all about that stupid glittery chiffon dress you’ll want to wear.” He made a gagging sound and winked. I smiled, knowing how much that cost him. Our friendship was safe. For now.

“Thanks,” I said as I hugged him. Carter hugged me back. “And yes, I’ll even try on the ugliest dress we find at the store just for your sake. And I might even let you take a picture if you promise to not laugh when you see me in it.” Carter shook his head, but a small smile peeked at the corner of his lips. I warmed up at the sight of it. With both hands, I pulled him by the collar, and when he leaned in, I kissed his cheek. “You’re the best.” I let go of my friend and lifted the pile of plates and silverware Mrs. Hills had placed on the kitchen island and took it upon myself to set the table.

Dinner lasted forever. Sitting next to Jeff, I did my best to avoid looking at him the entire time, his closeness powerful enough to ignite fireworks inside me.

I focused all my attention on my best friend. No way would my going to prom with his brother impact our friendship. I’d never let it happen. My feet found Carter’s under the table, and the same way we’d always done since we were kids, we entangled them together. And as always, it soothed every doubt inside me. Every nagging voice. Every fear.

“What was the bet Phoenix made during gym class today?” I asked, keeping the conversation as far away from prom as possible.

Carter choked on a piece of bread and sipped on his water.

“That?” His eyes lit up. “You should’ve seen it. It was the worst. He bet he’d climb the rope, you know, the one with the knots, in less than a minute, using only his arms. He failed. Someone put itching powder in his shirt. After like three knots, Phen dropped to the ground and rolled around, scratching like a dog with fleas. It was hilarious. Anyway, since he lost, he has to cross the field tomorrow at practice, wearing a neon-pink bikini bottom. Coach will bench him for sure, but it’ll be priceless. You can’t miss it. You should watch it with me from the bleachers.”

Jeff, on my left side, snickered.

“Oh, that’s terrible. I wouldn’t miss it for the world. Count me in.”

My laughter died in my throat when Jeff’s hand gripped mine under the table. He laced our fingers together, and my heart stopped.

I pinched my lips together, making sure Carter wouldn’t notice me shifting in my seat.

Jeff’s hand, all large, soft, and warm, made me giddy.

Tension released from my shoulders as I exhaled.