Page 58 of The Flight Risk

“Oakley…what’s in those boxes?” I say.

He shrugs, “I may have a little surprise for you both. Open them.” Lottie doesn’t hesitate–before I know it, the top of her white box is strewn on the couch. She lifts a pretty dark blue dress out of the container and holds it against her body.

“Brooke might have helped me out a little,” Oakley admits. “She knew your sizes from when you all went dress shopping with her.”

“I really like this. It’s totally different from what I usually wear. But what is it for?”

Oakley pulls an envelope out of his back pocket and hands it to Lottie. “Here.”

Lottie takes the envelope and rips open the top flap. Her mouth widens in shock as her eyes scan the contents wildly.

“You got us a private box seat at The Music of John Williams show tonight?”

“Yup. I saw that the concert was only here for a few nights, so I wanted to jump on the opportunity.” He squeezes my shoulder and when I see how excited Lottie is for this, I know that now is not the right time to completely turn our worlds upside down… again. Looking back at the past few months, part of me wishes that I took the easier route of staying at a hotel. But the other part – the part that sees how happy my niece is right now, the part that is falling even more in love with Adam – takes the lead.

“Open yours, Aunt Tess!” Lottie shoves the other white box in my hands.

I chuckle. “Okay, I will.” I untie the ribbon and when I remove the top of the box, I’m speechless.

“Let me see!” Lottie leans forward, nearly falling in the process.

“Do you like it?” Oakley asks, sounding unsure. His hands graze my arms, waiting patiently for an answer. “I thought green was safe.”

I lift up the prettiest dress I’ve ever seen. It’s an emerald green off-the-shoulder ball gown and when I see the designer, I gasp. “Adam. This is a Vivienne Westwood gown!”

“Is that a good thing?” He knits his brow.

I nod emphatically and nearly squeal. “Yes! It’s a great thing. But, Adam, this is too much.”

“No, it’s not. It’s not enough, actually.” He kisses my forehead. “I already showered after I got home from training and just need to change into my tux, so you both can take your time getting ready. I’ll be waiting for you. We have a couple hours before we should leave to have some dinner before the show begins.”

“Sweet!” Lottie runs towards the staircase, leaving the discarded box and tissue paper in her wake.

“I think she’s a little excited.” I squint my eyes and pinch two fingers together until they almost touch. He laughs. “Thank you for this, Adam. I haven’t seen Lottie this happy or excited for anything, like, ever.” I grab onto his light sweatshirt and tug at the material. “You are the most amazing person I’ve ever known. You’re too good for me.”

He pulls on my hair gently, making my belly flip. “I know listening to John Williams’ music isn’t your thing.”

“True.”

He tugs again and gives me a knee-weakening smirk. “But I really wanted to see you in that dress.” His hand moves from my hair down to my lower back.

“If you continue wooing me like this, we may miss the show and I can’t do that to Lottie.”

He grunts. “Later then?”

“Later. Promise.”

“Aunt Tess! We need to leave in like two minutes!” Lottie yells from downstairs.

“Almost done!” I yell back. I finish fastening the final bobby pin in my hair and take a look at myself in the mirror. I feel like Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman when Richard Gere takes her to the opera. I feel so out of my element with the musical aspect of tonight. But this dress—I feel more in my element than I’ve ever felt. I pull out my phone real quick and shoot Brooke a text:

Thanks for helping Oakley pick out dresses for me and Lottie. They are perfect.

I’m so happy you love it! He has great taste in both fashion and women ;) I hope you and Lottie have the best time tonight babe! Text me later! Love you!

Love you too.

I take one last look at myself and head downstairs. Right as I take my first step, I hear, “Finally!”