Page 22 of Fake Christmas Date
I continue eating, glad that it's just a small bowl. I could easily devour an entire bucket of it.
"So," Miriam's eyes sparkle. "I guess you and Dylan will be dancing soon?"
"That's the plan, I think." I swallow the last bite, then set the bowl aside. "Everyone dances at this thing, right?"
She positively beams, leaning close. "Of course. It's a fun party. But there's also…you know…the legend."
"The what?"
She looks up and waves to a few friends across the room, then leans close to me again. "Some people think it's just an old wives’ tale. But when a new couple is falling in love, if they dance together at the Christmas Eve Eve Ball, they are togetherforever.”
"Oh."
I'm not sure what to say to that. Miriam is flat-out serious.
"So – tell me about Dylan's house," Miriam continues brightly. "He’s sent me photos, but I haven't been out to see it in person yet. Hopefully in the spring."
"It's…nice."
Before I can think of something more to say, Dylan appears beside me. "The house definitely needs a woman's touch. But we might get something bigger soon anyway. That's up to Emma." He holds out his hand. "May I have this dance, baby?"
"Excuse me," I say to Miriam with a smile, quickly getting to my feet and following Dylan to the middle of the dance floor.
We're surrounded by twirling couples, yet it feels like nobody is looking at us. Everyone is lost in their own world, on their own date. Suddenly I realize this might be the most important evening of my life.
"I've been meaning to talk to you about something," Dylan says softly, running his palm down the center of my back.
"Is it by chance about the legend surrounding dancing at this ball?"
He smiles widely. "Mom told you?"
"Yes." I hesitate for a second. "You said to be honest, right?"
"Yes, for sure. What’s on your mind, baby?"
"Do you really think it's a good idea for us to be doing this? You don't even know me."
He pulls me tighter against him, and I'm enveloped in his arms. Surrounded by him.
"Emma, you're my dream girl. Plain and simple. The second I saw you at Ray's, I had to get to know you. Every single thing I discover about you is exactly what I want or need. It'syou. Your light or soul or vibe." There's a slight catch in his voice. "I don't know how to explain it. I don't know how to tell you. But I love every single thing about you. I can't imagine a day in my life now when I didn't want to hold you, care for you, and listen to every single word you have to say."
I stumble slightly, but Dylan holds me securely. "Easy, sweetheart. I'm sorry. Did I freak you out?"
"Um…kind of." I look up at him, feeling hollow and electrified at the same time. "So… You’re saying you think we should carry on with these ridiculous lies we've spun?"
"Exactly. But they won't be lies anymore."
"It's one thing to keep on dating. But that fake proposal?—"
"Won't be fake if we design a ring for you." He tips up my chin with one finger, gazing into my eyes with an intensity that sends shivers through me. "Emma, I love you. I want to date you, then get engaged to you, then marry you. Have you move in with me. All of the above, in whatever order you like."
He loves me.
The lights around us spin and twinkle as the last piece of the puzzle clicks into place in my heart, making me let go of my doubts, realizing this is right.
My hands move of their own accord, stroking his handsome, clean-shaven face. "I love you, too," I breathe. "I was just scared to think it, never mind say it out loud."
"I know. I'm sorry this has happened so fast. I realize that makes you nervous." The pressure of his fingers is warm, even through my dress. "Just trust me. I'm going to make you so happy, baby."
