“Thank you, both.” Her cheeks flush slightly as Zach kisses her cheek. “You’re right. I know you’ve got this—I don’t know. I guess I’m just nervous.” When she straightens up, she tugs at the hem of her dress again. “This isn’t too much, is it? I haven’t been to something like this in—well, ever, really.”
“It’s perfect,” I say, meaning it with every fiber of my being. Then, because apparently, I’m a masochist, I add, “Reese is a lucky guy.”
Zach cackles. Literally, he throws his head back and laughs at me. I don’t blame him. I sound like a sap right now.
“Alright, I've gotta head out to speak to some sponsors. Coach is gonna have my head if I'm late again.”
He grabs his bag from beside the counter and slings it over his shoulder. As he passes me, he gives me another warning look.
“Have fun, T. Make sure you work Reese’s hips. I’ve got a new play I want to try that requires it.”
“Sure thing, Boss,” she snarks, saluting him.
“And Jamie?” He turns back, his expression unreadable. “Thank you. For last week, and for having her back.”
The words catch me by surprise. “Always.”
He holds my gaze for another beat, then nods once and heads for the door. “Bye, princess! Be good for Jamie!”
“Bye, Uncle Z!” Ella waves enthusiastically.
When the door shuts and it’s just us, Tiff gives me a nervous smile.
“You look absolutely stunning, Tiff.” I take her in one more time, trying not to look like everything is crashing around me. “Reese is a really lucky guy.” I clear my throat at the end, and when I catch her eyes, she looks a little sad.
“Jamie—” she starts.
Knock. Knock. Knock.
“Mommy, someone’s at the door!” Ella tugs on Tiff’s hand as she attempts to drag her down the hallway, but Tiff holds firm, her gaze still locked with mine.
“That’s probably Reese. I’m guessing Zach let him through the gates,” she says as she glances toward the door, then back at me. “Are you sure you’re okay with this? I can cancel. I can—”
“Go—” The word comes out gruff, so I soften with, “I want you to go out. You deserve this, Tiff.”
“But—”
“Go,” I say again, gentler this time. “Ella and I have big plans. Castle coloring, movie marathon, probably way too much ice cream. We'll be fine.”
Knock. Knock. Knock.
Tiff hesitates for another beat, her gaze locked on mine.
“Okay.” She nods, but her hands are shaking slightly as she bends to kiss Ella's forehead. “Be good for Jamie, baby. I'll be home by ten.”
“Have fun, Mommy!” Ella's already running back to her crayons.
Tiff straightens, smoothing her dress one more time. She looks at me with a soft smile.
“Thank you,” she says softly. “For… everything.”
“Don't mention it.” I shove my hands in my pockets to keep from reaching for her. “Now go before Reese thinks you stood him up.”
I try to make myself turn away and walk back to Ella so I don’t have to see Reese, but my feet won’t move.
She pulls open the door, and Reese is standing on the porch, looking every inch of the prince I wish I could be for Tiff and Ella. He’s holding a giant bouquet of flowers, wearing such a nice dress shirt, it looks like they’re going to prom.
Fuck me.