When Harper and I are ready, I make a call for a car to pick us up and make our way downstairs to take a seat on the sofa and wait for it to arrive. Other than Jeff and Derek, our friends are making their own way to the party venue at Timeless Memories, and the two of them should be arriving any time now.

When the intercom chimes, we stand and head to the door. Harper opens it, and we find both of them standing there. After I say “Hello” to Jeff, I focus on Derek. He’s wearing a dark gray suit, a white shirt, and a blue tie. He looks good. Damn good. Of course, while I’m checking him out, he’s checking me out with a rather silly smile pasted on his face. Stepping closer to him, I stretch up, wrap my arms around his neck, and hug him. “Hi. I’m glad you came,” I murmur in his ear, my tone conveying a hint of my anticipation.

He slips his arms around me and gently returns my hugs as he says, “Hi yourself, and I wouldn’t miss it for anything.”

I’m smiling giddily when I pull back, and he attempts to kiss me. I turn my face away as I gently say, “Nuh-uh, Mister. I don’t want to smudge my lipstick.”