Twirling-SoKeefe

Ready?

Sophie stared at the dainty lace flowers on the bodice of the gown she wore, fidgeting with the flowy sleeves as Edaline finished buttoning her up.

"There!" her adoptive mother said, straightening and smoothing her own skirts. Edaline looked stunning in her soft aquamarine gown, the shimmering folds glowing in the light. Her auburn hair was loose and gently curled, falling perfectly over the jewels and sparkles and square neckline of her bodice. She stepped back, hands flying over her mouth as she looked Sophie over. 

"Sweetheart... you're beautiful."  

Sophie flushed, forcing herself to take a deep breath before she turned to face her reflection.

She gasped.

Her deep red gown was strapless, with delicate flowers lining the top of the bodice. The satin fabric pulled in at her waist and gently fell back out, barely brushing against the floor. A long row of small fabric covered buttons lined the back, going all the way to the hem. The sleeves were made of a thin, soft, flowy material, woven in with shining gold, and began on her arms where the bodice left off, ending four inches below her fingertips. A small slit allowed for Sophie's hands to peek through, and the elegant draping of the fabric was breathtaking. Edaline had woven part of her hair into classic princess style, with an intricate braid from each side that connected in the middle on the back of her head. She'd added tiny white pearls into the blond braid, and tucked a white chrysanthemum into the center.

The girl in Sophie's reflection had thick, dark lashes that lined her big, brown eyes, which were sparkling with flecks of gold. A soft blush brightened her cheeks, and her lips were glossy and pink.

Only when her hand reached up to gently tug on her itchy eyelashes did Sophie realize that it was, in fact, her own reflection.

"Wow..." she breathed, yanking her hand back down. Edaline wiped under her eyes, sniffling. 

Sophie turned and hugged her, careful not to muss the dress.

"Thanks, Mom," Sophie whispered, squeezing Edaline tight. 

"Of course, sweetheart," Edaline said, hugging Sophie even tighter before releasing her and stepping back. Her face changed, and her eyes focused on something over Sophie's shoulder. "I think you have some visitors," she said, an annoyingly knowing smile spreading over her lips. Those smiles made Sophie nervous-they were the kind that suggested lots of meddling. But she turned anyway, slowly, as an endless run of possibilities flashed through her mind. 

But it was just Keefe, leaning against her bathroom doorway.

And Grady, hovering behind him, scowling.

Well. He was scowling. 

Now, both of them were staring at Sophie, mouths hanging open. 

Edaline cleared her throat. "Anything you want to say, boys?"

Sophie felt her face burn red as both of them flushed, but they didn't look away. Grady strode forward and wrapped Sophie in a hug, his teal embroidered, navy blue jerkin soft against her bare shoulders. She buried her face in his chest.

When Grady pulled away, his eyes were watery.

"You look beautiful, kiddo," he said, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear before reaching up and swiping a hand under his eyes. 

"Thank you, Dad," she whispered, squeezing his hand. Grady kissed her cheek before letting Edaline pull him out of the bathroom with the excuse that they needed to return to their party. Though Sophie suspected it was to give her and Keefe a minute alone, she appreciated the gesture.