I Choose You

CHAPTER 16

Prom

Bradley Sinclair looked at his daughter with much admiration and care.  She reminded him of her mother these days. She was absolutely beautiful in her prom dress. He was pleased that her focus did not shift off her studies despite having Benjamin in her life. 

"Honey, you look lovely," he beamed admiring her pinned-up hairstyle with curls dangling, and a gorgeous lavender gown that made her look like a princess. Mr. Sinclair started snapping pictures of her with his phone blown away by her beauty.

"Thanks, Dad," Allison smiled giving him a hug. He embraced her and shed tears not realizing he would be emotional in this moment. When Allison hear the doorbell ring her heart hammered in her chest, her palms got sweaty and the butterflies in her stomach embarked upon an array of somersaults. She felt nervous but excited to be going to prom. Benjamin surprisingly made an entrance into her life and took her heart by storm a year ago. Allison's jetters grew as her Dad opened the door. 

"Good evening Mr. Sinclair," Benjamin said shaking his hand. The entire time his blue eyes met hers with a huge smile on his face. "Wow," he said looking at her and absorbing the entire look from head to toe. 

"You look breathtaking," he gasped pulling out the flowers he brought. "You look nice too," Allison smiled admiring his tux and the lavender shirt that matched her dress perfectly. They looked good together. Mr. Sinclair was dumbfounded about what he saw between them. How could he have missed this? The way they looked at each other was Deja Vu for him. It reminded him about his prom with Allison's mother. His baby girl had fallen in love with this boy. The way Benjamin was taking it all in also showed that he too was in love with Allison.   

"Have a good time. See you at 11:30," Mr. Sinclair stated watching the chemistry emanating from both of them. "Okay Dad," Allison said kissing him on the cheeks. She did not dare argue or debate the time with her Dad. He was overly protective of her and she did not mind. Allison knew he just loved her and wanted what was best for her.

"Yes sir," Benjamin nodded. He was grateful Mr. Sinclair had gotten to know him better and was getting comfortable with him.  

Allison melted when their hands touched and he escorted her to the limousine. His heart raced each time he came near her. He was convinced more than ever he was in love with Allison Sinclair. 

The dance

"You look beautiful," the girls all echoed as they admired each other and the dresses they wore.

Samantha, Allison, and Amber touched each other's hair and admired their accessories. "Girls you look great," Michael stated as he escorted his date to the dance floor. Everyone scurried off in different directions after they had caught up.

Allison saw Mariah with her date Ryan. They both waved at each other sparking interest among their peers wondering how they suddenly became nice to each other. They both whispered to each other you look fantastic. When Allison's eyes met Benjamin's eyes again he gently placed his hands in hers. "Will you dance with me?" he smiled. She nodded taking her hands. They danced slowly as if they were the only two people in the world. "I have a surprise for you," he whispered near her ear. 

Allison said, "Okay." She was surprised and wondered what he was up to. He held her hands as they left the dance floor headed to his surprise. 

As they drove back in the limo to their destination Benjamin smiled. "Where are we going?" Allison asked excited for the surprise. "If I tell you, it won't be a surprise," Benjamin explained. 

When they arrived Allison looked at him confused. They were at his house. "Let's go," he prompted holding her hands. Allison followed him to his studio at the back of the house. "Benjamin," she walked in stunned and in awe. H had all the photos up from their last date on display for her to see. "This is so sweet," she smiled looking at the photos. "It's beautiful," he said. 

"I just needed you to see how important and valuable you are to me," he repeated excitedly. Allison touched and looked at each picture that appeared more beautiful than the next. Benjamin loved her natural beauty so some of the photos in black and white showed her natural look. And others showed her all glamorous. "Allison Sinclair, you are so beautiful," he said looking at the photos too. 

"And you Benjamin Grey are very talented," she admitted admiring his work. "And drum roll," he mimicked pulling out a wrapped picture frame. 

Allison opened the gift wrap and was surprised to see a portrait he painted of her. "Benjamin, when did you do this?" she smiled studying the photo and remembering their time at the lake.

"At night time, during my free time when I am thinking about you," he confessed. "Allison your smile, laugh, kindness, beauty, and presence does it all for me," he continued. 

"Your smile, kindness, and humor pull me in each and every time," Allison confessed.

"This is bigger than us," he said drawing closer. "We constantly text each other, go out, read, pray together, go out. I can't see myself without you. Allison............" Benjamin said looking deep into her eyes.

"I love you," Benjamin said kissing her hand gently. Allison felt her heart leap with joy and her eyes shine brightly. Benjamin confessed his loved and she was on cloud nine. She was on the same page. He pulled her gently into a hug. 

"I love you too," she said looking into his eyes not afraid to say it. Benjamin kissed her gently knowing that their future would be blessed and exciting. He was assured God had a plan for them and he was all in.