To Renna Rose Lancaster, Aadam Callahan was her first taste of magic-the boy who made her world feel livelier, brighter, like anything was possible. Together they crafted a bond that felt unbreakable-a universe where dreams were shared under starlit...
"I would rather sleep on your chest than a hundred pillows"
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I can't believe this is happening.
My heart flutters as I stare at my reflection in the antique mirror of the living room, each second adding to the swarm of butterflies in my stomach. The wide mirror across from me reflected back someone... different.
My hair was perfectly curled, soft waves falling over my shoulders, and Mama had helped with my makeup, adding a hint of gloss to my lips and just enough blush to make me look "radiant," as she called it.
But still... is it enough?
I lean closer to inspect a nearly invisible strand of hair that has the audacity to stick out.
"Renna, baby." Mama's amused voice breaks through my focus, and I catch her reflection behind me, sitting back comfortably on the armchair.
She's looking at me with that familiar glint in her eyes, clearly relishing in my obvious nervousness. "You've checked your hair a hundred times by now, sweetheart. You look like an absolute dream! A bit more fuss, and I'll have to tie you to that chair to keep you from wandering over to the mirror again."
I bit my lip, glancing down, heat prickling up my cheeks. "But, Mama," I murmured, hardly above a whisper, "I want to look... perfect."
"I don't think I've seen you this fussed over your looks since... well, ever!" Her smile widens as she leans forward conspiratorially. "You're sure you're my Renna?"
"Mama! You're not helping!" I whine softly, feeling my cheeks flush as I twirl a strand of hair around my finger.
She sighed, amused."He's known you since you were knee-high. I don't think one glossed lip or another will change his mind about you."
"But Mama..." My voice trailed off, whiny and soft. "I've never been on a real date with him before." My heart fluttered just thinking about it. "I don't want him to think I didn't try."
First date... I bit my lip, stealing a glance at my gloss in the mirror. "Mama, could you... maybe add just a little more gloss? I think it's... wearing off?"
"Renna Rose Lancaster." She raises an eyebrow, fighting back a laugh. "You've got enough gloss on to dazzle the moon, darling. But all right, come here."
She gestures, and I scurry over to her, perching on the arm of her chair as she dabs another light coat on my lips."There you go, princess. Glossed and glamorized."
Oh, he's going to notice, isn't he?
My heart flutters, imagining the way Aadam might look at me today, his eyes warm and sparkling. I catch my own reflection again, and I can almost feel myself melting.
I hope he thinks I'm pretty... not just pretty, but perfect...perfect for him.
"You know, I've never seen you like this. Not even when I dragged you shopping for those fancy events you never cared about. But one boy-and suddenly you're ready for the red carpet." She squeezes my hand, her teasing expression softening. "It's sweet, though. It's good to see you this happy."
