Only You

Chapter 14

I sigh as I look in the mirror. The emerald green satin material falls beautifully down my figure, preserving my modesty while also showing my beauty. I hate to admit but my father chose well, the green bringing out the color of my eyes.

It was currently 7 o'clock and I had just finished setting my auburn hair in loose waves and applying a thin layer of makeup. All temporary injuries given in the last few month are almost healed, with only a yellow tint and a slight twinge of discomfort at random times. I looked beautiful, the happiness given to me in recent weeks has given my skin color and my cheeks purpose. I looked more like my mother than I ever have before.

I walk downstairs, allowing my father to see me and approve then make my way to the front door. I step outside into the chilly November air, looking out on the decay that indicates winter is approaching. I sigh and decidedly turn to wait for Declan to arrive in the foyer.

Guests will begin to arrive at 8:30 and Declan will be arriving at 8 to meet my father and greet guests with me as my plus one. We will be essentially ferrying people from the front door to the living area while the help takes jackets. The entire ceremony is stupid and torturous, giving every single one of my fathers associates a chance to speak to me.

Lost in my thoughts about the coming terror, I jumped as a large bell rang just outside the door. Grace, one of the caterers, scurried to answer but I waved her away thanking her as she went. I approached the door and opened it, seeing a tall and handsome man standing opposite me. Declan smirks as I stare wide eyed moving my gaze from his clean black shoes along the charcoal gray tux that resembles a darker version of his eyes. I smile slightly.

"what can I say, you clean up well" I say, moving backwards and opening the door wider so he could come inside. It wasn't until now that he saw my full figure and his eyes widen, a smile growing across his face. Just as suddenly he shakes his head and looks down blushing and as he walks past I hear a distinct "I'm not the only one."

"Are you blushing?" I say, giggling amazed at what I had just witnessed.

"Of course not" he says frowning at me and looking at the foyer. "The decorations are nice."

It's my turn to frown, "or Gaudy" I say looking at the large abundance of gold cloth and pumpkins. "My mother used to decorate with pumpkins and scarecrows. It made it homey and warm, not a tool to show wealth" I sigh looking at Declan and shrugging.

"One day you'll be able to decorate anyway you want yeah?" He says still taking in the lavish environment, "your house really is very nice" he says probably distracted by the sparkle that caught his eye. I roll my eyes and move toward him grabbing his hand and pulling him out of the room towards the social room.

"So we'll meet my father, hopefully it's quick and smooth" I say and see the slight frown that creases Declan's brow, "then we'll have to greet the guests which" I stop abruptly outside of the door leading into the living area and look at him, our hands are still clasped so I withdraw my hand, "is going to suck but it's only a night and after that it will be over." I was rambling so Declan turned me facing forward and opened the door. Once the door was open and I could see my father at the opposite end of the room I moved forward and began to walk towards his straight figure.

The room was large and really only used for having guests. There was a fireplace in the corner giving the room a warm glow and most of the area was open for free movement and socialization. I barely noticed any of this because my vision was taken up by my father who hadn't realized I was present just yet. I spare a glance at Declan to make sure he's following and move slightly in front of him to create a barrier between him and my father, slowing to stop in front of his turned back. I cough softly in order to get his attention and he slowly turns around, his eyes first falling on me examining me up and down. Seeming satisfied I say,