Chapter 17

When I opened the door to my apartment Friday night, I expected Jacob.

What I didn’t expect was Jacob wearing a tuxedo and with a corsage in his hand, a boutonniere pinned to his lapel.

His expression serious, although I could see a smile at the edges of his mouth, he said, “Are you ready for prom?”

I glanced down at my outfit: jean shorts and a V-neck shirt. At least I’d put on some makeup. “I don’t exactly have a prom dress hanging out in my closet,” I said. I’d gotten rid of the one I’d planned to wear the next day after Jacob had stood me up.

Jacob stepped into my apartment. “That’s fine. We can have prom here.”

He handed me the bouquet—an arrangement of pink roses and sunflowers—and then said, “Put out your hand.”

He put the corsage on my wrist. This one also had pink roses. “Did you make this?”

“I did. Do you like it?”

“I love it.” My heart felt like it was going to spill over. “I can’t believe you did this.”

“It’s nine years late, but I thought I’d make it up to you. I