Mara held up a blue dress. This one? It's mom's, but she'd want you to wear it. Mara, I can't. Yes, you can.
Mara's voice was firm. Mom would like you. You're nothing like her, but in a good way. You're calmer, more patient, and you make Dad smile again. Elena's eyes filled.
I'm not trying to replace her. I know. That's why it works. Mara handed her the dress. Now go shower.
I'll do your makeup. You know how to do makeup? YouTube is a beautiful thing. An hour later, Elena barely recognized herself. The blue dress fit perfectly.
Mara had done something magical with mascara and lip gloss. Her hair actually looked intentional instead of accidental. "You look beautiful," Mara said. "I look terrified. " "That, too. But mostly beautiful. " Sophie and Ethan appeared in the doorway.
"Wo," Ethan said. Sophie's eyes were huge. "You look like a princess. I look ridiculous. You look happy, Sophie corrected.
That's better than a princess. The doorbell rang. Mason was taking her out properly. Apparently, not just walking from one room to another. Elena went downstairs, opened the door.
Mason stood there in slacks and a button-down holding flowers. Actual flowers. Hi, he said. Hi. You look He stopped.
Wow. Mara helped. Remind me to thank her. Behind them, all three kids were watching from the stairs. You guys look like you're going to prom.
Ethan called. Ethan? Mara hissed. What they do? Mason turned.
Bedtime is 9:30. No screens after 9:00. And please don't burn down the house. That was one time, Ethan protested. And it was enough.
He offered Elena his arm. She took it. They drove to a small Italian restaurant across town. Quiet, intimate. Not the kind of place Elena had been in years.
"Is this weird? " Mason asked after they'd ordered. "Which part? " "All of it? The date? The fact that you live with me? The kids watching us leave like we're teenagers. " Helena laughed.
"It's definitely weird, but but I like weird. " Mason relaxed slightly. I've been wanting to ask you out for weeks. Why didn't you? Because I didn't want to make things complicated. You've been through hell.
You're still healing. And I didn't want to be the guy who took advantage. Mason. Elena reached across the table. You're not taking advantage.
You're sure? I'm sure. She paused. But I need you to know something. Okay.