“Can you picture us at prom?” She laughed, and a single tear rolled down her cheek. She quickly wiped it away before another one took its place. “I knew you were cheesy, but this one beats them all.”

“I want to take you to prom.” His voice was finally steady. All his ridiculous nerves were gone and he realized he meant what he said. He wanted to take her to prom and fill that missing gap from her memories. “Will you let me?”

All attempts to laugh at the situation stopped, and Tara gazed at Seth with a tremulous smile. “Yes. I would love to go to prom with you.”

His heart grew wings and flapped against his chest, demanding release. Seth wanted to kiss the daylights out of her, but once he started, he wouldn’t be able to stop. That wouldn’t do. He was taking his girl to prom.

“I’ll be right back,” he said. At the kitchen, he grabbed the corsage and boutonnière and ran back. He was gratified to see Tara standing exactly where he’d left her, staring down at the poster leaning against the wall. “This is for you.”

“A corsage? Oh, my gosh. It’s so pretty.” She put the cupcakes aside, and held out her arm to him.

He put down the boxes on the floor and stood with her corsage in his hand. He slipped it onto her delicate wrist, and the flowers seemed to come alive and glow against her soft skin. “Do you like it?”

“I love it. I’ve always wanted to wear one.” Her voice was husky again.

Seth took out his boutonnière and held it out to her. “Will you do the honors?”

“Of course.” She took it from his hand and stepped close to him. God, she smelled so good. Carefully, she pinned the flower on his lapel and stepped back to examine her handiwork. “Perfect.”

“Thanks.” With a smile, he offered her his arm. “Let’s get going before we’re late for our dinner reservations.”

“We’re going out to dinner dressed like this?” She looked momentarily panicked until they rounded the corner to the kitchen where he’d set the table with a red-and-white-checkered tablecloth and two glowing candles. “What are you up to, Seth Kim?”

“Welcome to the fanciest Italian restaurant I know. Lola’s Trattoria.”

A delighted peal of laughter escaped her lovely lips, and she threw herself into his arms. “Oh, my goose bumps. This is so perfect. All of my friends went to Lola’s for their prom-night dinner.”

“Perfect is good.” Seth’s chest expanded with pride. “I want tonight to be perfect for you.”

When Tara walked over to the table and reached to pull out her chair, Seth was by her side in a flash, clicking his tongue.

“Oh, geez,” she huffed.

“Come on. Let me do this.” He moved to stand close behind her, covering her hand with his own. “Let me pamper you, baby.”

“Well, if you put it that way…” She let go of the chair with splashes of pink staining her cheeks.