“Now I’m sort of glad I never went to prom,” she said quietly in his arms. “It never would’ve been this perfect with anyone else.”

Seth held her even closer to him in response, and she melted against him. She never wanted the night to end.

He held her for a minute or an hour. He couldn’t tell. Time didn’t matter. Being with her like this—creating memories with her—felt so right. Seth couldn’t let her go. He loved her. God, he loved her so much. If she couldn’t leave with him, he would stay with her.

The pressure suffocating him lifted off his chest, and he knew that was the right thing to do. He didn’t need to chase success. If it meant he could be with Tara, he would be happy opening a photography studio right here in Weldon. Fashion photography was a job he enjoyed, but it was only a job. Tara … she was everything.

He was confessing his love tonight. He couldn’t contain it any longer.

“This is the last song, baby,” he spoke into her hair, intoxicated by her scent.

“Mmm,” she responded, snuggling deeper into his embrace.

God, she was so lovely. He spread his hands on her back and held her tighter against him. When the song ended, he placed a lingering kiss on her sweet lips.

“Thank you for this dance,” he murmured, pressing his forehead against hers.

“You’re welcome,” she whispered.

He stepped back and got a firm hold of her hand, and didn’t let go as he turned off the lights and locked up the restaurant. He couldn’t bear to break the connection between them. Seth helped Tara into the limo and nodded at the chauffeur, who closed the door behind him.

Seth pulled her close and she laid her head against his shoulder. Playing absent-mindedly with his fingers, Tara stayed silent with her thoughts. Hopefully, she was basking in the warmth of a beautiful prom night. He certainly was. His body felt as though gravity didn’t have as strong a hold on him as usual. This might be what it felt like to walk on clouds.

“Happy?” he asked, kissing the top of her head.

“Very,” she said, lacing her fingers through his.

As the house came into view, Seth’s anxiety overshadowed his happiness. Confessing his love to her could change everything, but change was what he wanted. No more of this spring fling nonsense. He wanted forever with her.

The chauffeur parked the car in the driveway, and came around to open their door. “I hope you guys had a great night.”

“We did,” Seth said, discreetly palming him his tip. “Thank you.”

As the limo drove away, he opened the front door and led them inside the house. His blood pounded loudly in his ears as he headed for the kitchen.

“Do you want some coffee?” he asked, needing something to do.

“Sure.” Tara cocked her head to the side for a second, then followed him. “That sounds nice.”