Once I got it on, I added the strappy silver heels, forgoing my usual comfy flats. I also put on a pretty little sapphire teardrop necklace with a white gold chain that matched my wedding ring. The makeup was kept simple, for the most part, though I did add a little dramatic flair with a bit of blue eyeshadow blended into the crease of my lids down to the winged liner edges at the corner of my eyes. It wasn’t over the top or too subtle. I hit the Goldilocks of perfect eyeshadow application, if I did say so myself.

My hair was another story though. There wasn’t a lot I could manage with my golden locks. It was either stick straight, a cute ponytail, or an intricate updo that would take forever along with a gallon of the strongest hair cement available. I thought about the woman who used a super glue spray on her hair and wondered if that might be what I would have to do to tame my tresses for future outings. I quickly dismissed the idea, because I never liked a hairstyle long enough to be permanently, or even semi-permanently, attached to it.

I ended up just leaving my hair down to hang in a straight curtain around my shoulders. I’d actually been thinking of chopping it all off recently, and after this date, I might just find a hair stylist who would be able to make the short-haired look work for me.

Just as I was adding a little dab of pink to my lips, there was a knock on the apartment door. I grabbed my clutch and headed to the door to find Tucker standing there with a beautiful array of blue-hued flowers. He smiled at me and offered them up. “They reminded me of you,” he mentioned as he handed them over.

“How exactly did these remind you of me?” I questioned as I moved to take them to the kitchen and deposit the bouquet in a vase.

“Your eyes, the hanging flowers that were up during our wedding, your ring,” he stated as I turned to see the sincerity in his eyes. Then he grinned as he added, “That spectacular dress you’re wearing tonight.”

It was my turn to smile at him. “I see, you’re turning on the charm for our first date. Better watch out Mr. Tucker, because you’re setting the bar now. I’ll expect more of the same later.”

“The bar should be set high.” He eased closer and then leaned in and placed a kiss on my cheek, at least, I think that’s what he had meant to do, but it ended up closer to the corner of my mouth instead. My eyes shifted up, to meet his and the warmth in those amber orbs caused a blush to steal across my cheeks.

“I’m ready to go when you are,” I managed to get out after taking a step back.

“Right,” he held his arm out to me, “shall we get going then?”