Hattie:
The sun was just beginning to rise as Brooks led me to his truck, his hand warm against mine. I wasn’t sure where we were going at first, but he had promised me it would be worth it. When he finally admitted he was taking me into town to find a dress and jewelry for the ceremony, I had been too stunned to reply. Me? In a fancy dress? Wearing fine jewelry? It seemed impossible. Back home, I had just the essentials, that was it. I've never attended a ball. My stomach began to tighten in knots. Brooks could sense it, reaching his hand over and stroking my thigh. I felt my tension ease, but I still wanted sure about this.
The drive was quiet, the rolling landscape passing us in waves of green and gold. I had never left home for anything like this before. Sure, I had been into town be
