After what felt like hours (and might have actually been), Isabella finally settled on a stunning midnight blue gown that made her look like she'd just stepped off a movie set.
"This is the one," she declared, twirling in front of the mirror.
He nodded, beyond relieved that the fashion show was ending. "Great! Let's go pay."
As they approached the counter, she hesitated. "Jackson, are you sure about this? It's pretty expensive."
He waved off her concern. "Don't worry about it. Consider it nine years' worth of birthday presents."
The saleswoman rang up the dress, and Jackson had to force himself not to flinch at the price. He handed over his card, praying to whatever deity might be listening that it wouldn't be declined.
To his immense relief, the transaction went through smoothly. As
