* * *

Madeline inspected herself from head to toe in the full-length mirror.
Pulling on the bodice of her strapless dress, she adjusted it to create an
illusion of cleavage, made possible by a padded, underwire bra. She'd
pulled her hair back at the crown with a sequined bow, and let the rest fall
in soft waves midway down her back. On her feet, she wore a pair of
formal, satin pumps, though she worried about their functionality on
slippery outdoor driveways and sidewalks. She was contemplating whether
or not wear her winter boots, and then change into her dancing shoes
once safely indoors, when she heard her mother calling from the foyer.
"Maddy, Kenny's here!" Her heart leapt in her chest. With one last
glance in the mirror, she ran to the top of the banister, where the image
below sent shivers of excitement up and down her spine. She looked
down to see Ken standing by the front door, gazing up at her with his
ever-present smile from behind a gorgeous bouquet of white roses. Her
equally enthralled mother took in the scene with delight.
"Oh my gosh, Kenny I am so glad you made it here safely!" Maddy
exclaimed, rushing down the stairs to throw her arms around him. He
gave her a chaste kiss on the cheek as he carefully held the flowers around
her back.
"Ken, these are beautiful," Monica stated. "Why don't I go put them
in some water?" With that, she took the blooms and went off in search of
the perfect vase.
"You look incredible, Madeline Rose," he whispered, taking in the
sight of her; she'd been so very worth the harrowing ride in the blinding
snow.
"You're pretty handsome yourself," she replied, hugging him tightly.
He looked like a department store catalog model in his black suit and
double-breasted winter coat, which he'd unbuttoned but had not yet taken
off. She could still feel the cool moisture of melted ice as she pressed up
against him. "I'm so thankful you're here," she added. "I was so worried
about you!"
"Nah!" he laughed. "It's gonna take a lot more than ice and snow to
keep me away from you, sweetheart."
Maddy felt a wave of gratitude wash over her as she contemplated
what this New Year would bring.