Chapter 34
Vivian
I’m seated in my chair, watching as the crowd comes to life, the music filling the air, and everyone begins to move in time with the beat but my mind keeps drifting back to the words Miles spoke earlier.
He opened up about his past in front of so many people, including the media. He shared something I know he’s carried with him for a long time. I saw it in his eyes as he spoke—how hard it was for him to go there, to let that part of himself be seen.
It wasn’t just the words. It was the way he stood there, vulnerable but still strong. He didn’t just talk about the charity. He talked about himself—his history, the things that shaped him—and he did it without hesitation in a way that was both heartbreaking and brave.
It took so much for him to do, to open up like that in front of everyone.
I watch him now, standing off to the side with a group of friends, a slight smile on his lips as he talks with Greg and some others.
There’s a calmness to him, like he’s finally found a place where he can just…
be. I want to go over to him, to tell him how much that meant, but I’m still processing it all.
He’s not the same guy he was when I first met him—the one who kept everything behind a mask. And as much as I try to focus on the music, on the people around me, it’s hard not to be completely wrapped up in him right now.
“Mommy, let’s go dance!” Riley’s voice breaks through my thoughts, her small hands tugging gently on my arm. I glance down at her, my heart melting at the sight of her wide, excited eyes, the same energy she’s had all night bubbling up again.
I smile at her, trying to shake off the emotional fog that’s settled over me. “You want to dance, huh?” I ask, my voice a little softer than I intend, but it’s just the two of us, and I can’t help it.
She nods enthusiastically, her brown cowboy hat bobbing with her every movement. “Yes! I want to spin and twirl like the princesses in the movies!” she declares, lifting her arms as if she’s already lost in the moment.
Laughing softly, I stand up and offer my hand to her. “All right, let’s go then, but no spinning too fast, okay? We don’t want you falling over.”
She grins up at me, shaking her head. “I won’t fall, I promise!” she says, her little voice full of determination.
As we walk toward the dance floor, I catch sight of Miles again.
He’s laughing with Greg, his face relaxed like he’s finally breathing without the weight of the past on his shoulders.
Something shifts in me, a soft flutter I can’t quite name.
It’s not just attraction, it’s more than that.
It’s the way he’s showing me who he is, how he’s opening up, and it makes me realize just how much I’ve come to care for him.
The music’s louder now, the beat pulsing through the floor, and Riley tugs at my hand, pulling me onto the floor with her, her excitement infectious.
She’s laughing as she dances, her little boots tapping along to the rhythm, completely caught up in the joy.
I can’t help but laugh along, my heart lifting with the carefree innocence she brings.
As we spin and twirl, her tiny hands in mine, I feel a warmth settle in my chest—a sense of belonging. The world feels smaller, simpler in these moments. It’s just the two of us, lost in our little bubble of dance and laughter, until I feel a presence behind me.
I turn slightly, and there he is. Miles.
He’s watching us, his expression soft, that familiar warmth in his eyes. His gaze locks with mine, and for a moment, everything else fades away. It’s just him and me, the noise of the fair, the music, the people—it all blurs.
Riley doesn’t miss the shift. She looks over at Miles, then back at me, and with the biggest grin she pulls me closer to him. “Mommy, dance with Miles!” she says, the words tumbling out of her like they’re the most obvious thing in the world.
I laugh, a little caught off guard, but not at all surprised by Riley’s determination. “All right, sweetheart,” I say, my voice a little breathless from laughing. I turn to Miles, my heart beating faster than it probably should. “Care to join us?”
He steps forward, that playful glint still in his eyes, but there’s a tenderness in the way he looks at me that sends a shiver down my spine. “I think I could manage a dance or two,” he says, that familiar cocky smile playing on his lips, but it’s softer now, warmer.
As he takes my hand, I feel a sense of rightness—like this is where I’m meant to be.
And for the first time in a long time, I let myself relax into the moment, into the warmth of his touch.
Riley spins in front of us, laughing as we all join the rhythm of the dance, the beat carrying us through the night.
And I know—whatever happens, whatever comes next—I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.
Riley is dancing with my dad not too far from us, her tiny feet placed gently on his, and they’re moving together in perfect sync. It’s such a simple, beautiful moment—my dad, always so stoic, now grinning down at her with that soft, almost proud look in his eyes.
Riley’s giggles fill the space between them as she spins in his arms, her little boots tapping in time to the music. It’s one of those moments that’s too pure for words, the kind that makes your heart swell with something you didn’t even know you needed to feel.
Not far from them, I spot Mindy and Greg dancing.
She’s nestled against him, her head resting on his chest as they sway together, lost in their own little world.
They don’t even seem to notice anyone around them—the way Greg’s hand rests comfortably on her back, how Mindy’s eyes are half-closed, a serene smile playing on her lips as she enjoys the moment.
It’s effortless, like they’ve found their own rhythm together, just the two of them, and the rest of the world can wait.
There’s something about the way they move that’s just… right. Simple, but perfect.
Across the room, I catch a glimpse of Mya.
She’s standing outside, speaking to the charity organizers, looking every bit the professional she is.
There’s something about her posture, the way she holds herself, that screams confidence.
Her tone is low but firm, and even from here I can tell she’s fully engaged in the conversation, her focus sharp.
She’s all business tonight, no room for distractions.
I wonder for a moment what exactly she’s talking about, but it’s clear that she’s in her element, doing what she does best, keeping everything in line and making sure it all runs smoothly.
The music slows down, the soft melody wrapping around us as the world around us fades into the background.
Miles pulls me close, his hand at my waist, and we start swaying to the rhythm of the song.
His touch is warm, grounding me in the moment, and for a second I forget everything else—just the two of us, moving together.
“You look beautiful,” Miles whispers in my ear, his voice low and husky. His breath against my skin sends a shiver through me, and I can’t help but smile, the words sinking deep inside me.
I look up at him, meeting his gaze. “Thank you,” I reply, my voice soft, almost a whisper. But I don’t stop there. I lick my lips, the words coming out before I can think too much. “You did great up there,” I add, meaning every single word. “I’m proud of you.”
His smile softens, his eyes locking with mine as he twirls me around.
My heart flutters with the ease of it, the way he makes it feel effortless, like we’ve been dancing together forever.
As he pulls me back in, his hand finding my waist again, the closeness between us feels both familiar and new, like I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.
“Thanks, Bambi,” he says, his voice full of sincerity. He leans in just enough for his lips to brush my ear as he whispers, “That means a lot.”
The way he says it, so genuine, so vulnerable, makes my chest tighten.
I feel the warmth of his words settle in my heart, the connection between us deepening with each passing moment.
His touch is soft but firm, guiding me through the dance, his presence steadying me in a way I didn’t know I needed.
We move in rhythm, the music carrying us, and for a while, there’s nothing else but the sound of our hearts beating in sync.
“I must say, you’re not a bad dancer,” I tease, grinning up at him, my eyes catching his as we sway together. His hand rests low on my back, just enough to make my pulse quicken, the intimacy of the moment not lost on me.
“I’m trying for you,” he replies, voice low and smooth, his lips brushing against my forehead. It’s a simple gesture, but it sends a spark of warmth through me, and for a moment it feels like it’s just us in the world.
We continue moving, lost in the music, when suddenly, I notice a figure approaching us. It’s a reporter, her approach less invasive than the typical paparazzi. She’s polite, her tone warm, as though she’s been trained to handle situations like this with grace.
“Excuse me, Miles Sanchez,” she says, her voice laced with curiosity. “I don’t mean to interrupt, but…” She looks over at me, and I instinctively step back, unsure of what to do next.
“Oh, sorry,” I murmur, tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear, about to turn and walk away to give them space.
“No, it’s okay,” she assures me, her smile kind. “I’m just curious to know if the notorious playboy cowboy, Miles Sanchez, has finally settled down.” She raises an eyebrow.
Miles notices the recorder but doesn’t seem to care. Instead, he looks at me, giving me a quiet reassurance, silently telling me I don’t have to leave. His presence eases my uncertainty, and I stay, leaning slightly into him as he pulls me in closer by the waist.