I was red cheeks and shivering. My hand always quakes when I'm stunned with nerves. A part of me was ready to run. But what I really wanted to do was enjoy the night and laugh out loud, I'm in my head talking courageously of course my voice never makes an entrance. Here I am invited to the party, they must like my company but I'm such a stone. I put effort into my hair and my lashes! I even used my expensive parfum. And yes, he is here, and right now he is staring! Why is he still staring? Pause. Is there something behind me that caught his attention. I am tucked into this wall--I am the only thing he sees!

"You look... beautiful."

I try my hardest to remain dignified and confident, but inwardly, I'm hyperventilating. I can barely meet his gaze, let alone keep my head up. Did he really call me beautiful? A nobody from the south side— daughter of a troubled butcher? For all my life, I've convinced myself that I could never be enough and be liked. Admired? Out of the question. Yet here I am, with Xavier, the man of my dreams, in awe of no one other than me.

"So beautiful."

I track the slow sweep of his cloak, now closing the distance between us. He brings his right arm right beside my head, the left following suit. He presses his palms against the white brick wall behind me. With my eyes shut, I await the inevitable moment.

"So, so beautiful."

I'm so ready, I hear his kiss. But I don't feel it. Instead, his chest is pressed up against my face, suffocating me.

"Xavier," I say, muffled. "I— I can't see."

Another smooch escapes his lips.

"Or breathe," I squirm.

He pulls away and lowers his head back to eye level. But his eyes are fixated on whatever he just kissed above my head. I glance up behind me, but it's just a wall. Could another woman have magically peeped her head through it?

"So, so beautiful. I shall marry it tonight!"

"What?" I'm so confused. "Marry it?"

"Yes, I have been meaning to share my intentions with you, but I was afraid you may be ashamed of me," he cries, hiding his expression in his hands. "But at last, I have come to my senses."

He takes my hands and lifts them softly. He kneels down on one knee before me. "Do you, Miranda, give me your blessing to marry the wall behind you?"