Blue Ribbon

Chapter 57 - Blue Ribbon

Three months later...

Lilly's POV

Chase opened my door, his hand extended toward me in that ever-gentlemanly way. I shook my head, an excited grin lighting up my face. "No, no, let me do it on my own," I insisted, my voice bubbling over with a joy that felt almost childlike.

Well, sue me for being happy, but it was my first night out in what felt like forever.

With deliberate care, I swung my legs over the edge, my boots making a soft thud as they met the concrete. Standing up, I took a moment to revel in the feel of the cool night air brushing against my skin, the solid ground beneath my feet grounding me in the here and now.

My lips curled into a smile, a victorious one, because I was able to get down, all on my own, without tripping and without feeling any pain.

It's funny how getting sick can humble you, and make you grateful for the things you once took for granted, like simply standing on your own two feet.

A soft sound of pure delight escaped me, something between a giggle and a sigh. I was so giddy with happiness, that I almost wanted to throw my fists in the air and jump up and down, but I held back, not wanting the valet guy to think I'd lost my mind.

Chase noticed my state and he chuckled, a deep, warm sound that effortlessly wrapped around me. My eyes fell back on his as he stood there, arms crossed, watching me with a gaze that almost made my heart ache, as if I were the most precious thing in his world.

To be honest, in these past months, he made me feel just like that.

Three months had passed in a blur of time, sometimes fleeting, sometimes agonizingly slow. Each day had been a battle—a struggle to stand, to walk, to reclaim a part of myself that had been stolen. There had been tears, so many tears shed, and pain that had nearly broken me at the beginning of my therapy.

But now, here I was, standing on my own, ready to take this first step back into life.

I wasn't fully healed yet, not entirely back to who I used to be. Sometimes there was a limp in my walk, and standing too long still hurts like hell. But I was beyond grateful. With time, I knew I would get back to where I once was.

Chase extended his hand again, his eyes twinkling under the soft glow of the stars and the restaurant's lights. "M'lady," he said, his voice soft, but with that playful edge I loved so much.

My breath caught as I placed my hand in his, allowing him to pull me closer. His other arm wrapped around my waist, drawing me in as he dipped his head to press a soft kiss to my neck, the warmth of his lips sending a shiver down my spine, "You look breathtaking," he whispered against my skin, his voice melting away any defense I had.

My cheeks warmed up, feeling the cold night air nipping at my legs beneath the soft fabric of my cream-colored skirt, which swirled slightly as I moved. My navy blue sweater, though cozy, did little to keep the chill away, so I was grateful for the jacket I'd thrown on over it. My hair, tied back loosely with my ribbon, moved slightly in the breeze, the blue strands of the bow catching the light.

I couldn't help but tip my head and take in the sight of him, and how effortlessly handsome he appeared tonight, "You don't look bad yourself, Mr. Ryder." I said, a tease in my voice.

He wore a light blue button-down shirt, slightly unbuttoned at the top, paired with beige trousers that hugged his frame just right. The soft fabric of his shirt seemed to cling to him, accentuating the toned muscles beneath. He looked ever so casually elegant, from the way his hair was tousled as if he'd just run his fingers through it, to the confident ease with which he carried himself.