Aspen’s POV
When Helio took my hand, the whole world fell away.
“You are absolutely stunning, my love,” Helio whispered, pulling me as close as decency would allow as we took to the dance floor.
I took in his regal, red finery and smiled softly at him. “As are you.”
“No. No one in this room shines as brightly as you do tonight.” Helio twirled me in a circle, then pulled me back into his arms. “You deserve this. Every minute.”
“It feels so strange,” I admitted. “Never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d ever be treated like this.”
Helio’s face fell a bit. “That’s because of me.”
“Oh! No, my darling. No, don’t ever think that.” I touched his cheek. “It was hardly all your fault, and it’s all in the past now. I’m looking to the future.”
“The future.” Helio smiled again. “I like the w
