The second I saw him, I smiled.
Then I noticed Mom.
Her expression had changed.
She looked at Noah as though she were seeing him differently for the first time.
I came down another step.
“What’s the flower?”
Noah lifted the corsage proudly.
“Rosemary.”
I laughed.
“That’s not exactly a traditional prom flower.”
“I know.”
“So why rosemary?”
He smiled.
“The florist said rosemary means remembering.”
He paused for dramatic effect.
“And I remember promises.”
Behind me, Mom made a strange, broken little sound.
I turned.
Her eyes were shining.
“Mom?”
She quickly wiped beneath one eye.
“Christina, come upstairs with me.”
I frowned.
“Now?”
“Yes.”
“But Noah’s here.”
“I know.”
Noah looked between us.
“I can wait.”
