I walked out of my bedroom praying that I didn't trip on my long dress and fall. I wore a navy blue tulle ball gown with long puffed sleeves and a thigh high slit. It had a corset design upper bodice that hugged my figure perfectly and flared from the waist down in multiple layers of tulle. I had a hard time figuring out what do with my hair so I'd settled for straightening it out, before curling it and putting it into a stylish messy bun with a few strands falling over my face. My make up was elegant as I'd done a golden eyeshadow, dark eyeliner to make my eyes pop and caramel nude matte lipstick.

I'd finally opened the boxes Colton had sent me and in one of them had been the most beautiful pair of strapped navy blue heels that matched my dress perfectly. In another had been a full jewelry set that I'd chosen a pair of blue sapphire earings from. The last one had been a box of limited edition games that Charlie had been super excited about. I had wanted to return everything but I fell in love with the heels so I kept them.

I walked into the living room and was immediately blinded by the flash of a camera. I glared at Charlie who just grinned sheepishly at me.

"I read that taking pictures is a prom tradition."Charlie explained taking another photo.

"Okay but did you also read that you have to blind me. There's enough light in this room so loose the flash."I replied.

"Then I can take more pictures?"Charlie asked excited.

"Yeah sure."I laughed.

He started fumbling with the camera trying figure out how to remove the flash. I would have told him how but he seemed really determined to do it on his own.

"Wow, Willow. You look beautiful." Robert complimented walking down the stairs.

"Thank you."I replied with a smile.

"I remember my prom. It was an under the sea theme and I got my first kiss that night."Robert commented getting lost in thought for a second.

"Nerd much."I muttered earning me a scolding look.

"It's in my nature."Robert defended with a shrug.

I didn't say anything further and after a few minutes Charlie finally figured out how to work the camera and he started snapping away. We took a lot photos as I waited for Henry to show up. My mom came into the room as we were taking pictures but she just turned her nose up at us and went into the kitchen probably to get wine.

"Don't look at us. You married her."I commented when I saw Robert looking at my mom's retreating figure with contempt.

"I know and I still ask myself why?"Robert replied.

"It's not in my nature to be nosy but why did you marry my mom?"I asked as Charlie put me in another position by the staircase.

"You're mother is gorgeous and its the first thing I noticed about her. When she took interest in me, the geeky IT guy who gets overlooked by everyone it made me feel special. I fell in love fast, the sex was out of this world and before I could blink we married in two months and moving here. That's when I started seeing the real her."Robert explained.

"Well first of all TMI on your bedroom shenanigans with my mother but other than that all I can say is that its never too late."I advised.

"Thanks Willow, I'll think about it. And besides at least I got one good thing out of this marriage. Two amazing stepkids who make this marriage bearable."Robert added making me smile.

Robert was actually a nice guy and I was glad I had given him a chance so we could bond. He'd never be my dad but he was fun to have around and whoever he married later if he decided to leave my mom would be lucky to have him. He'd make a great husband and a fantastic father.

"You aren't so bad yourself Robbie."I replied with a smile.

The door bell rang and since I was preoccupied with Charlie, Robert offered to get it. A few minutes later he walked back in with Henry in tow who looked like Simon Basset's younger white brother. He was dressed in a navy blue tailcoat that matched my dress, a silver waistcoat, white breeches, a white cravat, a white shirt with a high collar and tasseled Hessians. He had completed the look by sleeking his hair back, wearing a top hat, pocket watch and a walking stick. He looked like had literally walked out of the regency era.

I didn't fail to notice how his eyes ran all over me looking at me approvingly. It was nice to know that I impressed him as much as he did me.

"My lady."Henry bowed politely taking my hand and placing a sweet chaste kiss at the back of it.

"My lord."I replied bowing back to keep up act.

Henry held out a black and gold corsage with pale yellow roses that matched his boutonniere. He placed it gently on my wrist before kissing my hand one more time and letting me go.

"Picture time."Charlie yelled taking his job very seriously.

Henry just smiled and played along taking his place by my side.

"You look incredible my lady."He whispered in my ear.

"You clean up well too my Lord."I whispered back.

Twenty minutes later we were done taking pictures so Charlie and Robert sent us off. We were going to dinner first before we went to the dance so it was still light out.

Henry and I walked outside my hand on his elbow and I gasped when I saw the Victorian horse drawn glass coach carriage parked outside. The coachman was an elderly looking man with salt pepper hair dressed in a black uniform. The two horses were white, beautiful and elegant.

"How did you manage to pull this?"I asked looking at Henry shocked.

"I pulled in a few favors. Pete, the coachman is also Jack's friend. He used to drive this stagecoach in Little Rock a few years ago but stopped when he got arthritis. I called him up and asked him if he was up for one last ride and he agreed as long as I help him set up wifi in his farm."Henry replied.

"That explains why you came to the arcade smelling like horse manure a few days back."I retorted and he nodded.

"You surprise me Henry. I know I said no to the limo but this is so much better than any limo."I exclaimed excited.

"Ready to go?"Henry asked and I nodded.

I said hello to Pete before Henry helped me onto the sleek black stagecoach. Inside it had red velvet seats and the clear windows allowed us to see outside. Henry tapped twice on the roof and we were off. I squealed in excitement and before I could stop myself I launched myself at Henry. He was surprised at first but he cupped my face and kissed me back.

"Keep this up and we won't make it to the prom."Henry whispered pulling away.

"Don't worry, I'll keep it pg till the last dance."I replied making Henry laugh.

I lay my head against his shoulder as I looked outside enjoying the view. I could see people looking at the stagecoach in awe as we passed them and it made me feel like royalty.

Twenty minutes later instead of pulling up at a restaurant we stopped by the park.

"What are we doing here?"I asked looking at Henry confused.

"Dinner."He replied shortly before getting out of the coach.

He helped me out, took my arm and started leading me further into the park close to the pond. There were a few people strolling around and they all looked at us confused but we ignored them. We looked like we had stepped out of another era, but Henry more than me since my dress was a little modern.

Henry led me to a huge willow tree that had overgrown branches so it's leaves touched the surface of the pond. I smiled and squealed excitedly when I saw the picnic set out under it.

"Thought we could enact the picnic scene in Bridgerton just without the sex part."Henry explained.

"Don't say no just yet."I smirked taking off my heels and squating in an empty spot on the soft mat.

Henry did the same and set his cane next to our shoes. I looked at all the food laid out and my mouth watered in anticipation. There was enough food to feed four but Henry and I really liked food so we would probably eat most of it. There was a variety of food like sushi, sandwiches with strawberries, donuts, chocolate muffins, cookies, bread, soda, wine, sliced carrots and cucumbers and a packet of Doritos.

"You Henry, are perfect."I declared reaching for a donut.

"So are you and let me say this again, you look beautiful and I'll be the envy of all the guys at the prom."Henry replied.

"Thank you and as dashing as you are, I'll probably be swatting ladies off you all night."

"I only have eyes for you."Henry replied looking at me with the most adoring look that made sure I didn't have a single doubt in my heart about his words.

"Won't Pete be bored?"I asked taking a sandwich already done with the donut.

"The man has the patience of a saint plus this was his job remember so he'll be okay."Henry assured me.

We sat at the park for close to two hours eating, talking, taking goofy photos and occasionally making out. When we were done Henry and I put our shoes back on and walked back to the coach. He texted the person who had set up the picnic for us to inform them we were done and they could come back to clear up. We'd finished the bottle of wine provided so by the time we got to the school we were both buzzed and in the right kind of mood.

There were a lot of people arriving in limos and their own cars but we made quite the entrance with our stagecoach. We stayed in it for a few minutes letting people admire it before we finally got out. I held onto Henry's arm as we walked into the school basking in the attention we were getting. The boys had tried their best to match the required fashion for the dance but no one had quite reached Henry's level. The girls had taken advantage of the corsets to make their boobs pop out more but besides that even I had to admit that they all looked beautiful.

The school's cafeteria had been turned into a regency era styled ballroom. The planning committee had really outdone themselves with making the whole night magical. Even the band were appropriately dressed and playing the right kind of music.

"Dance with me milady?"Henry asked holding his hand out for me.

I smiled and took his hand. Henry led me to the dance floor and we started slowly swaying to the soft music.

"Thank you for asking me to be your date tonight. I'm having the best time."I said to Henry looking up at him.

"Pleasure is all mine."He replied swooping in to kiss my lips gently.

We danced to a few more songs before I became thirsty and we went to get drinks. We had no idea what they had spiked the punch with and we weren't about to get alcohol poisoning on such a fun night so we decided to have canned soda instead. Henry excused himself to got to the bathroom so I was waited for him by the desert table as I gorged on the strawberries dipped in chocolate.

A tap on my back had me turning around to come face to face with Matthew.

"You're Highness."I greeted politely with a bow.

I was usually snarky towards him but ever since Henry had told me that he was depressed I had decided to be nicer to him. I knew what it was like to be down and he didn't need me adding any more negativity on top of what he was going through.

"Ma'am."Matthew replied with a polite nod of his head.

He was dressed basically the same as Henry just without the accessories and his tailcoat was red.

"You look beautiful tonight."He complimented and it was the first genuine thing I'd ever heard from him.

"Thank you, you look dashing as well."I replied.

Matthew had dark circles under his eyes that were barely noticeable but I saw them. He looked tired and his eyes were a little bloodshot.

"Can I have this dance?"He asked politely.

I felt bad rejecting Matthew but it wouldn't be nice dancing with him. He might be going through something but what he had done to Henry and I was still fresh in my mind.

"I'm sorry but my dance card I full."I apologized.

I wasn't lying, it was full but only with one name. Henry had written his name over and over again on my card so I could only dance with him. I didn't have any complains because I didn't want to dance with anyone else.

"It's okay I understand. Have a fun evening."Matthew replied looking defeated before he left.

I went back to enjoying the strawberries before Henry came back. When he did we went to have our pictures taken and even made good use of the photo booth they had rented out.

I hadn't been into the whole idea of prom but I was happy Henry had talked me into it. We danced a lot, ate, laughed and filled up on soda. Later on we settled down for the crowning.

Matthew and Aubrey were crowned prom king and queen which was to be expected as they were the most popular people at school. The committee had offered to nominate me but I'd declined since there was no need of being prom queen if Henry wasn't going to be prom king.

When everyone started leaving for the after party Henry pulled me outside and back into the coach.

"Where are we going?"I asked.

"I rented a hotel room out for the night and thought you and I could have an after party of our own."Henry replied.

"I like that idea."I responded kissing his cheek.

Pete dropped us off at the hotel before Henry paid him and relieved him of his duties. We picked our room key card from the reception before heading up to our room.

We were barely inside before we started ripping each other clothes off. We had been building up tension all night and it was time to let it run free. It was my one and only prom and it was perfect.