I walked over to join them, receiving warm smiles and compliments on my dress.

“It looks incredible,” Sarah said, gesturing to the building. “We heard you helped design the pediatric play area.”

“Just some suggestions from a nursing perspective,” I said modestly.

“It made all the difference,” a voice behind me said.

I turned around to see Daniel walking toward us.

He was wearing a sharp charcoal suit that fit him perfectly, his hair combed back.

He looked handsome, professional, and entirely in his element.

“Good afternoon, ladies,” Daniel said to the group, though his eyes stayed on me.

“Congratulations, Mr. Morrison,” Sarah said. “It’s a masterpiece.”

“Thank you,” Daniel said. “But please, call me Daniel.”

He gestured slightly, inviting me to walk with him toward the entrance.

As we moved away from the crowd, he looked down at me, a genuine smile breaking across his face.

“You look beautiful, Victoria,” he said.

“Thank you,” I said, feeling a slight blush warm my cheeks. “You don’t look too bad yourself.”

He chuckled, the tension in his shoulders seeming to ease.