Nicole raised an eyebrow, amused. “Oh, yeah? And how did she know I’d forgive you?”
“Because she knows you and your heart,” he said. “Let’s go get her, and bring you back here to get your car. Then we’ll go to the party.”
“Sounds like a plan.”
All her sadness lifted as they drove out to Cameron’s house and she filled him in on the debacle that was Benny’s show. They were still laughing about Red and the popcorn machine when they pulled into Cameron’s driveway. Nicole’s excitement was nearly impossible to contain.
The moment they stepped inside, she gasped. Elise sat in her wheelchair near the window, dressed in a sparkly silver dress that caught the light like a disco ball. Her blond hair was styled in soft curls, and her makeup was on point, including a set of false eyelashes that were the embodiment of glamour.
“Girl!” Nicole clapped. “You look incredible.”
Elise beamed, eyes bright with as much pleasure as sparkly shadow. “Thanks! I can’t remember the last time I got dressed up for a party.” She glanced between Nicole and Cameron, her eyes narrowing playfully. “And judging by the way you two are standing so close together, I’m guessing you worked things out?”
Nicole laughed, her heart full. “We did. We’re good. We’re…together.”
Elise squealed, clapping her hands. “Yes! I knew it!”
Cameron chuckled, kneeling beside his sister. “There’s more. Something important. And I wanted Nicole here when I told you.”
Elise’s eyes widened, her breath catching. “What is it?”
Cameron took her hands in his. “It’s a go, E.”
“It’s…vet school?” She barely breathed the words, hope flashing in her eyes.
“Yes. I’m going to help you do this. I’ll talk to Mom and Dad—especially Dad—and make sure they understand this is what you need. We both know that if I let go, they will, too. And you’re ready, and you deserve it.”
For a heartbeat, Elise just stared at him. Then tears threatened, so she fanned her face. “Do not make me ruin this work of art that is my makeup!”
Laughing, Nicole reached down to hug her. “No crying! This is too happy.”
Elise managed to blink back tears as she looked at her brother. “Camelot, are you one hundred percent serious right now?”
“One thousand.”
With a whimper, she dabbed her eyes with her thumb again. “I’m dead. No, no. I’m alive! For the first time in forever, I’m alive again!”
Cameron groaned and bent over to hug her. “I’m sorry you ever felt any other way,” he whispered. “And logistics? We’ll figure it all out. There will be some rules, of course—safety things. But you’re going to make this dream happen. And I’m going to help you.”
“We both are,” Nicole promised.
Elise let out a shaky laugh, throwing her arms around Cameron for another hug. “Thank you! Thank you so much!”
Nicole’s eyes stung as she watched them, her chest swelling with love for both of them.
When Elise finally let go, she turned to Nicole, her smile radiant. “And thank you. I know you had a lot to do with this.”
Nicole squeezed her hand. “I’m just so glad I could help you reach for what you’ve always wanted.”
Elise grinned mischievously. “Well, now I can’t wait to make the toast at your wedding.”
Nicole froze, her face flaming. “Wedding?”
Elise flicked her hand. “What do we always say, Nic?Anythingis possible. Anything.”
She was right. Absolutely anything was possible.
Not only had she found love, but she’d gained a new best friend in Elise. And tonight, Nicole knew, was the beginning of something extraordinary.
