His eyes locked on to hers. The vibrant green color reminded her of a field of four-leaf clovers. “You’re not only the most talented person I’ve ever skated with, but you are also the most stunningly beautiful woman I’ve ever met.”
It was the first time she’d ever been told by a man that she was beautiful.
Charlie is my human four-leafed clover. Most people could spend an entire lifetime searching and never find one. I’m the luckiest woman alive.
She wrapped her arms around his neck and closed her eyes. Like a delicate butterfly resting on a sun-kissed petal, they shared an intimate, yet gentle kiss.
So this is what love feels like.
CHAPTER 19
“We can stay out here as long as you’d like, but at some point, I’m going to have to get up and stir the fire, or else it’ll be completely extinguished.”
Frankie’s head rested on Charlie’s shoulder. She was still sitting on his lap, his fingers playing with the ends of her hair. Their s’mores had long been demolished.
“When you move, I’ll get up,” she sighed. “I’ve stalled facing Dad long enough. At this point, I just want to get it over with.”
“How are you going to approach the, uh, sister issue?” He released her and she sat up.
“Like an adult.”
A low throaty laugh escaped his throat. “I’m glad your sense of humor is still intact.”
She shot him a tired grin and rubbed her neck. “I’m too drained to have any heavy conversations tonight. All I want is for Dad and me to be on the same page. I’ve been mulling over what he said, and I do genuinely think that he thought he’d told me about her.”
Charlie kissed the top of her head. “I love that you always try hard to see the positive side of things.”
“I’m just thankful that you’re here. Gemma too.”
“I’ll be right by your side every step of the way. The thing about partners is that we’re always here to lift one another up.”
After putting the fire out, Charlie and Frankie walked hand in hand into the house. Gemma, Dad, and Suzy were all seated anxiously around the kitchen table, Gemma and Suzy talking in soft undertones.
Frankie was wracked with guilt when she saw how haggard and old her dad appeared. His forehead was creased with lines of worry. His eyes were bloodshot, staring blankly into space. His posture was hunched.
“Daddy?” She dropped Charlie’s hand and ran to him, kneeling by his side.
“Frankie?” he said, slowly craning his neck to the right.
“I’m sorry,” they both said in unison.
Father and daughter embraced. She’d lost count of just how many tears she’d shed. At this point, she was surprised her body still had any waterworks left to produce.
“Sweetie, I promise I never meant to hurt you,” he whispered into her ear.
“I know everything you’ve ever done for me has been out of love. I just went into shock. My body shut down.” She looked up at him and felt like she was a child again. “I’m so sorry for running away.”
“If I were in your position, there is a very strong probability I might have done the same thing. I’m not good with surprises.” He kissed her. “We’ll have a long chat later.”
She agreed with him.
Frankie stood. Gemma didn’t wait another moment to check on the well-being of her best friend. “Still in one piece?”
“Mostly.”
Suzy, who had made herself scarce, reappeared. “Charlie, thank you for finding Frankie and taking care of her.”
“Of course, Nan.”
