“What do you think?” I say as I drop on my bed, trying to hide my smile. Today was perfect in so many ways. I hope I’ll remember it for as long as I live.
“Something’s different about you,” Addie says as she narrows her eyes at me. “You look like you’re glowing.”
“Oh my gosh, you’re right!” Carly says. “Did you and Kylen do anything special?”
I tell them about the tree, and they don’t waste a second rushing over to the large bed and demanding to know every detail.
“That’s so romantic,” Addie says as she narrows her eyes at me again. “But I feel like something else happened.”
With my cheeks blazing, I say, “There’s no hiding anything from you, is there?”
“Not when it comes to love,” she says.
With a gasp, Carly grabs my hand, squeezing me just a bit too tightly.
“Carly!” I cry. “You’re stopping my blood flow.”
“Oh mygosh, Raven,” she gasps. “Did you and Kylen…?”
No longer able to hide my smile, I nod. “We kissed!”
All three of them cry out in joy and once again demand to know every little detail. They are firing so many questions at meat once that I swear my ears will explode. I motion for them to slow down, but they’re far too curious and excited. Eventually, I manage to tell them—in detail—everything they want to know.
“Was it just as romantic as when you kissed at camp?” Sophie asks.
“It was much better. Back then, I didn’t think it could improve, but darn was I wrong.”
Addie releases a thrilled squeak as she throws her arms around me. “I’m so happy for you! I’ve wanted this for you for so long.”
“I know,” I mutter with a laugh.
“Sorry I was so annoying,” she says with a sheepish smile as she pulls away. “But I know when people are meant to be together, and you and Kylen have been written in the stars from the moment you met at camp. It was just that things got messy along the way. But the truth was always there.”
“Maybe you’re right. I don’t know why we had to go through what we went through, but I know that we are both stronger than we were. And I guess we appreciate each other more because we know what it’s like to lose each other. I’m never letting go of him again.”
“You’d better not,” Carly says. “Or I might just have to slap you.”
I chuckle. “You have my permission to slap me if I everthinkof breaking up with him.”
“I’m not worried,” she says with a confident expression. “Now that you guys are at this point, I know nothing can tear you apart.”
Now Sophie yanks me into her arms and tells me how happy she is for Kylen and me. She and the others felt guilty when they flaunted their relationships in front of me, even though I told them a million times that I didn’t mind. Now they can include me in all their swoons and gushes.
I don’t remember taking a shower or dressing into pajamas. All I’ve been thinking about since I got back is Kylen and the wonderful moments we shared together today. Somehow, I manage to fall asleep because the next thing I know, Carly is shaking me awake.
“Did you dream about Kylen?” she asks.
“Yes! And you stole me away.”
“Sorry. But we’re supposed to eat early so we can squeeze in a few more activities. Didn’t you say you wanted to go skiing one more time with Kylen?”
Her words light a fire under me because I don’t want to waste any moment. Breakfast goes by quickly, with my friends, the guys, and Kylen and his friends gobbling down our food so we can catch the shuttle to the slopes. The way Kylen’s friends glance between him and me with a knowing smile tells me he must have informed them about our incredible day yesterday. They look so happy for us, especially Beck.
Kylen and I indeed ski together, sneaking in kisses whenever we can. Thankfully, the chaperones don’t seem to be on our case about it. But all good things must come to an end, and it’s not long before I find myself following Kylen as he lugs my suitcase down the stairs of the lodge.
“I can’t believe this is over,” Sophie says with a frown as she looks back toward the stairs. “Why is this just a trip for juniors? Why can’t we come back next year?”
“Maybe I can ask my grandfather if we can rent the place over winter break next year?” Addie suggests. “As long as it doesn’t overlap with the junior trip.”
