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“I’d love to.”

Charlotte offered her hand. Ali set her camera aside and gave a playful curtsy before taking it, letting herself be led onto the now-empty dance floor.

“Did you plan this?” Ali whispered, glancing around like they were breaking some secret rule.

“I might have.”

“Why?” Ali asked, one shy dimple peeking out.

“Because you deserve all manner of romance,” Charlotte’s voice was soft but steady as she pressed a kiss to the back of her hand as the first notes floated through the air. “And I enjoy giving it to you.”

Dark eyes glistened with emotion.

Ali’s voice was soft as silk as she whispered, so soft Charlotte almost missed it. “And why is that?”

Charlotte hesitated, the words crowding behind her ribs.

“Because… you are every good feeling I’ve ever had. I want you. I need you. I adore you. I—” The words were the closest they ever were; but Ali tensed slightly in her arms whether from anticipation or fear, she was unsure. They had agreed to talk about them when they got home. She wouldn’t risk spooking her, on this night so perfect all on its own. “I’m enamored with your existence.”

Ali took a shaky breath. “I… I often find myself contemplating your mysteries.” Her tongue darted out to wet her lip before her gaze lifted again, soft and full of yearning. “I’m captivated by you.”

They held each other like that for a moment longer, until Charlotte finally spun her, sending Ali into a breathless giggle as she twirled across the floor.

Whatever tension lived in Ali’s shoulders melted away as Charlotte drew her close again. It had been a long, emotionally draining weekend, and it was late. Sleep was elusive and the cousins would ensure no one found any until the early hours of the morning. They were truly the fun side of the family as Lilah loved to refer to them.

The song came to an end and Charlotte pulled her close, capturing her lips in a kiss, thankful for these stolen moments they found together.

She wanted more of them. Years worth… a lifetime even.

38

CHARLOTTE

Their return to Boston found them all gathered at the main house for one last family meal. Diana was feeling sentimental, and no one minded eating her cooking.

Ali and Lilah were out in the backyard, laughing as the dogs tore around them in ecstatic loops, thrilled their humans had returned. On the patio, Charlotte sat beside Imani with little Lily tucked between them, Charlotte’s fingers idly rubbing the dog’s soft ears.

Imani set her phone face down on the table, eyes tracking the ridiculous cartwheels Ali and Lilah were attempting. Over-the-top and silly as it was, they could both see Ali was keeping Lilah’s mind off Victoria.

Ali was just… too good. Her laughter too infectious. Her joy too genuine. And it was a time they were all meant to be happy. Charlotte loved her all the more that she wouldn’t allow Victoria’s memory to dampen it.

Imani leaned forward just as Charlotte lifted her teacup, her voice dropping into a conspiratorial whisper.

“When are we going ring shopping?”

Charlotte choked, coughing into her hand as Imani leaned back with a victorious grin.

“You better hurry,” Imani added, smirking toward the yard, “before I switch sides and ask her myself. I think I’ve got a shot.”

Charlotte snorted, thumping her chest and clearing her throat.

“You want to go on the pussy diet?” she rasped.

Imani’s face twisted in horror.

“Absolutely not.” She waved a hand. “Never mind that. When and where?”

“Aren’t you missing a vital step?” Charlotte asked.