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They spent the drive home with Charlotte catching Ali up on everything that transpired while she was away. Lilah officially started her masters and was loving it. Lizzie and Sasha were happy. Imani’s new boy toy was fighting for something serious. Diana and James were meant to be taking a break from fostering, only to end up with a litter of kittens needing to be bottle fed. Wren was rocking it at Blend & Brew as the manager and was saving money and playing at Bella Amore nearly every weekend. And Natasha was moving out of her cubicle and into her own office.

When they pulled into the garage, both silently agreed the bags could wait. Ali scurried for the door, Charlotte right behind her.

A surprised gasp burst from Ali as Lily popped up on her hind legs to greet her, yipping with delight before being struck by a sudden case of the zoomies. She tore around the kitchen island, down the hall, to the front door, and back again, little paws drumming against the floor, pulling laughter from both of them.

“Oh my goodness, Charlotte!” Ali cried, dropping to welcome Lily’s affection when she finally skidded to a stop in front of her.

“Are you okay with this?” Charlotte asked, leaning back against the counter, trying hard to look casual.

“We get to keep her?” Ali asked, eyes wide with wonder.

“I think Willow would be very sad if we didn’t. They’re best friends now. I wanted to surprise you, so I documented their entire friendship.” Charlotte opened the cabinet where she kept the treats. “Look, here she comes now.”

Ali’s face lit up as Willow pranced into the kitchen, chirping excitedly. Lily trotted over, and the two touched noses before walking back to Ali together like they had practiced. Ali whipped out her own phone, taking pictures of the new dynamic duo.

“Willow, you made a friend?” Ali whispered, scooping up the cat and cradling her close. “I’m so proud of you.”

“She was getting sad with you gone and being home alone while I was at work,” Charlotte said softly. “I kept them separated at first and introduced them slowly. Willow was wary, but Lily is patient and gentle.” Lily chose that moment to sit at Charlotte’s feet and lift her paws expectantly. “Once she warmed up to the idea, they became nearly inseparable.”

Charlotte handed Lily a treat, then pulled out her phone to show Ali photos and videos of the two sleeping in tangled heaps and chasing each other through the house. One video in particular had Lily grinning wide and derpy while Willow clung to her face with both paws and gave her a very aggressive bath.

Charlotte’s laughter in the background sounded like music.

Ali’s eyes suddenly went wide. She darted back out to the SUV and returned with a small box pulled from her backpack, offering it up eagerly. “I got you a present.”

“You shouldn’t have,” Charlotte said, unable to stop the delighted smile spreading across her face.

“Yes, I should!” Ali cocked her head, studying the elation in Charlotte’s eyes. “Hold on.” She tugged the box back just out of reach. “Are gifts your love language? I thought you just loved birthdays and Christmas, but you really like presents!”

“I like all of the love languages. I don’t discriminate,” Charlotte replied, her expression solemn. “But gifts make me feel thought of. Especially when you’ve been gone for months.” She reached for the box again.

Ali surrendered it and watched as Charlotte opened it, her expression lighting up at the sight of the sapphire-and-diamond bracelet inside.

“It’s beautiful,” Charlotte murmured, eyes shining as she slipped it onto her wrist.

“Just like you. Here, have another!” Ali produced a second box, giggling with delight.

“Lina, you didn’t,” Charlotte laughed, opening it to find the matching necklace. Ali stepped closer to fasten it around her neck.

“I did,” Ali whispered, pressing a kiss to the back of Charlotte’s neck, and breathing her in. “I missed you so much.”

“I missed you, my love,” Charlotte said, tilting her head back to steal a kiss.

Ali produced a final box, handing it over. Charlotte shook her head, laughing softly as she opened it and revealed the matching earrings. “What am I going to do with you?”

“I can think of a few things,” Ali teased.

With careful hands, Charlotte put the earrings on.

Ali took in every small movement, the way the soft lines around her blue eyes crinkled when she smiled, proof of how truly happy she was.

Her fingers twitched toward her backpack, where a matching engagement ring she designed herself lay buried. It wasn’t the right time. But she was already planning the most epic proposal. Something worthy of Charlotte Davenport.

“Is there anything else you’d like to spring on me, or can I give you your gift?” Charlotte asked, pulling Ali closer into another kiss.

“Lily wasn’t my present?” Ali asked, grinning when Charlotte shook her head.

“I like to think of her as our gift.”