She inhaled, straining to stop the torrent of emotions that threatened to pull her out of the warm comfort she’d been wrapped in all day. “Sunsets are fine and all, but how about we go out there and look at the stars? Without the city lights there must be millions visible.”

Amira smiled. “Yes, night skies here are spectacular.”

Amira and Reena were still sitting on the porch sofa with Reena’s head on Amira’s shoulder and a large blanket over them when Duncan and Nadim returned.

“Wow, look at that,” Duncan said with a grin. “They look like the Golden Girls after they ate the whole cheesecake.”

Amira laughed as she scooted over to let Duncan sit next to her. Reena did the same for Nadim, who immediately took her hand. “Well, you know,” Amira said, “Reena and I were supposed to grow old together, so in about forty years I’ll be kicking your sorry ass out so she can move in.”

Duncan chuckled. “Fair enough. Nadim here now understands the basics of Canadian football, so at least I won’t be lonely.”

Nadim squeezed Reena’s hand before lifting it to kiss her fingertips. Why couldn’t she just enjoy this? She leaned into him, kissing his cheek before resting her head on his arm, watching thousands of stars light up the dark night.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

Doug and Shirley Galahad lived in a redbrick farmhouse on the outskirts of the tiny town of Omemee, Ontario, about fifteen minutes away from Amira and Duncan’s place. Reena smiled at the scenery unfolding before her.

The brilliant yellows, oranges, and reds of the wooded area behind the old Victorian house, and the pale straw color of the neighboring farmer’s fields combined with the azure sky would look frickin’ awesome in their video. Shooting it here was the best idea she’d had in months.

Nadim whistled as he got out of the truck. “Bloody hell, this place is really picturesque. You grew up here?” he asked Duncan.

“Nah. We had a house in Omemee proper back then. They bought this place when my brother and I moved out.”

The house was small, but cozy. With worn-wood floors and tall baseboards, it was steeped in the quaint country charm that felt so foreign to Reena but still as comforting as warm bread pudding.

“There you are, kids!” A short, plump woman with frizzy red hair and a wide smile greeted them in the kitchen. “I thought you were coming early?”

Duncan kissed his mother on the cheek. “It is early, Ma. It’s nine o’clock.”

“That’s not early. I was up at seven to walk the dog. And the princesses were bleating and hopping all morning. Exhausting.” Shirley reached up and patted Duncan’s shoulder before hugging Amira, then Reena. She looked to Nadim. “Welcome to our home. I’m Shirley Galahad.”

“I’m Nadim. Thank you for letting us film here. I’m sure the scenery will be amazing.”

“Oh!” Shirley said. “You have an accent! Are you from England?”

“Tanzania originally, but I went to school in the UK.”