“What would you have me do? I can’t exactly split my time between here and New York the way you do. I have a child who goes to school and dance and soccer and has friends. I have a job with benefits that I need. I have a tribe in the city that makes it possible for Simone to do everything she wants to do. Dad is there, and he helps me a lot. Grayson just moved back here and is planning to set up a business. How in the world do you see this working out?”

Lucy wilted under the strength of Emma’s argument. “I want it to work. I like the way you sparkle when you’re with him.”

“I like it, too. And I like him—a whole lot.”

“But?”

“No buts.”

“What’s she saying?” Cameron asked Lucy when she joined them after playing hostess.

“That it’s hopeless.”

“No, it isn’t,” Cameron said emphatically. “You and I know better.”

“In her case, it might be.”

“I don’t believe that,” Cameron said. “If two people are meant to be together, it works out. Somehow.”

“Only in the movies,” Emma said with a smile for her friend.

“In real life, too,” Cameron insisted. “We’re surrounded by examples of that right here in this room. Me and Will, Lucy and Colton, Ella and Gavin. Not to mention Charley and Tyler and Hunter and Megan. Every one of those couples overcame tremendous odds to make it work, because it was meant to be.”

Emma wished she believed in fairy tales the way Cameron did, but life had taught her to be more practical.

Grayson came in from outside and caught her gaze. Did he seem annoyed, or was that her imagination? The look he gave her left no doubt that he wanted to leave. Now.

“We’re going to go,” Emma said, hugging her sister and then Cameron. “I’ll see you girls again soon, I hope.” Life in New York had been a whole lot less fun since they moved north. “Lu, Simone was hoping to see you before we leave in the morning.”

“I’ll come by early,” Lucy said.

“Emma,” Cameron said, “I know you think I’m full of crap—”

Emma laughed. “I never said that!”

“I know you. I know what you’re thinking. Cameron has her head in the clouds. But I really believe everything I said. If you have genuine feelings for him, and vice versa, somehow you’ll figure it out.”

“That’d be very nice,” Emma said, hugging Cameron again.

“She’s placating me, isn’t she?” Cameron asked Lucy.

“I’d say you’re correct.”

“I heard you both. I love you both. And I’ll talk to you soon.” She walked over to where Grayson held her coat.

“Leaving so soon?” Will asked when he came to see them off.

“Emma and Simone have to get to Burlington in the morning,” Grayson said.