A BUSTLE OF ACTIVITY was going on outside the Sullivan estate when Lane drove up. A valet hurried over to take her keys, but she waved him away and found a shady spot under a tree to park. She circled around the car to get Noah, thankful the tow-truck driver who hauled her Jeep back to the street was also a mechanic. He said the damage to her bumper was minor and the vehicle was in good enough condition to drive.

The day’s events grew more distant with every passing minute that brought Lane closer to seeing Charlie again. It was impossible to hide the giddy smile that crept onto her lips every time she thought of him.

“You’re pretty, Momma.” Noah lifted the edge of her dress as they walked toward the house.

“Thank you, buddy.” Lane had chosen a flowy lilac dress with a little flared hem. The color made her green eyes stand out and complemented her skin. The dress wasn’t fancy, but it did make her feel a little bit beautiful. And beautiful was what she wanted to be tonight. She’d carefully applied her makeup and she couldn’t thank Meagan enough for tips on covering up the bruise on her cheek.

Inside her parents’ home, florists were putting final touches on the centerpieces of roses from Pops’s garden. Servers in white shirts and black pants carried out trays of food.

“Lane, that color is stunning on you.” Her mother came down the staircase, putting an earring in her ear. “I don’t think I’ve seen you in it before.”

Very observant of her mother. She purchased the dress a week before Mathias’s death and had planned to wear it for the anniversary dinner they never made it to. Lane inhaled a slow breath, pushing back the guilt and hoping Mathias would think it was time to wear it. Time to move on. “I’ve had it for a while.”

“It’s lovely and you look beautiful in it.”

Lane breathed a sigh of relief. Receiving her mother’s approval was half the battle. Maybe this night wouldn’t be so bad after all.

“And Noah, you look mighty handsome tonight. Give Gigi a hug.”

“I can’t, Gigi.” Noah wrinkled his face. “My feet are in a bad mood.”

“Your feet are in a bad mood?” She looked up at Lane, confused. “How come?”

“He’s outgrown his shoes, but I didn’t know that until an hour ago.”

“Who’s outgrown their shoes?” Meagan came down the stairs, followed by her kids. Owen wore navy-blue shorts with a checkered shirt and bow tie. Paige wore an oversized navy-blue bow on her head and a dress that matched Owen’s shirt. If ever there was a perfect family, it was Meagan’s.

“Noah’s feet hurt and Lane didn’t know until just now.”

Lane rolled her eyes. “He said they were okay at the house.”