“There’s something different about you.” Meagan shrugged. “You seem happier. And if he’s what’s making you happy, then I’d like him to stick around. Even if it’s just as friends.”

They walked over to the tables covered in butcher paper. “You keep saying that like you don’t believe we’re just friends.”

“Some of the best relationships start out as people simply being friends.” Meagan stopped. “But promise me one thing.” She waited until Lane nodded. “Just breathe. Stop listening to the doubts inside that pretty little head of yours and live in the moment. And enjoy it. Life’s too . . .”

Lane didn’t need Meagan to finish her thought. Life was fragile and unpredictable and, yes, very much too short. But was there really a change in her? If there was, it wasn’t just with her.

Meagan seemed different too. They had never been close. The only things they shared were the same last name, same parents, and same address. Meagan was Miss Popularity growing up. President of everything, queen of everything, part of everything, while Lane just tried to survive. It didn’t feel much different now. Her sister was still very social and she . . . well, she was still trying to survive.

“You might want to slow down on the spinning. These kids ate blue snow cones,” Meagan warned Charlie as they approached.

Charlie wrinkled his nose at Lane and sat down. Just breathe. She could do that. Relax and have fun. It’s supposed to be fun, right? First dates—and that’s all this was—are supposed to be fun. Lane took Noah from Charlie and placed him in the chair between her and Charlie. A buffer to remind her that not all first dates ended with the promise of a second date and she needed to keep her growing hope in check.

“Momma, I want to sit next to Owen.”

“He’s sitting next to his daddy. There’s no room.”

“I can move over one.” Charlie stood and exchanged seats, allowing Noah to take his.

Meagan flashed her a knowing look only sisters understood.

“Folks,” Pastor Tarpley spoke into the band’s microphone. “Before they bring out the food, I wanted to say a few words on behalf of Trevor and Amanda Donovan.”

Behind him, Sydney’s parents held hands and offered tight-lipped smiles as some clapped and others shouted words of encouragement. “They’re so grateful to everyone who has come to honor their daughter, Sydney. Unknown to them and probably to most of you, their precious daughter was a talented artist.”

Lane felt Charlie’s body stiffen.