This time it was Sophia’s turn to smile. “Because I’m beginning to suspect neither of us is the kind of woman who wilts under pressure.”

Victoria’s lips parted softly, and a myriad of emotions flashed across her beautiful features. Sophia couldn’t read them all, much less understand what sparked them, but for the first time, a part of her wanted to.

Chapter Three

Chapter Three

“Oh, my goodness,” Emma exclaimed before Vic fully opened the door to her car for her. “It’s finally happening.”

She smiled at her friend’s exuberance as Emma threw an arm around her waist and gave a little squeeze. The brief contact felt better than it should have, and she allowed herself a second to rest her head on Emma’s shoulder, breathing in the soft lavender scent of her long blond hair, before stepping back and asking, “How’s Brogan?”

“Ugh, she’s swamped. The lifeboats got called out yesterday, and it set the sailing tours back, so she’s offering extra runs today. Then, tonight she’s promised a sleepover for all the nieces and nephews so her siblings can have time with their overtaxed spouses.”

“So, in other words, she’s still utterly perfect?”

“Basically.” Emma’s face radiated so much love Vic felt only the slightest pain at not having been the one to spark such a reaction. It wasn’t that she still harboured any romantic intentions for her. They’d settled into such a lovely companionship filled with quiet understanding and heartfelt conversations, plus no one would deny Brogan made Emma happier than she ever could have, but the fear that she might never make someone so happy still left her sad sometimes.

“Have you met Talia yet?” Emma asked, oblivious to the path Vic’s mind had wandered.

“I have, a few times actually. We had some minor details to hammer out.”

“Uh-oh . . . is that why you’re back from Scotland?”

“Not at all,” she said honestly. “I came home before I knew the crew had arrived, but that’s neither here nor there at this point. I’m sure you’re eager to see your friend.”

Emma beamed. “You’ll come with me, right? I can’t wait to have my best American friend and my best British friend in the same room. Don’t you love it when worlds collide?”

“Indeed,” she said, when what she really loved was hearing that she was Emma’s best British friend. Such a silly little thing shouldn’t have made her heart swell, but it did.

“Tal messaged and said she was in the guest hall. I know you’re always busy, but let’s go be movie stalkers for a little while.”

She got swept up in Emma’s excitement. “I suppose I could spare some time.”