“I’m sure they’re not the only ones.” Chase laughed. “We’ve got a bunch of older kids at camp. That always happens. Usually nothing too heavy.”

Lily shook her head. “I guess it does. Obviously, I missed an important developmental milestone by not going to camp when I was younger.”

“I really would’ve liked it if you had,” Chase said. “I definitely would’ve made a move.”

Lily stared and then burst out laughing. “Oh, and you’re so certain I would’ve just instantly melted?”

Chase looked around and then leaned closer. She still wanted to kiss her, but there was no way she could do that. Instead, she murmured in her ear, “I can be very persuasive.”

“I’ve noticed.” Lily leaned on the rail as the ship steamed through the islands that dotted the lake like green emeralds. “This really is very beautiful. I’m so glad I did this.”

“Did what?” Chase asked.

“Decided to come here for the summer. It’s an amazing experience on so many levels.”

Chase’s stomach tightened. For the summer. She knew that, she’d always known that. She forced a smile. “I’m glad. You seem like you’ve found your direction again.”

“Maybe that’s it,” Lily mused, finishing her drink. “In a lot of ways, it feels like I’ve found more of myself than I’ve ever actually appreciated.” She held out her empty cup to Chase. “Do you think you could get me a refill so I don’t miss the excitement up here?”

“At your service,” Chase said and took the cup. “What are you drinking?”

“That was seltzer, but I’m ready to switch to white wine.”

“Do you have your little red wristband?”

Lily held up her left wrist with the referenced band. “I do, not that I need it.”

“Oh, I don’t know. You’re beautiful enough to raise the question.”

Lily regarded her solemnly for a second. “You know, you’re far more devastating when you’re serious.”

“I’ll remember that, then. Don’t go away.” Chase leaned in again. “There will be fireworks later.”

Lily murmured, “I wouldn’t miss it.”

Chapter Eighteen

Lily dreamed of fireworks, brilliant bursts of color against a velvet sky, the rising sounds of surprise and pleasure from the people gathered six deep along the rails on the top deck of the William Henry, their faces upturned in simple joy. Chase stood behind her, arms wrapped around her waist, her breath warm against Lily’s cheek as she laughed. For those brief moments as rockets soared and flamed, as the magic wheeled overhead, everyone—young and old—believed in happy endings. Even her.