“I do?” Dash looks at me, and the hope in his eyes just about takes my breath away.

I nod. “You do.”

He sweeps me into his arms, kissing me again. I throw my arms around his neck, and hold on tightly, loving the rush of butterflies, and the way I fit just right in his arms.

“Wait, what was that?” he pulls back, looking around.

“What was what?”

“That!” he exclaims, as I hear some birdsong, faint nearby. “Holy shit, it could be the warbler.”

“No, that was just a story,” I protest, as Dash grabs my hand and pulls me after him, off the bridge and into the woody undergrowth. “I made it up!”

“But the warbler has been spotted in the park,” Dash says, creeping forward.

“Dash—”

“Shh!” He hushes me, scanning the bushes. I hide a smile and follow.

“If this is your way of trying to tempt me into some outdoor activities…” I whisper. “Because… Well, who am I kidding? I can be tempted.”

“I’ll remember that.” Dash turns back to flash a wicked grin. “But really—”

The birdsong comes again, and Dash yanks me down behind a tree stump. “Look!” he breathes. “Over there!”

Sure enough, there’s a tiny bird settled on a tree branch. It’s got blue and white feathers, happily singing away.

“You know, songbirds are famous for bringing good luck,” Dash murmurs. He turns his head, so his lips are just inches from mine.

“Is that so?” I ask, crouched there beside him.

He smiles. “They bring fortune to whoever hears them sing.”

I smile back. “I’d say we already have that, don’t you?”

Our lips meet, softly, and I know, it might have started with a game of pretend, but I nothing is ever going to be fake about our relationship again.

Because this is as real as it gets.

23

Callie

Two months later…

“OK! Paint over there, rollers here, you guys tape the windows, and everyone else, stand by for your assignments.”

Dash and I exchange a look. “Your sister missed her calling as a drill sergeant,” I whisper theatrically.

Piper hears me and sticks a paint roller in my hand. “If by that, you mean I show excellent leadership skills, you’d be right,” she beams. “Now, there’s a wall over there in need of painting.”

“Yes, ma’am!”

We salute and get to work. The Eastside Women’s Center is getting a facelift, and I’ve recruited everyone to come help with the redecorating project. Piper, Lorelei, and all the Mavericks guys are pitching in, too. Austin is halfway up a ladder doing something with a light fixture, Charlie is mixing paint with Grace, and Seb is setting out the drop cloths.

“… And once you’re finished here, there are some shelves upstairs that need fixing…” Suze marches Flynn past.

“Uh oh, he shouldn’t have told her about his background in construction,” I laugh.

“He loves it, really.” Dash grins back, already speckled with paint. “And we’re happy to help out.”