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She followed him to a grimy office piled high with papers. He pulled a set of keys off a rack by the door and handed them to her.

“Now, that’s our run around car. She’s no great beauty, but she runs like an angel. We usually reserve her for our VIP customers, but since you’re in need, you can take her for two days. Bring her back Thursday morning and your car’ll be ready by then. What do you say?”

“Thank you,” gushed Bea. “Thank you so much.”

She felt the thrill that she always felt when she successfully stood up for herself. And it surprised her, like it always did, that it was so easy.

“Just don’t crash it,” the mechanic said with a merry gleam in his eye.

???

“Look at this place,” Izzy said, spinning around in a circle. “It’s as posh as anything. I’d never be able to afford to come to a place like this.”

“You’ve got an open invitation,” Alli said. “Any time you need a break from the kids, you just pop by for a massage.”

“Hey, what about me?” Charles asked.

“The two of you can share a babysitter,” said Alli. “And you’ll be in good company.”

“We will?” asked Izzy.

“I’ve already signed up for an old fogies weekend,” Julia said, joining them.

“I think you mean our mature person's relaxation package,” said Alli.

Julia rolled her eyes. “Fancy words, that’s all. Where’s Marcus?”

“Trying out Josh’s massage skills,” said Alli. “And Leslie’s around here somewhere. She’s bought half the police department with her.”

“She deserves a night off,” Julia said. “Did you hear that Luke got sentenced last week?”

Alli nodded. “No more than he deserved. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got investors to wine and dine.”

She looked around the room, searching out Bea and finding her almost immediately. She was shining in a dark blue sparkling dress that clung to every curve and made Alli’s mouth water. She made her way over to her.

“I told you everything was going to be fine,” Bea said as Alli leaned in and kissed her cheek.

“Because of you,” Alli said.

“Because of you,” countered Bea. “You put in all this work. This could never have happened without you.”

Alli looked down at her and suddenly knew something in the very depth of her being. She could see them, could see them getting old together, could see them chasing their children together, could see them lying on the couch, walking on the beach, could see every moment of a life shared.

“What is it?” Bea asked.

Alli blinked away a tear. “Nothing,” she said. “Nothing and everything.” She looked out at the crowded room. “Look at whatwe created together,” she said.

“Together,” agreed Bea.

Alli looked back down at her. “And think of all the beautiful things we’re going to create together.”

Bea reached up and cupped her face. “Do you mean that?”

“I can’t wait,” Alli whispered. “I can’t wait to see what we’ll do.”

Bea pulled her head down and brushed her lips against Alli’s. “It might be a wild ride.”

“I’m ready for it,” Alli said, wrapping her arm around Bea’s waist. “I’m mad about you.”