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“I know,” she said, taking her sister’s hand. “But I’m also feeling guilty because of Palmer.”

“Teagan was going to break up with you. Or, she did; I’m not sure how it all went down. You’re free to love someone else, Lizzy.”

“I’ve only ever loved one person like that. I’ve only everbeenwith one person. I thought she’d be theonlyone.”

“You and Palmer didn’t…”

“No,” Elizabeth said. “She’s being patient with me, but I don’t think it’s just because of me. I thinksheneeds the time, too.”

“Why? It’s not like she’s a virgin.”

Elizabeth glared at her sister and said, “Thank you. That’s just what I need to be thinking about right now; Palmer’s sex life with her exes.”

“It’s a thing you have to deal with. David wasn’t a virgin when I met him. I wasn’t one either when he and I started dating. It’s a conversation you have, and you move on. But that’s not the point. Why do you think it’s not just about you that she’s waiting?”

“I think she knows how complicated this is, and I think she knows that taking that step is a big deal.”

“And she doesn’t want to unless what?”

“Unless this is it,” Elizabeth replied. “I think that’s what she wants, at least.”

“Like, if you two have sex, she expects a ring?”

“Not like that; just that this is going somewhere.”

“Well, itis, isn’t it?”

“Can it?” Elizabeth asked.

“Oh, my God, Elizabeth! Get out of your own head. Better yet; screw Dad. Get him out of there, too.” Victoria stood up. “You love this woman. She loves you. Distance aside, just be with her already. Justbein love and let her love you. Who cares about anything else?”

“What about being Queen of St. Rais?”

“You might not even be that in a couple of weeks. But even if you hadn’t called for the vote, you guys shouldn’t be worried about anything other than what it feels like when you’re together. If you love each other, you figure the rest out. The distance between you should be your only concern; get that closed somehow. Then, decide how to tell St.Rais you’re a damn lesbian in love with another damn lesbian.” Victoria looked around the room. “Where’s dinner?”

“They’re bringing it up now. Victoria, answer me honestly. Do you really think I can just come out?”

“Yes, I do. Will there be people against you? Sure. But what’s new? They’re against younow, anyway.”

“Palmer’s an American.”

“She’s worse than that: she’s an Americanreporter.” Victoria sat back down. “But we can’t help that, can we? Just like we can’t help who we love. I mean, I’m marrying an Englishman. Dad wouldnothave been the happiest about that.”

“No, but at least David is aman,” Elizabeth replied. “Dad still would’ve walked you down the aisle. Dad didn’t even think I shouldgetan aisle to walk down.”

“I’ll walk you down the aisle,” Victoria told her. “To Palmer or to some other woman; I’ll be there. David will be there. You can ask him to walk you if you want.We’reyour family, and we’ll support you. I don’t care what Dad would have said or done. You deserve love, Lizzy, and you deserve everything that comes with that.”

“You are wise beyond your years, Victoria.”

“I had Mom,” Victoria said, smiling. “And I have the best older sister in the world who’s finally met someone I actually approve of.”

“You didn’t approve of Teagan?”

Victoria let out a deep laugh and said, “No. Teagan was yourfirstlove; I never believed she’d be yourforever. But you’re stubborn sometimes, Lizzy. There’s no talking you into or out of something you’re not ready to see or admit.”

Elizabeth laughed and said, “I suppose that’s true.”

“Now, I’m starving. David made lunch today, and he’s no cook,” Victoria said.