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“The doubts were long gone by then. Instead of belonging in her world or my world, we created our own world and it’s amazing.”

Cat and Elena both beamed smiles at her.

“I’ve been trying to figure out how to propose and then it finally occurred to me that I don’t need some kind of big production.”

“What! You’re the lavish Sloan sister,” Cat stated.

CeCe chuckled. “I know, but this needs to be about us and just us.”

“How are you going to do it?” Elena asked.

“First, I’m going to take her next door to the diner for an ice cream cone,” CeCe said. “The first time she had a bad day and chose to come by here instead of going home, I took her over there for ice cream. It surprised her because I’m pretty sure she was expecting wine.”

Cat laughed. “You can’t beat one of their soft serve cones.”

“Right?” CeCe chuckled. “I think that’s when we started to fall in love.”

“What’s next?”

“I’m going to have Cory order her favorite bottle of wine and we’ll come by here to pick it up on our way to the back room of the salon.”

Cat raised her eyebrows.

“That’s where it all started and that’s where I’m going to tell her how much I love her and want to spend all my days with her.”

“Aww, CeCe. That sounds perfect,” Elena said.

“What do you need from us?” Cat asked.

“After she says yes, I hope.” CeCe crossed her fingers on both hands.

“You know she will,” Cat said.

“I want you and Cory to come in with a bunch of champagne and we’re going to have a big ass party!”

“That’s the sister I know.” Cat grinned.

“I want all our friends to come in right behind you and celebrate with us. Elena, I hope you’ll come. You’re our friend, too.”

Elena clutched her hand to her chest. “I would be honored.”

“You know, so many good things have happened to me since we decided to open this shopping center.” CeCe gave Cat a pointed look. “Good things are here for you, too, little sister. Open that big heart of yours just a smidge.” CeCe held her finger and thumb apart, almost touching.

Cat smiled at her sister. “I’m trying.”

“Hey, you don’t know where Cory is, do you? I went there to get her so I could explain this to all of you at once, but she must be on a delivery.”

“Nope. This is the day she reveals her big plan to Vi.”

“Oh, that’s right.” CeCe smiled. “I hope they can work through their business stuff. Vi seems right for Cory, don’t you think?”

“She’s been in here a couple of times to buy books and they do have a lot in common. Vi could be the one to tame our big sister,” Cat said.

CeCe slapped her knees and stood up. “Okay, I have a client in a few minutes.”

“Wait,” Cat said. “You haven’t told us when you’re doing this.”

CeCe’s face brightened with excitement. “Saturday.”