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“Sorry about that,” Cat said as she walked down the hall to her bedroom. “CeCe and Alexis brought donuts over this morning. Why don’t you come join us?”

“Are you sure?” Elena asked.

“Of course I’m sure.”

“I got to thinking that Hattie might show up at your house.”

“Hmm, I hadn’t thought of that,” Cat said. “I guess you’d better get over here and plan on spending the day with me. If you don’t have anything else to do, that is.”

Elena’s laughter coming through the phone made butterflies erupt in Cat’s stomach. It seemed that nearly every time Elena walked into the bookstore lately those butterflies came out to play.

“You know I don’t have anything else to do on a Sunday. Besides, we’ve got Hattie where we want her. We can’t back down now.”

It was Cat’s turn to laugh. “Get over here. We’ll binge watch something this afternoon or find a couple of movies. Your choice.”

“I’m on my way. Save me a donut.”

Cat laughed and disconnected the call. She didn’t know how long they’d have to keep up this little act, but she hoped to figure out if Elena felt the same way she did.

“I wonder who that was,” CeCe yelled from the kitchen.

“Ha ha,” Cat said, sitting back down at the table. “Elena’s on her way over. Why don’t we all watch a movie?”

“I’m in,” Alexis said.

CeCe chuckled. “My fiance´e has turned into a movie buff.”

“Cuddling under a blanket with you makes me want to watch movies every night,” Alexis replied.

Cat grinned at them both. She’d always wanted a love like they shared, but now she knew exactly who could make that possible.

21

The next day Cat was at the register getting things ready for the day’s business when Cory walked in.

“Hey,” Cat said.

“I talked to CeCe and she told me about your plan with Elena. I’m here for you and I will control my animosity towards Hattie. Let me know what you need.”

Cat smiled. “Thank you. You can be mad at Hattie. I’m over it.”

Elena walked into the store and gave them both a big smile. “How are the Sloan sisters this morning?”

“I was just telling Cat that I think your plan with Hattie is brillant,” Cory said.

“Mmm, we’ll see. I hope it doesn’t backfire,” Elena said.

“Why would it?” Cory asked.

“It may make things worse. Don’t you think your sister is worth fighting for?”

Cory smiled and put her arm around Cat. “Hattie missed her chance. Cat is the best of us.”

Cat chuckled. “CeCe might have something to say about that.”

“Nope, she’ll agree,” Cory said.

“My oh my,” Cat said. “This is getting a little sappy.”