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“I’ll make sure,” Ryan replied. “Have fun at the party.”

CeCe smiled. “Yeah, I’m not sure how wild a bunch of doctors can be.”

Ryan chuckled. “You never know.”

CeCe laughed and walked over to The Liquor Box. She found Cory at the bar talking to Cat. “Well, well, are you having a meeting without me?” she teased.

Cory laughed. “We were just talking about your big party. Are you nervous?”

“I was, but now I feel like anywhere that Alexis and I are together, we belong. I don’t know how to explain it but she makes me feel like I’m supposed to be there. It doesn’t matter what I do or how much money I have.”

“Finally!” Cat exclaimed.

“I say that now, but who knows how fast my heart will be beating when we get there.”

“I get it,” Cory said. “What you do for work and how much money you make shouldn't matter. It does to some people, but those aren’t our people.”

“Exactly,” Cat agreed. “And besides, you own your own business. We all do!”

“That’s how Lex makes me feel.” CeCe smiled.

“Lex? I don’t see her as a ‘Lex,’” Cory said.

CeCe chuckled. “She’s not, but she is to me and I call her that.”

“Someone is falling in love,” Cat said, her voice rising playfully.

CeCe released a breath. “I’d love to tell you you’re wrong, but I can’t. I’m falling for her. Hard!”

“Oh, CeCe.” Cory sighed. “It’s too late to tell you to be careful. I just don’t want you to get your heart broken.”

“Alexis isn’t going to break her heart,” Cat said confidently.

“Everything has happened so fast,” CeCe said. “But I think she’s falling for me, too.”

“How could she not!” Cat grinned. “But it hasn’t been fast. Y’all have been getting to know one another for a year.”

“Still! Don’t say anything!” CeCe warned her sisters. “I’ve got to give Alexis time.”

“Okay, okay.”

“We’ll see how the party goes, but we’re spending the weekend at my place. We’ll probably see you both tomorrow.”

“Oh wow, first it was a weekend at Lovers Landing and now at your place,” Cat said. “I'm happy for you, CeCe, but that won’t ever be me. Never again.”

“Don’t say that, Cat. Someone could walk in your book store and right into your heart.” CeCe smiled at her little sister.

Cat gave her a skeptical look and shook her head.

“I have volleyball practice tomorrow afternoon, but I’ll be here after that. Come by and I’ll buy y’all a drink,” Cory offered.

“Thanks. I’ll tell Alexis. It’s time for me to get out of here and get ready for this party. Wish me luck.”

“You don’t need luck. You’ll dazzle them with the Sloan sisters' magic,” Cory grinned.

“Have fun,” Cat added, giving her a hug.

* * *