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“Me!” Felicity gasped in mock shock. “I am absolutely delightful! Everyone simply adores me.”

He shook his head. “Perhaps you should talk to someone.”

“And why is that?”

“So someone can help you work through your delusion.”

“Delusion! It isn’t a delusion if it’s true.”

“But it isn’t. That’s the thing.”

“Do you deny that people like me more than they like you?”

“I don’t see how that’s relevant.”

“I’m sure you don’t. Perhaps that’s an admission on its own.”

The pair bickered as Amber sat there. She opted not to chime in this time, simply enjoying the company of her new family.

She looked around with a smile on her face. Things had changed so much since she met Christoper earlier that year.

It was truly astounding how much had happened in just a few short months.

After Christopher ran Simon off, he left town only a few days later, heading for the colonies. As far as Amber knew, no one had heard from him since.

She couldn’t say she was disappointed to hear it.

With him gone, her mother was able to reclaim the house she’d called home on her own for so many years.

Now, Amber was finally about to start building her own life.

There was only one thing missing.

“Amber,” Christopher’s voice pulled her from her thoughts. “Is something wrong?”

She shook her head. “I was only thinking.”

“About what?”

“The people who aren’t able to be here.”

“You don’t mean your cousin, do you?”

She chuckled, shaking her head. “Of course not. I was thinking about my father.”

“Oh, Amber,” he pressed a kiss to her hair, “I’m sorry he couldn’t be here with you.”

“It’s all right. I’m sure he’s here in his own way.”

“That’s right. He would never miss something like this.

Amber nodded.

“I know you’re right.”

“I’m glad you can see it. I usually am.”

Amber rolled her eyes. “I’m happy I met you.”

“I’m happy I met you too.”

The End?