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You’re my everything, Ice Queen.
I leave the loft and stop by a flower shop to grab a bouquet of bright purple forget-me-nots. Then I hop on a train to the northern part of the city. From there, I take a car that drives me another twenty-five minutes away. Eventually, I arrive at Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, feeling a weight on my shoulders that’s almost too heavy to carry.
When I learned this was where my sister wanted to be laid to rest, I laughed. She had always lovedThe Legend of Sleepy Hollow, and now she’s forever a part of it.
As I walk through the gate, the path leads me toward a meadow filled with soft grass and wildflowers. I’ve only visited this place in my nightmares. The cemetery is peaceful but haunting.
I slow down as I approach my sister’s headstone. Her name sparkles in golden letters, just like on the side of the firm building. Sunshine blankets the area, and I notice fresh, bright yellow daffodils on her grave. I bend down and touch the soft petals, setting the purple flowers next to them. Eden loved spring andsummer, along with colorful flowers. Every Monday, she had a fresh bouquet on her desk, even if she bought them herself.
Close by is a tree, and under it is a bench with one of her favorite quotes engraved on the back—Be the change you want to see in the world.
I sit on the bench, interlock my fingers, and close my eyes. I wander down the deep hallways of my mind, searching for the forgiveness I never gave myself. A cool breeze travels through the trees from the Hudson River and brushes against my cheeks. It grounds me in the moment, pulling me back to the present. I exhale, and it feels like Eden is surrounding me.
Since she died, I’ve become much softer. Her death broke me. It was the wake-up call that made me realize how precious time was and how it was slipping through my fingers.
“You were right about Billie,” I whisper, squeezing my eyes shut. “She is my perfect match.”
I grow more emotional as I sit in silence. Eventually, leaves rustle across the sidewalk, and I feel that familiar cool breeze brush against my skin again. When I open my eyes, the brightest blue jay I’ve ever seen is perched on the corner of my sister’s gravestone. We stare at one another for a moment, and it feels like a sign—a confirmation. I watch it fly away and wipe the tears that flood down my cheeks.
“Thanks, sis,” I say, choking up, my vision blurring.
I know exactly what I have to do. Billie deserves to know the truth before we move forward. No half-truths or lies.
Clarity sweeps over me as I turn to see my brothers, Nick and Dyson, approaching in three-piece suits, wearing serious expressions. They sit on either side of me. It’s comforting to be here with my brothers, even in silence.
Every year, they’ve visited together, and every year, I’ve declined.
“I’m sorry for hurting you,” Dyson finally says, and the breezecarries his voice away. He’s apologizing for going after someone I thought I loved.
“Don’t worry about it,” I tell him, realizing I have bigger issues to solve. “In the grand scheme of things, it doesn’t matter. Just don’t let it happen again.”
“Finally,” Nick says. “Now, can we go eat tacos? That’s what Eden would have wanted.”
I burst into laughter.
Nick sets his flowers next to mine and then talks to the grass.
“Right, Eden?” Nick asks, putting his ear close to the ground. He raises his voice. “Right. Listen to my favorite brother, even if he’s only half.”
She used to tease him about being my father’s love child, but I think she liked him better than us. Since he lived with his mom, Nick didn’t have the chance to annoy us as much as we annoyed each other.
“Taco time,” Nick says, blowing a kiss toward Eden’s grave. “Love you, sister.”
As we walk toward the car, I know I have to tell Billie about Project Glass Slipper.
No more fucking secrets.
30
BILLIE
Ituck the box under my arm and unlock Asher’s loft with the key he gave me. Our schedules are hectic, and we’re constantly working weekends with no time off, but we’re making the best of it.
When I walk in, I close the door and lock it behind me. After I drop this gift, I must return to Bellamore for a fitting.
“Ash?” I say loud enough for him to hear if he’s inside.
I almost expect him to walk out of his bedroom, wearing that sexy grin he reserves just for me. I wait a few seconds, but it’s complete silence. I hope he went and visited his sister’s grave today. Harper mentioned in passing he’d never gone once. She also reminded me of the anniversary.