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“I was hoping you’d say that.”

Aster stood there and watched as Brynn walked to her car, bowled over by how natural it felt, their very domestic morning together. Right then, she knew without a doubt that this was the first one in a lifetime of mornings they’d share. “Hey, Brynn.” Brynn looked up, car door in hand. “Favorite book lately?”

“How about just a story?”

“I’ll take it.”

“I really like the one about that last Lavender sister. What’s her name? Anyway, she leaves town, she comes back, and she finally settles down with the woman who plans to love her until the end of time. It’s a really good one.”

“A page-turner?”

“The best kind. I love you. Have an amazing day until I see you.”

“I love you, too.” Aster blew a kiss and watched as Brynn’s SUV headed off down the road, knowing innately that she was the luckiest lightning chaser ever. She’d captured it forever in Brynn, and she was never letting it go.

Epilogue

One year later

Aster checked the rib eyes, pleased with their progress. The sear was about where she wanted it, and the juices were sealed up nicely inside. She took a deep inhale, loving the aroma of steaks on the grill, excited to be preparing them for the family gathering she and Brynn had decided to host last-minute at their place on Baker Street. The backyard around her bustled with springtime activity as her siblings and their families made use of the spacious yard as they snacked on the appetizers Aster had whipped up on the fly. She smiled as she watched Brynn, wearing cutoffs and a flowing red shirt, move around between the small groupings, making sure everyone’s drink was full and that they didn’t need anything.

“You should relax. Enjoy yourself,” Aster whispered in her ear as she passed. “I got this.”

Brynn flashed her a winsome smile. “One more lap and I will do just that. I set out a pitcher of fresh lemonade with strawberries, and I’m going to enjoy a glass. I’ll bring one for the sexy grill master, too.” She let her hand trail down Aster’s back as she passed, dropping coyly to her backside for the briefest of moments. Brynn looked back, proud of what she’d accomplished.

“You’re bad,” Aster mouthed.

Brynn laughed and nodded slowly in agreement. They’d spent a lazy morning in bed. Morning sex had become a favorite, with Brynn most commonly taking the lead. Aster had been woken that morning by lips on her shoulder making their way to her neck, while a skilled pairof hands snaked under her tank top from behind and found her breasts. She smiled at the attention. “Someone woke up rested.”

“What?” Brynn said, kissing her earlobe. “I just really like you.”

“Get on top,” Aster said, giving Brynn a tug. Her very favorite position. Something they very much agreed on.

“Your wish,” Brynn said, and they were off.

She loved weekends and the adventures they brought. Like this one. With nothing on the agenda for their Saturday, she’d turned to Brynn again after lunch as they read books together on the couch.

On one side of the yard, Ethan and Sage tossed a junior-sized football back and forth, wearing matching baseball caps turned around backward. Tyler looked on with baby Wrigley on her hip, the light blond cutie trying to grab hold of every person who passed.

“Sorry about that,” Tyler told Marigold as Wrigley grabbed the fabric of her shirt. “She’s handsy.”

“Most action I’ve had in months,” Marigold said. “Give me that little girl. We want to stroll and see the family. Find ourselves a bite of Aunt Aster’s famous chocolate chip cookies.”

Tyler handed the toddler over and accepted the margarita that Brynn had waiting for her. She did a little dance as she took a sip. Brynn laughed and kissed her friend’s cheek with a smack.

“You doing okay, Dad?” Aster asked. He stood off to the side with a beer in hand, watching the action.

“Oh yeah. It’s a nice one out. It’s fun to see everyone enjoying themselves.” He grinned. “This was a good idea. Need any help?”

“Can you watch the steaks while I check on the oil for the fries I cut earlier?”

“Oh. Yeah. I know steaks,” he said, his voice dropping an octave as he took control of the grill. “You’ve come to the right place.”

He’d really come out of his shell recently, assuming the doting parent role in a manner Aster never would have predicted. He called each of his kids regularly, invited them over for football games or lunches he’d thrown together all by himself. But Aster had a feeling he was getting a little unseen help from the sweet angel looking down on them all. She knew she was, as well. Her mom was with her still, guiding her daily at the restaurant, encouraging her on the harder days when Aster missed her so much that she couldn’t breathe. Aster was grateful for that.

Inside, she found Violet slicing a fruit plate, always one to take the initiative.

“Thanks, Vi. One less thing.”