Page 41

Technically, I didn’t lie. I just… didn’t tell him. Not yet.

Now, the garden is slowly transforming. The last of the string lights are being untangled, a few folding chairs have already arrived from the supplier and are stacked, ready to be set up tomorrow. There’s a buzz of potential in the air and I love it.

The party is happening. Caterers are confirmed, menu finalized—local, fresh, and just upscale enough to impress without making guests feel like they can’t relax. I even found an event rental company willing to do a last-minute drop-off and installation of tables and décor tomorrow. Enchanted Forest, as Pinterest promised me.

I stop near the porch, brushing dirt from my hands and surveying the scene with a strange mix of nerves and pride. It’s all coming together. I just hope Dan sees it the way I do—as a celebration, not a trap.

As if on cue, the screen door creaks open behind me, and Chloe barrels out, her overnight bag swinging from her arm. Her eyes are wide with excitement, and everything is suddenly moving fast again.

“Dad! Dad!” she calls, weaving between the tables until she reaches Dan, who’s busy tidying up the decking. “Sarah just called! Her mom said I can sleep over tonight! Can I go?”

Dan straightens, wiping his hands on his jeans, and glances at me with a crooked smile before turning back to Chloe.

“I don’t know, Chloe. It’s a school night.”

“Sarah’s mom will drop me off at school tomorrow with Sarah.”

“That’s not what I’m worried about. I’m pretty sure the two of you are going to stay up all night gossiping and you’ll be exhausted tomorrow.”

“I promise, we won’t. Anyway, Sarah’s mom has a strict lights-out at nine rule.”

Dan considers Chloe’s request, eyeballing his daughter like a drill sergeant before breaking into a grin.

“OK, then. You all packed?”

Chloe nods enthusiastically. “Yeah! I already got my stuff ready. Her mom’s picking me up in ten minutes!”

Dan’s brows lift in mild surprise. “Am I that predictable?”

“Yes,” Chloe states matter-of-factly.

“You’ve got your pajamas? Your toothbrush?”

“Yes, Dad,” she says with a dramatic eye roll, and I can’t help but stifle a laugh.

Dan glances at me with a helpless grin, and I shrug. “Sounds like she’s got it covered.”

He sighs, feigning defeat. “Okay. Go on, then. Just remember the rules—be polite, say thank you, and don’t stay up all night giggling.”

Chloe gives him an exasperated look. “Dad.”

He holds up his hands in surrender. “Alright, alright. Go have fun.”

She throws her arms around his waist, squeezing tight, and then glances up at me. “Bye, Rachel!”

“Have fun,” I reply with a wave.

When she’s gone, the yard feels quieter, more spacious somehow. Dan watches her go with a lingering smile, and I catch him running a hand through his hair, like he’s not entirely sure what to do with himself now.

I lean against one of the tables, crossing my arms. “You look like a man who just lost his best friend.”

He chuckles softly, glancing back at me. “It’s weird, you know? I get so used to her being around that when she’s not, it feels like the house just… stops.”

“She’s lucky to have you,” I say, and he gives me a faint, almost bashful smile.

After a moment, he clears his throat, shifting his weight. “Hey,” he says, a bit more casual, “since I’m unexpectedly kid-free tonight… you want to go grab a drink? There’s a place just down by the water—nothing fancy, but they make a mean gin and tonic.”

His voice is so nonchalant, but there’s a flicker of uncertainty in his eyes, like he’s half-expecting me to say no. I smile and tilt my head. “You asking me out, Dan?”