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We sat in comfortable silence for a moment, the porch swing creaking gently.
Finally, I couldn't hold back the question that had been eating at me.
"What about James?" I asked. "Are y'all okay? I know your Mama isn't exactly throwing him a welcome party."
Daphne's expression shifted, a mix of determination and worry crossing her features. "Mother is... well, she's Mother. She thinks James isn't suitable because he doesn't have a title or old family money. Never mind that he's brilliant and kind and makes me laugh until my sides hurt."
"Sounds familiar," I said dryly.
"Exactly." She turned to me with fierce eyes. "But you know what? I'm done hiding. Done letting Mother dictate who I can love. James and I, we're fighting for this. Together. And if she can't accept that, then she'll just have to learn to live with disappointment."
Pride swelled in my chest. This was the Daphne I'd fallen in love with in college—strong, determined, willing to fight for what mattered. "Good for you, sugar. What does James think about all this?"
"He's scared," she admitted. "Worried about what it might mean for his career, his friendship with Edward. But he's willing to take the risk. Says I'm worth it." Her smile was soft and genuine. "Rather like someone else I know, actually."
I felt my cheeks heat up. "Yeah, well, your brother can be pretty persuasive when he sets his mind to something."
"Speaking of which," Daphne said, "what happens now? Are you coming back to London with us?"
"We're going to try," I said. "Take it one day at a time, see if we can make this work in the real world instead of hiding in secret corners."
"And your job? The show?"
I grinned. "Funny thing about that. Turns out getting bought out by your Mother’s firm was actually the best thing that could've happened. They've got distribution deals that'll put us in markets we never could've reached on our own. Course, I negotiated myself a pretty sweet new contract once I stopped being terrified of the whole situation."
"You always did land on your feet," Daphne said fondly.
"Usually," I agreed. "Though I'll admit, this whole situation tested that theory pretty thoroughly."
The front door opened, and Edward emerged looking slightly shell-shocked but relieved. Mama followed him out, wiping her hands on her apron with the satisfied look of a woman who'd just delivered some important truths.
"Well?" I called out. "Did she scare you off yet?"
"On the contrary," Edward said, settling down on the porch steps. "I believe I've just received the most thorough character assessment of my life, followed by conditional approval."
"Conditional?" Daphne asked.
Mama spoke up from the doorway. "I told him he's welcome in this family as long as he remembers that fancy titles andbig houses don't mean a hill of beans if you're not treating my daughter right."
"And?" I prompted.
Edward's smile was soft and genuine. "And I assured her that I have no intention of ever forgetting that lesson."
The rest of the evening passed in a gentle haze of belonging.
We sat on the porch until the fireflies gave way to stars, sharing stories and laughter that felt like healing.
Daphne curled up between Edward and me on the old porch swing, her head on my shoulder while Edward's hand rested protectively on both of us. For the first time in months, we weren't walking on eggshells or hiding anything.
We were just us—messy and complicated and real, but together.
The moon had hidden behind the patchy cloud, casting a warm orange glow over the familiar streets of my hometown.
Now, as I waited for Edward to come in to my bedroom, my heart pounded with a mix of anticipation and nervousness.
The sound of footsteps in the hallway made my pulse quicken. I took a deep breath, smoothing my hands over the silk camisole and matching shorts I’d chosen for the evening.
It was a simple outfit, but it made me feel beautiful, and tonight, I wanted to feel beautiful for him. The door clicked open, and there he was, standing in the doorway with that familiar intensity in his gaze.