Both Jesse’s and Corbin’s eyes widened before they busted out laughing. Corbin sobered first.

“I’m not into twin switching or swapping.” He pulled Belle close and looked at her as if she hung the moon. “You’re the only twin for me, Bella.”

Belle smiled at her husband. “Then what’s the surprise?”

“You’ll see.” Jesse said. “For now, let’s pop open that champagne.”

When everyone had a Solo cup of champagne, Corbin held his up and made a toast. “To the twin sisters who gave these two ornery brothers something they always wanted . . . the love of a good woman and a place to call home.”

“Amen to that,” Jesse said. “Corbin and I both thank our lucky stars every day that we found our Fourth of July girls.”

Before Liberty could blink back the tears that had formed in her eyes, Jesse whistled loudly. A second later, there was a series of sizzling pops and trailing lights shot up into the sky before exploding into blooms of brilliant fireworks.

Liberty had no more gotten over the breathtaking sight then the rest of her family and Jesse’s family burst through the trees, yelling “Happy Birthday!” Mama carried a small cake with lit candles that Shirlene, Jesse’s mama, held her cupped hands around so they wouldn’t blow out in the summer breeze. All her and Jesse’s sisters carried paper plates, napkins, and presents, while the rest of the Cateses and Holidays trailed behind talking and laughing.

There was no blinking back the tears this time. When she glanced over at Belle, her sister was crying too. They smiled at each other, communicating their feelings without one word.

They were blessed.

Truly blessed.

“What do you think, Libby Lou?” Jesse asked. “Is this enough fireworks for you?”

Liberty turned to her new husband. He was smiling that smile that made her heart burst as brightly as the shimmering display exploding overhead.

She hooked her arms around his neck. “Nope. But I figure we have the rest of our lives to make fireworks.”

THE END