Chapter 5

I ran my hand through Lucy's hair, but honestly, I couldn't feel any joy.

Charles had backed out so many times already. If something went wrong again, I was afraid Lucy would be even more disappointed.

Emily's face lit up with excitement. She said, "The fireworks in Lakeview are incredible. They only happen once a year, and the whole town gets super lively during the holidays. Last year, Charles took me there, and we lit fireworks together.

"Last time we went, it was so packed that we almost couldn't squeeze in. Did you all...?"

She seemed to catch herself, deliberately…