Chapter 65

I didn’t expect to run into them here. The restaurant was lively—full tables, soft music playing, wine glasses clinking—but as soon as I saw Lily walk in with Logan and Susan, the entire room shrank to just them. And yet, the moment Lily walked in—with her curls bouncing, hand clasped in Logan’s, and Susan trailing beside them—the entire room seemed to fall into a hush. For me, at least. My pulse slowed. The silverware in my hand suddenly felt heavier. Lily’s eyes lit up the second they landed on me. Her face broke into a wide grin, eyes full of unfiltered joy, and before I could fully process her presence, she was already running toward me. “Aunt Haley!” she called out, her voice high and eager, little feet pattering against the hardwood floor as she weaved around a passing waiter. I rose quickly, heart tight in my chest as I crouched down to meet her open arms. She threw herself at me without hesitation, curling her arms around my neck, her soft cheek pressing against mine. She smell