“You make me proud every day.” Lucy and I start to groan, ready to tell him to stop being so sappy, when he laughs. “And I’m most proud when you’re home by curfew without any boys around.”

“There is still so much I want to know, want to ask. But before I can say anything else, the world stops. There’s silence around me.I wait a beat, and when I finally sit up, I find Harlin waiting for me—ready to start again.”

“You’re still home?” I ask. “It’s not even curfew.”“Thought I’d grace you all with my presence.” She pauses to smile.”

“To fall in love with him even though I was right here?”“You’re not really my type, Abe,” I say.“I’m too handsome?” He grins.“Too evil.”

“Sorry,” I say to my father. “Hope we didn’t wake you. After last night, I wanted to check on Harlin’s arm.”He tilts his head like he is absolutely sure I’m lying. “And how is his arm, Elise?” he asks.“Uh . . . better?”My father stands motionless for a second, and then he shakes his head and walks into the kitchen. I hear the clink of cups, and then the running of water for the coffeepot.“That was a nice save,” Harlin says, sounding amused. “So detailed. Like a nurse.”“Shut up, Harlin,” I say, trying not to smile. “I didn’t hear you offer anything better.”“You sure you didn’t want to tell him we were playing doctor? That might have sounded more believable.”I turn quickly and swat at him. He laughs, dodging my swing, and catches my hand. “I would tackle you right here,” he says, leaning close. “Pin you and kiss you. But with the luck we have in your house, someone will walk in. And then what will you tell them?” he whispers. “That you were giving me CPR?”“Stop!” I slap his shoulder again.”

“You’ll make a sucky father someday,” I tell him with a smile. “I feel sorry for the kid that doesn’t get to burst into light to get out of your house.” He chokes out a laugh. “Is it my sarcasm?” “Definitely. And that obnoxious accent.”

“Jeremy takes the money and heads toward the back bedroom to get dressed.“Chinese? I’ll come with,” Henry calls, but then pauses to look at us, one eyebrow raised.Harlin laughs and puts his arm around me. “Don’t even say it,” he warns. “You’ll embarrass her.” But he always says it.“Charlotte,” Henry begins in a mock parental tone, “when two people love each other, they may have certain urges. Protection is an important—”“Oh my God!” I cover my ears and laugh. I wait until his lips have stopped moving before I drop my arms.”