Sorene floated into the house much later that night. Her body felt fluid and more relaxed than she could remember with their dip in the hot spring-fed lake. Talk about a spa treatment. Now that was her kind of activity. Living at the lake house had just become more tempting.

She’d kissed Ash goodbye at the door, her heart lighter than the snowflakes that continued to fall, turning the landscape enchanting. It had been hard not to suggest figuring out how to sneak him upstairs to her bedroom. She giggled at the thought of attempting that misadventure.

“And just what have you been up to, missy?” Catronia asked, standing in the entryway waiting for her. “Do you know what time it is, young lady.” She paused in her teasing and took a good look at Sorene.

Sorene knew what she saw. Flushed cheeks, eyes feverish with desire, and hair still wet from skinny dipping.

“Aw, I know that look,” Catronia purred. “You got lucky tonight.”

“Shh,” Sorene hissed out. “Where’s Zoe?”

“You know you don’t need to hide your sex life from her. I’m sure she has one of her own.”

“Don’t say that. She’s just a baby.”

“She’s a grown woman who could probably teach you a few tricks.” Cat waved that off. “Forget about her. Tell me about you and what happened tonight. You were as stirred up as a beehive when you left the Pump House. How did Ash get under your mad?”

She gave a hearty sigh. “That man does have his ways.”

“I guess so. I would have bet good money that it would have taken him longer to get you into bed.”

“Well, technically, he didn’t get me into bed. We made love at the lake house…in the lake.”

“In the lake with the temperature outside flirting in the teens? Damn, girl, that’s one for the books. I haven’t even tried that.” She frowned. “Why haven’t I tried that? It’s going on my bucket list.”

“Definitely should be on everyone’s bucket list.” Sorene sighed. She wanted to tell Catronia that she’d accepted Ash’s marriage proposal but she held the words back, needing to hold and cherish the secret a little longer. Plus, she didn’t want anyone raising doubts that they’d only reconnected after ten years estranged, and she’d agreed to “death ‘til you part” in under a week.

Jack and Quinn should be the first to hear the news anyway. Anticipating that scene, and their fathers’ reactions, had a private smile playing over her lips.

“What else happened?” Catronia asked. “You look like you’re up to something.”

“A girl can’t have secrets?”

“In this family? No. So, spill.”

“I want to buy the lake house.”

Catronia rocked back on her heels. “Move out of here?”

“Yeah.”

Catronia turned and headed into the living room, curling up in the corner of the couch. “Well, that’s a sudden turn of events.”

“I’m twenty-eight. I think it’s past time I lived on my own. You have your place at Heart Springs Eternal Spa and Resort.”

“That’s a room in a hotel that I sleep in when my days are too scheduled. I’m not living on my own.” She bit her thumbnail.

“Do you have a problem with me moving out?” Slowly, Sorene sat and studied her sister.

Catronia shrugged. “I don’t know what I’m feeling. I guess it’s the changes and the fact that I never thought you would live anywhere else but here.”

“What if I married?”

“I never really thought about it. But this place is plenty big now that Ryder and Dare converted the barn, and Brey is in Nashville. I miss having everyone under one roof. Stupid, huh?”

Sorene got up and sat next to Catronia, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. “Not stupid. I understand. Change is a part of life, a chance to grow, but it can be scary too.”

“This place won’t be the same without you. Have you talked to Dad?”

“Not yet. I’ve been trying to reach him, but all we’re doing is playing phone tag. Have you seen him?”

“He headed to bed a few hours ago, looking exhausted.”

“I’ll try and catch him in the morning then.” It was almost like he was avoiding her, but Jack didn’t avoid anything. He always tackled things head on.

Sorene studied Catronia. “Is there something else bothering you? You seemed pretty friendly with your boss the other night.”

“Todd? No, there’s nothing going on there. I was acting silly the other night.”

“Is it Dawson?”

Catronia sucked in a breath. “Why do I let that man still get to me? It’s been two years. I should have been over him already.”

“It’s been ten years since I last saw Ash, and I never got over him.”

“Good Lord, don’t say things like that.” Catronia ran a hand through her long hair, playing with the ends. “I don’t want to put a damper on your special night with Ash. Forget I said anything. I’m just moody tonight.”

“You can always talk to me. I hope you know I’ll always be there for you.”

“Thanks, Sorene. Love you, sis.” Catronia hugged her.

“I love you too.” Sorene ended the hug and stood. “I know just what you need to help with your mood. Come on.” She grabbed Catronia’s hand and pulled her up from the couch. “We need chocolate.”

“Now you’re talking.”