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“But... Swan Lake? The premiere?”
“Yes, Emma. I know it’s your favorite.”
“You are amazing, but how the hell did you manage these tickets?” I ask him. “It would’ve beenimpossible.”
“I am a Penmayne, Emma, there is not a director of an arts institution in the country who I don’t know.”
I nod.
“I think I’m going to faint,” I say.
August takes my hand.
“This is real, Emma. Trust me. This is happening. Hang on to me.”
“Oh, I will.”
“Happy birthday, beautiful.”
81
AUGUST
“I lied to you before,” I whisper into Emma’s ear as we take our first step up the red carpet toward the theater entrance. “The tickets to this premiere aren’t the last thing I’ve got planned. I’ve actually gotonemore birthday surprise for you.”
Emma’s eyes widen.
“What other surprise?” she asks.
“We’re not seeing the show alone,” I say.
I point over to the doorway of the theater, and in the middle of the sea of paparazzi and celebrities, there is Emma’s mom, Diana, Faith, and Ethan. All dressed up for the premiere, and all waiting just for us.
Emma looks at her family and friends, then back at me, then back at them.
And she starts to cry happy tears.
* * *
“You look beautiful,” Natalie tells her daughter as she hugs her.
“What are you doing standing up and walking?” Emma asks her. “You should be resting, Mom.”
“I’m fine enough to come for one show,” Natalie replies. “Especially when it’s my daughter’s favorite ballet, and especially when August Penmayne has bought me the best ticket in the house.”
I give a wink at her as Emma turns to hug both Diana and Faith. Faith stands on her tiptoes and whispers into Emma’s ear. I can’t make it out amongst all the commotion of the premiere, but whatever it is, it makes Emma giggle.
“Yes, he is,” she says to the girl.
“Hey, what are you two talking about?” I ask, suspicious.
Emma and Faith blush.
“Nothing,” my girl calls back.
I shake my head in mock exasperation and bend down to be at the same level as Ethan.
“How are you?” I ask my former patient.
