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Mike groans. “Please, kill me.”

I giggle. “Noooo, I would never.” I wink at her conspiratorially.

Kora bursts into a fit of laughter.

“No, Kora, I was gunna tell you––I love you.”

“I love you too, Robin. You’re like, my best friend, I love you so, so, so, so, so, so much.”

“You’re my bestest friend,” I say, a lump forming in my throat, and I feel a prickling sensation behind my eyes.

Hayden takes a few steps back, and I’m forced to let go of Kora’s hand. “Alright, time to go home,” he says firmly.

“And I’m taking you home,” Mike says to Kora. He looks exasperated, but his lips twitch slightly with amusement.

“Good night,” I call over my shoulder, Hayden already walking us in the other direction.

“Weeeee,” I hear Kora screeching happily. “Please, can you gallop like a horse?”

I don’t hear Mike’s answer as I let myself get carried to the car.

I look up at the stars, and once again, I’m convinced that this is the best night of my life.

Hayden tucks me into the passenger seat gently, making sure I’m all buckled up before he gets into the driver’s seat.

“I had so much fun tonight,” I say, my eyelids heavy.

“I’m glad,” he says, tracing my jawline with his thumb.

“This evening, this was … this was the best night of my life.”

He huffs out a small laugh and kisses me on the cheek.

I close my eyes and let my head fall back. “Was it the best night of your life?”

“Yes, baby,” he says, and I can hear the roar of the engine before I feel the gentle sway of the truck moving.

“Really? This thebestnightofyourlife?” I say, trying to look at him, but everything is so fuzzy, and it’s impossible to keep my eyes open.

“Every night with you is the best night.”

Chapter 29

Hayden

“Are you sure she’ll like this?” Robin asks for the second time.

I cut the truck’s engine outside of Darlene’s house and throw Robin an amused look. “I’m sure.” I lean over to plant a swift kiss on her soft lips.

Darlene invited us to an early dinner as a thank you for planning her funeral. Her special day—as she likes to call it—is still a few days away, but we wanted to have dinner together now since we’ll most likely be stressed right before the event itself. Robin has been nervous the entire car ride, and it’s kind of cute.

“You ready?” I say, reluctantly pulling away from her.

She nods, and we climb out of the car and make our way to my great-aunt’s front door. We don’t have to knock, because the door swings open as soon as we reach the landing, and we’re greeted by a smiling Darlene.

“Finally,” she says, rushing forward to give me a hug. “Left me waiting long enough.”

“We’re right on time.” I chuckle, squeezing her tightly.