Chapter 63

Alice stood in front of her closet, frowning at her reflection in the mirror. She had agreed to have dinner with Max tonight, and now she was second-guessing everything. What should she wear? Was this even a good idea?

"Mama!" Charlie's voice called from the living room, where Emma was watching him.

Alice sighed, pushing her worries aside for a moment. She walked out to find Charlie grinning up at her, a toy car clutched in his chubby hand.

"Hey, sweetie," Alice said, kneeling down to kiss his forehead. "Are you being good for Aunt Emma?"

Emma laughed from her spot on the couch. "He's an angel, as always. Now, are you going to tell me why you're so nervous about this dinner?"

Alice bit her lip, sitting down next to her sister. "I don't know, Em. Max is... he's been so kind, so helpful. But I barely know him. And with everything that's happened..."

Emma nodded understandingly. "You're worried about getting hurt again."

"It's not just that," Alice said, watching Charlie play. "It's Char