The evening seemed to wind down. I was thoroughly charmed by Monica and Kati, listening to them laugh and joke together like family should. It made a familiar ache in my chest reappear, but the crushing grief stayed at bay this time. Maybe there was hope that someday I could have a family again. It seemed like madness to have thoughts like that after only one night out with Hale, but it had been an enchanted, magical night that left me hungry for more.

However, when Hale returned to my ...