The day before Carolyn''s birthday.

    Allison had just finished lunch when her phone lit up with Carolyn''s name.

    "Hey, Allie, can youe early tomorrow afternoon?"

    Allison blinked. “Isn''t your birthday party in the evening?"

    "It is, but the cruise sets sail in the afternoon. We''re spending two days at sea- just for fun."

    "Oh, nice! What time should I be there?"

    "We''ll leave once everyone arrives, but I want to see you sooner. Soe as early as you can, okay?"

    "Sure thing."

    The next day, the weather couldn''t have been better-sunny and bright, with just the right amount of breeze.

    Allison slipped into the blue halter dress she''d bought at the mall, dabbed on a little makeup, and clipped her hair up in a quick twist. She didn''t bother with a fancy hairstyle or heavy makeup. It was Carolyn''s day, after all—she didn''t want to outshine the birthday girl.

    Joshua was already waiting for her, lounging on the couch with a rxed smile. Allison packed a small suitcase with a change of clothes and her essentials, then let Joshua lead her out of the vi with his arm around her shoulders.

    A ck Cullinan was parked out front. Joshua''s assistant, John, was behind the wheel, ready to take them to the marina.

    The sky was endless blue, the kind that instantly puts you in a good mood. The sea breeze was cool and salty, brushing away any traces of sleepiness. White sailboats and sleek yachts lined the docks, but one ship stood out—a huge, gleaming white cruise liner, elegant and grand like a pce floating on water.

    This was where Carolyn''s birthday party would be.

    A red carpet stretched from the dock right up to the ship''s entrance. Uniformed hostesses greeted guests with bright, practiced smiles. Crew members in white gloves helped carry luggage.

    Allison walked up the gangway and soon spotted Carolyn. She was absolutely radiant, dressed to the nines in a shimmery, blue-violet mermaid gown that caught the light with every step. The skirt rippled like sunlight on water, soft and graceful but with a queenly ir, Asparkling blue diamond ne glinted at her neck, and her matching earrings and braceletpleted the look.

    "Allie, you made it! I''ve been waiting for you," Carolyn said, her face lighting up as she hurried over. She nced at Joshua standing next to Allison and grinned, looking even more pleased.

    So Joshua dide. It was actually his first time attending one of her birthday parties.

    Allison caught the little shift in Carolyn''s smile and couldn''t resist teasing, "So, were you waiting for me or for him?"

    Carolyn rolled her eyes, pretending to be offended. "Can''t I wait for both?"

    Allisonughed and handed her a neatly wrapped gift. "Happy birthday, Luna. This is for you."

    Carolyn took it with a big smile. "Thanks, Allie! I actually got something for you, too. You''re always so thoughtful."

    Allison nced over at a long table piled high with gift bags and boxes. Two people sat there, jotting down guests'' names and what they brought Everyone else''s gifts were logged and stacked on the table,

    forming a little mountain-but

    Carolyn had epted Allison''s

    present in person.

    "I invited a ton of people today-some are friends, some are friends of friends.

    Hope you don''t mind the crowd?" Carolyn said as she led Allison inside.

    "Not at all," Allison replied with a grin. "The more, the better. Birthdays are supposed to be lively."

    They walked into the ship''s main lounge together, chatting side by side, with Joshua just a few steps behind.