Early the next morning, Queenie and Ste arrived at Alessia’s door, gifts in hand.

Alessia was already waiting for them downstairs, making sure every detail was perfect despite their long friendship.

The Mortons, having heard in advance that the girls would be visiting, treated the asion with the same care. They had tidied up the house, bought fresh fruit and arranged it on a tter, and waited expectantly for their guests.

“Good morning, Mr. and Mrs. Morton!” The girls beamed as they presented their gifts.

One was fair–skinned and pretty, with the sweet, wholesome look of the girl next door. The other had a stylish pixie cut and a sun–kissedplexion, lively and spirited. With their contrasting personalities, they were the kind of girls who drew attention wherever they went.

“Wee, wee! Come on in!” Karen’s delight was obvious; apart from Cole, this was Alessia’s first time bringing friends over.

“My mom picked these out yesterday–brand new slippers, just for you,” Alessia said with a grin, setting two pairs of slippers at their feet.

Once everyone had finally settled in, Ste smiled a little sheepishly. “We’ve been meaning to visit you for ages, but kept putting it off. Sorry for the dy.”

Brendan grinned. “I remember you–you’re the one who rides motorcycles, right? No need to apologize. You’re always wee here.”

“Back in the day, I loved bikes too,” he added. “It’s rare to see a girl into them. Very cool.”

The easy conversation and friendly banter quickly put Ste at ease.

“This is a bottle of wine from our family’s vineyardi,/ii” /iSte said, handing it over. “For you to enjoy when you have some time to rx. Good for the skin, too!”

Karen touched her cheek, a little embarrassed. “I’m not sure I’m at the age for beauty treatments anymore…”

“Oh,e on! Lessie clearly inherited her looks from you. I bet when you two go out, people think you’re sistersi,” /iSte teased.

Ste’s warmth was infectious. In no time, she had both adultsughing, and Alessia exchanged a knowing nce with Queenie. They’d always admired Ste’s

knack for getting along with anyone.

Queenie’s turn came next. Cheeks a little pink, she handed over a small box. “This is something I designed myself. Since you both spend so much time working at the diner, I made a pair of matching rings into nes–easy to wear and take off. I hope you like them.”

Brendan and Karen looked surprised. “You designed these yourself?”

“Yep,” Alessia answered. “Remember that jewelry brand my brother modeled for? Queenie was the designer.”

Brendan put on an exaggerated tone. “So talented at such a young age! Kids these days are amazing,” he joked, making everyoneugh.

Queenie blushed as Karen opened the box. Both adults gasped in delight.

“These are beautiful! I never thought we’d be trendy enough to have matching jewelry,” Karen said, her cheeks flushed. Brendan, grinning, was already fastening the ne around her neck.

“It looks wonderful,” he said, admiringly.

The three girls exchanged mischievous nces.

“Well, we’ll leave you two to admire your new jewelry. We’re going to head upstairs,” Alessia announced.

“Take the fruit with you–and stay for lunch,” Karen called after them, knowing that the girls would want some privacy.

Alessia suspected the girls hade early for a reason–probably to get some

news out of her.

Sure enough, as soon as the bedroom door closed, Queenie and Ste pounced, cornering her by the door. Alessia threw up her hands in mock surrender,ughing along with them.

“Out with it! The truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth!”