ROLAND
The queue curved along the plaza like a coiled snake, couples pressed close together, laughing, whispering, already acting as if they’d already won.
Annie stayed tucked neatly against my side, her fingers hooked into the waistband of my shorts as if she’d claimed the spot.
I didn’t mind.
I scanned ahead casually. Lily and Alex stood three couples in front of us and Bella hovered beside them for a second before wandering off toward the snack stand, probably trusting the universe to handle the rest.
Lily turned slightly, laughing at something Alex said.
The sound landed low in my chest.
Then she saw me.
Her smile faltered, not dramatically, just enough that I noticed. Her gaze dropped briefly to Annie’s hand on me, then lifted again.
“Lily,” I said, stepping forward when the
