Page 102 of Ascending

Elizabeth laughed. Then, she looked at Palmer’s dad, who winked at her.

“Camilla, it’s going to be bedtime soon. Prepare yourself,” he said.

“Are you staying over again tonight, honey?” Palmer’s mother asked her.

“I was going to ask Palmer if that would be all right. Is it okay with you?”

“Of course, it is.” The older woman smiled at her and squeezed her shoulder. “We’re so happy to have you with us. Palmer seems so happy with you here, too.”

“She an amazing woman,” Elizabeth said.

“Yes, she is. But so are you, sweetie.” Palmer’s mom kissed Elizabeth on the cheek. “We’ll get Camilla up to bed soon and get some sleep ourselves. You and Palmer can have some space tonight.”

“That’s not necessary. I’ve missed being around a family. And this has been amazing. You don’t have to disappear on my account.”

“Honey, you’re notarounda family. You’re part of it now. I don’t know what my oldest daughter’s plans are, but Idoknow that my youngest’s involves you being around for a very long time.” Mrs. Honeycutt smiled warmly at her. “And I think my husband and I would like that as well, in case you’re curious.”

Elizabeth could only nod. She was, yet again, speechless.

“Ready,” Palmer said as she re-entered the room.

“Good night, ladies. We’ll see you in the morning. Merry Christmas,” Palmer’s mother said.

“Oh. You guys are going to bed?” Palmer asked.

“Yes, it’s been a busy day for us and Camilla. We’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Okay. Good night,” Palmer said. “You ready?” she asked Elizabeth.

Elizabeth took Palmer’s hand, and they made their way outside, walking the path to the greenhouse side by side. When they got inside, Palmer turned on the lights, illuminating the colorful space, and let go of Elizabeth’s hand. Elizabeth walked to where she’d left her gift, picked it up, and turned back, handing it to Palmer.

“This is for you,” she said.

“What’s this one?” Palmer asked.

“Viscaria.”

“And what does it mean?”

“Dance with me.”

Palmer smiled and said, “You talked to my dad, didn’t you?”

“He told me you liked to dance, which surprised me because at the coronation ball, you–”

“Wanted to dance withyou, Lizzy.” Palmer placed the flower on the table. “Only you.”

Elizabeth swallowed and pulled her phone out of her pocket.

“I brought this.”

“Our soundtrack?” Palmer asked.

“Yes.”

“Do you have a song picked out already?” Palmer asked.

“Yes.”