It was just after sunrise when the first knock echoed through the quiet cabin. Vivienne stirred from Jack’s bed, skin bare under a linen sheet, her legs still aching pleasantly from the night before. Arielle was curled beside her, equally…

The town had started treating Vivienne like she’d always been there. She now wore boots with dirt on them. She helped set up the community center’s fundraiser. She kissed Jack in public—and no one dared comment. Her transformation wasn’t just…

She watched it happen. At the bonfire’s final embers, the couples—four people she had tested and guided—had leaned just a little too far. Dani let her hand drift down Maddie’s thigh before thinking again. Mark kissed Liana instead of Maddie…

The town square was alive. Bunting of red, white, and blue curled around light poles and storefronts. Booths lined Main Street—grilled corn, funnel cake, lemonade, hand-carved crafts. Laughter echoed across the green where kids ran with sparklers and old-timers tuned…

Posey’s pink bikini is soaked, her popsicle is dripping, and she’s in the mood to tease someone who knows better.