Anna clapped and stood next to Elsa. “Wonderful. Happy birthday, Leah!”
Leah was completely awestruck. “Elsa and Anna! You’re my favorite!”
Both ladies laughed, giving her birthday hugs.
“You did good,” Charlotte whispered, pausing the recording. “They’re so happy.”
“Cara.” Rae spun around and I glimpsed tears. “This is amazing. Thank you so much.”
Leah didn’t move from Elsa and Anna as games were played, the girls sang songs from the Frozen movies, and then colored while they wore paper crowns and opened presents. After happy birthday was sang by everyone at the party, cake and ice cream were served. Elsa and Anna left a few minutes later, waving at the girls and hugging every single one before handing out special beaded bracelets.
Leah ran up to Rae, cake icing smeared across her cheek. “This is the best birthday ever!” She hugged Rae as her big brown eyes lit up with pure joy.
Rae placed a kiss on top of her head. “I’m so glad.”
Leah returned to her friends as they climbed up into Leah’s treehouse. The party didn’t show any signs of slowing down as the girls played Frozen and they made up their own version.
“You’ve just made her entire year,” Rae joked as Edge, R.J., and Jake joined us.
“It was my pleasure. Lara and Bree are old college friends. They were more than happy to dress up for the girls. They do these appearances for a little extra cash. It’s wonderful to see how happy they make the kids.”
“Those were your friends?” Edge seemed surprised.
“Yes. Wasn’t it a wonderful idea for them to come?”
He seemed genuinely touched. “That was fuckin’ awesome, Cara. I’ve never seen Leah so excited.”
Rae leaned back into his embrace as he slid his arms around her, her expression tired but happy. “I can’t thank you enough, Cara.”
“Sophie won’t be able to sleep tonight,” Charlotte joked. “These girls will dream Frozen for weeks.”
“I’m sure they will. I would have,” Rae added. “I don’t think Leah will ever forget it.”
“I was saving it for a big surprise. Today was perfect.”
My sister agreed along with Hayley and Rae. “Sophie found a new best friend and got to meet Anna and Elsa. I’ll never get her back to reality.”
I nudged Charlotte with a smile. “My niece deserves the best. Obviously, that’s fictional princesses and new friends.”
There was a chorus of light laughter.
“That was kind of you, Cara.” At the sound of R.J.’s deep voice, I looked up and into his dark eyes as the breath caught in my throat.
It was like everyone in the vicinity just disappeared. The voices of the others faded into the background. All I heard, all I knew was the mountain of a man who stood in front of me.
“Do you think I could talk to you for a minute?” I cleared my throat awkwardly. “Alone?”
“Sure.” R.J. gestured to the house and I followed him inside. “Thirsty?” He seemed to be at home inside the house, and I figured he was probably here often since he was so close to Edge and Rae.
“Water is fine.”
He handed me a cold bottle right from the fridge.
“Thanks.”
“What you want to talk about?” His piercing gaze assessed my expression, lingering just a moment before dragging slowly downward all the way to my toes and then back up again. He didn’t hide the hungry look in his eyes or the open appreciation as his lips widened into a sultry grin.
“I, uh,” I began, losing all track of thought. Why did I need to speak to him again?