Sloane watched the dark shadow cast over Ben's face before he made his wish. She'd seen it before. Repeatedly, when she asked him personal questions, he changed the subject. It was obvious he held pain inside.

She held her coin and shut her eyes. As she threw the coin, she wished Ben's pain would heal, and he'd share it with her. She let out a breath and turned to Ben.

"I think we're both too serious. I have a gift for you and I'd rather give it to you in private."

Her belly flipped. She hadn't wanted him to buy her a gift.

"It's in the pocket of my..."

She reached into the right-hand pocket and pulled out a small square box.

"I couldn't wrap it. Go ahead."

She took the lid off and smiled. Inside was a necklace with three intricately detailed tiny gold leaves. She had spent a few minutes admiring it at the silent auction and considered bidding on it. "I love it. How did you know?"

"I watched you and knew you liked it."

"I liked the photograph too."

He laughed. "You said I could have it. You can come see it anytime."

"Anytime?" She teased him.

He kissed her and whispered as his lips brushed behind her ear. "Anytime."

She hugged him. "You're cold. Let's go back."

The house was warm, and she slipped off his jacket and passed it back. She took a glass of wine and he put his arm around her.

Bea came over to them, smiling. "How was your walk?"

"We'll let you know if our wishes come true."

"They always do. Mia waited six years, but most come true quicker."

"Don't tell Tori." They walked away, and she explained to Ben how Tori had been waiting for her first love to come home since she was eighteen.

Kenzie and Jett approached. "Where were you two?"

"We went for a walk." She didn't want to explain the fountain to them.

"I like your doctor's wife. She has a son who's younger than Sean."

"She's a Jett fan too." Sloane bumped Ben's hip when she spoke.

"They can't all like me." Ben smiled, and she wanted to kiss him.

"So are you two going steady?"

"Kenze!" Jett warned his wife to watch her mouth.

Ben laughed. "Don't worry. They argue for foreplay. It's sick."

Kenzie looked like she wanted to argue, but Jet blushed. Sloane laughed. She had never seen Jet embarrassed, and it was adorable.

"You two did your share of arguing." Kenzie wagged her finger.

Ben tightened his grip on her waist. "I think we're done not getting along."

It was her turn to blush. She led them into the dining room where the buffet was laid out. Rosa had outdone herself, but Martina had helped. There was a platter of her favorite spicy shrimp.

"Try these. They're my favorite."

She smiled because both men filled their plates. They sat together at the table. While they ate Noah and Brenna joined them.

Noah said, "I'm not sure who I should apologize to. I didn't know it was a secret you were a Calhoun."

Sloane laughed. "It's okay. I just like being Sloane, the crazy fan, not the rich girl."

"Yeah, it's all good. Now she's the crazy rich fan, but I like crazy."

She felt her belly flip. She had loved him for so long, but now she truly loved him. If she didn't have to work in the morning, she'd ask him to drive her home, but she was better off going with her brother. She and Dom had come with Ted and Mia.

Dom had hit it off with Joel, Noah's doctor friend. He was still nervous about quitting. Hopefully, the date would give him the encouragement he needed.

Sage breezed in. "Sloane, it's time for the cake. Lucky you, two wishes in one night."

Sloane planned to double down on the same wish. They moved back into the ballroom. Rosa wheeled the cake in on a cart. It was ablaze with thirty candles. Suddenly she feared risking her wish if she couldn't blow them all out. She wished instead for Tori to find true love.

She took a deep breath and blew. Somehow she blew them all out. She smiled at her sister. Tori visited the fountain so often she could afford to have one wish cancelled out. Thanks to Sloane, Victoria had a wish which wasn't dependent on Tommy Hayes.

Both Rosa and Martina pushed the cake back to the kitchen. Ben watched it go. She bumped him with her hip. "Don't worry. They're just cutting it."

"I like cake. I like sweet things."

She smiled. He was different from how she imagined. She kissed his cheek. He pulled her to his side again.

"Are you working all day tomorrow?" She nodded. "What about dinner?"

"Probably working."

"One night during the week? Once I get this cast off, I'll cook for you."

"I'll like that. Just don't ask me to return the favor."

"I could teach you."

Maybe she'd have time to learn now. If Sage could learn, she could too.

Sloane stepped away to say goodbye to her guests. Noah and Brenna left first. Noah had to work in the morning, and Brenna was tired. She had told everyone she was due in two days.

Guests slowly left, including Jett and Kenzie. Even Bea had said goodnight after Sloane's parents left.

Ted turned to Sloane. "Are you coming with us?"

Ben spoke up. "I can drive you home."

She should have said no, but she had worked exhausted before. She wanted to kiss him again. After hugging and thanking Sage and Aidan, she walked with Ben to his car. He insisted on carrying two bags filled with gifts.

"Did you have a nice birthday?"

She smiled. "No, my birthday was Wednesday, and I worked sixteen hours, but I had a wonderful party. I'm glad you came. Sorry I didn't invite you."

He began driving. "Why didn't you?"

She was glad his eyes were on the road and not her. "I didn't know what we were, and I didn't want you to feel obligated to buy me a present."

"I would have bought you the necklace even if it wasn't your birthday."

"You're a nice guy. Why did you fool me into thinking you were a jerk?"

He sighed. "I couldn't like a fan the way I like you, so I tried to dislike you."

"So if I was just me without the Calhoun name, you'd still be mean to me?"

"I doubt it. Kenzie liked you, and I probably would have still asked you to be my date."

"And chances are neither of us would have been able to dance."

He laughed but grew serious quickly. "I wish you weren't working tomorrow." She resisted the urge to ask why. "I don't think it's a good idea for me to walk you to the door."

She laughed. Thanks to Dom, she couldn't get the idea she could make him hard out of her mind.

When he pulled up behind the Victorian, he kissed her. She wished it wasn't so dark. She'd like to see if Dom was right. Pulling away, he groaned. "You better go. I should carry your bags."

"It's fine. I carry luggage through airports. Goodnight Ben."

"Night." He called out into the frosty night air. "I'll call you."

She smiled and hoped she could sleep.

Dominic came home while she was getting ready for bed. She heard him and went to see him.

He screamed when he saw her. "Ah!"

"Did I scare you?"

He laughed. "Just kidding. You look cute scrubbed down in your jammies."

"How was your date?"

"Amazing! Joel's hot and smart and hot and nice and hot."

She laughed. "He sounds perfect."

"How was yours with your hottie?"

"I like him a lot."

"Honey, that's old news. The good news is he likes you. Honestly, he didn't hide it."

"Really? No, don't answer! We'll be lucky to sleep as it is."

"Okay, heiress. See you in the morning."

He kissed her cheek. He smelled of competing aftershaves. She smiled.

Thanks for reading and voting ⭐️