"Ave, she can't look like you. It's not even your baby," I informed her as we made our way through the door of our home.

Will, who was already rushing around heating bottles and making sure everything was baby-proofed, released a rueful chuckle from the kitchen.

"Don't listen to Mommy," Ava cooed, gently rocking the beautiful baby, who was currently swaddled in approximately a thousand layers of cotton. "She doesn't know what she's talking about. You look just like me. Yes, you do!"

I rolled my eyes and giggled, exhausted. The last five days since giving birth had been a whirlwind of feeding and throwing up (let's just say birthing the poor kid hadn't been the easiest thing in the world), and I was glad to be back in the place Will and I could now call home.

After both of us had agreed that raising a baby in a sky rise apartment in the middle of London probably wouldn't be the best idea, we'd scooped together the last of our funds to rent out a cute little cottage place in a nice neighborhood with a small backyard. It wasn't anything perfect, but it was good enough for us—especially since we'd both agreed.

It was safe to say the last seven months since the wedding had been bliss. After honeymooning in Europe, we'd come back to London excited for the baby and ready to get down to business of buying for the baby and preparing for her arrival. And now she was here. Our beautiful Charlotte Ava Winchester.

Once we'd come home, Jamie had told us of his plans to move back to America, but Ava had decided to stay to support me in the pregnancy and help with the little one. She'd picked up a job as a curator in a museum (I guess her degree paid off, after all), and buying a shoebox apartment for herself and Luke, it seemed she'd found her own corner of paradise in London herself.

Luke and Ava were now the happy couple as well, even though they still wouldn't call themselves any label directly correlated to love. They were happy doing their own thing, and how could we get in the way of that? They had their own beautiful, unique relationship, and as long as they were happy, we were more than happy to let them do their own thing.

"I have the bottle!" Will called, jogging into the living room as Ava and I sat down. Ava nursed the baby in the crook of her arm.

"You wanna feed?" Ava asked, raising an eyebrow at me. Practically since the baby had been born she'd refused to part with it. She loved her as if she were her own, and we couldn't have asked for a better godmother for our daughter.

"I know how much you love feeding her, so go ahead," I replied, waving it away. I was just happy to have a moment of peace and quiet to stretch out by myself.

"Can I get you anything?" Will asked, like the doting dad he was now going to become. "Water? Something to eat? A comfortable pillow? You must be exhausted."

"Babe," I said, laughing and reaching out to caress him reassuringly. "I gave birth. I didn't have triple bypass surgery. I'm fine."

"I know," he replied. "But I just want you to be comfortable. You accomplished something pretty great, you know that? I mean, look at her! She's gorgeous!"

"Aw, you're too kind!" Ava replied, batting her eyelashes prettily.

"I meant the kid," Will replied, rolling his eyes. "But you're beautiful, too, Ava."

"This one's a keeper," Ava told me, winking as she adjusted her position and continued to feed the baby,

"I hope so," I replied as he took a seat beside me and wrapped an arm around my shoulder. He drew me closer and kissed my hairline. "Because we're kinda married and I kinda just had his baby, so..."

"Well, she's got your eyes," Ava replied, looking down at her with nothing but love and admiration. "You're so beautiful! You're gonna break all the boy's hearts, you know that, Charlie?"

"I hope you're not falling in love with our baby," Will said, laughing. "Because that would be awful."

"She's just so cute!" Ava replied. "I want one."

"It's not all fun and games," I replied. "I predict many late-night diaper runs and hospital checks."

"Not for this one," Ava promised me. "She's gonna be my good little girl!"

Just then a knock at the door sounded, and I frowned. "Who could that be? I hope it's the pizza guy..."

"I haven't ordered the pizza yet," Will replied.

"Damn," I muttered, falling back into the couch.

"I'll get it," Ava told us, and gently handed the baby off to me with the warn bottle. Immediately I cuddled her closer, wanting to be as close to Charlie as I possibly could at all times. It was hard to look down at her and believe I was her mother. I got to look after this beautiful girl for the rest of my life. The mere thought made me want to cry tears of joy.

"I could've gotten it," Will replied. Though her behavior was odd, I was used to weirder things from Ava than just this, though the fact she was willingly parting from Charlotte did strike me as a little weird.

"Too late," Ava sing-songed as she made her way to the front door.

"Is it just me or is she acting a little strange?" Will asked, smiling down at Charlie and playing with her tiny little hands as I fed her.

"Sometimes it's hard to tell with Ave," I replied. "What we consider weird is her normal."

I heard the front door close and sat up a little straighter. "Who was it?" I called out.

Ava appeared with a devilish smile on her face, her green eyes alight with mischief. "Candi..."

"Oh, man, that look is never good," I said, cringing as I wondered what was going on. Next to me, Will looked just as wary by her attitude. Even he had come to predict absolutely anything from Ava Donoghue.

"I have a little surprise for you," she told me, and stepped aside.

"Oh, God, it's not those firefighter strippers again, is it?" I asked. "Because they gave me the creeps and I don't think the baby is ready for that life-long scarring yet."

Just then Jamie and Chance stepped into the room, alight with grins and cheer. Jamie was holding an expensive champagne bottle with a red bow tied around the neck of the bottle. He held it up and shook it in celebration. "Hope you can drink now."

"Oh, my God!" I cried, standing up and making sure to keep a good grip on the baby. I moved forward and hugged Jamie and then Chance with my free arm. "What are you guys doing here?"

"We couldn't just let you have a baby and not come to meet her!" Jamie replied. "We hopped on the nearest flight we could after we heard. Aren't you going to introduce us?"

"Chance, Jamie, this is Charlotte," I introduced. "Charlie, this is Chance and Jamie. Two men who have gone way too long without visiting. Where have you been?"

"Well, I got a job in advertising and media," Jamie replied. "And as you know, I started dating someone a few months ago. We're still together."

"Oh, yeah!" I replied, recalling a video chat we had done one night when he had mentioned the beautiful brunette he had started dating. "Iris, right?"

He lit up at the sound of her name, and I could just tell he was genuinely happy, which made me grin in turn.

"Well, don't let me steal all the glory," Jamie said, turning to Chance and nudging him. "Fess up, buddy."

"Fess up about what?" I replied, shifting the baby to a more comfortable position and tucking in a bit of material that was poking out.

"He has a girlfriend!" Jamie chimed, clapping delightedly.

"Seriously?" I squealed. "That's amazing, Chance!"

"We're not dating," he replied, punching Jamie in the bicep. A light stain of red dusted his cheeks. "We're just... seeing each other. Casually."

"They're totally dating," was Jamie's cavalier reply, before proudly declaring, "Her name is Carla and she works at the physiotherapy office with him. She's a year younger, has blonde hair, and loves reading. She's also a professional equestrian. Won some national championships and all. She also happens to be very sweet on our buddy over here." He clapped Chance on the back.

"Tell all my secrets to the world, why don't you?" Chance replied, the blush burning even more brightly on his handsome face.

"Don't keep it a secret!" I replied. "I wanna know all about this Carla girl! But first, we should definitely pop some champagne. Now that there is no longer a little parasite feeding on my blood, and she drinks only formula, I can drink again!"

"I'll put the baby down, then," Will replied, and slowly took her off of me. By now, she'd fallen asleep in my arms, and her face was peaceful in slumber. She really was beautiful, with the face of a cherub.

"I'll grab the glasses," I replied, standing up. Immediately Ava was by my side helping me to my feet, and I laughed. "Ave, I'm fine! Seriously."

"I just need to use the bathroom and I'll be back to dish all the secrets on Chance's love life!" Jamie declared, causing Chance to groan. Before he could voice a protest, Jamie was off with a maniacal laugh in the direction of the hallway.

"Oh! Before I forget, I have something for you!" Ava told me.

"Ave, you've already bought Charlotte so much. You didn't have to do that..."

"This one isn't for my sweet baby, it's for you!" she replied. "I'll be back!"

She disappeared out the door and off to her car in a happy skip, and I shook my head. "You'd think getting older would slow her down, but nope. She still bounces off the walls like a four-year-old on sugar."

Chance, the only one left in the room, chuckled ruefully. "Nothing is ever going to slow Ave down."

I turned to him, realizing that it was only us, and I hadn't seen him since the night of my wedding on the balcony when we'd said goodbye and let go. "How are you?" I asked him. "I mean, really."

"At first, it was hard," he admitted. "I was really lonely. But I found a job and I kept busy. Tried dating for a while, but it never really caught on. Then Carla started working at the office and everything just kind of happened."

"You swept her off her feet," I replied wistfully. "I remember the feeling."

He laughed. "More like she swept me off my feet. She made the first move and asked me out on a date. I haven't looked back since."

"So, you're happy, then?" I replied. "You're honestly happy?"

He thought for a second, before nodding. "I guess I am. I finally feel like I'm going somewhere with my life. I finally feel like I can breathe again."

"I'm really happy for you, you know," I told him, smiling.

He smiled bashfully. "I'm happy for me, too. And this time, Carla knows everything. No secrets or lies."

"Good," I told him. "Then I predict every happiness in your future."

Just then the door opened and Ava ran in, practically skidding into the living-room. "You're still here? Where's the champagne?" Her eyes widened as she looked between us. "Oh, God. I'm totally interrupting some somber, meaningful, angst-ridden moment between you two, right?"

"I think those angst-ridden moments are behind us now, Ave," I replied. "I'm getting the glasses now."

I walked into the kitchen, and she followed behind me. I opened the cupboard and pulled out five champagne flutes, before putting them on the counter. Someone clearing their throat in an obvious attempt to gain my attention made me turn around.

Ava stood before me holding a big square package wrapped in paper and tied with twine. She held it out with a hopeful smile. "It's not much, but I hope you like it."

"Ave..." I whispered. "You didn't have to."

"I wanted to. Come on, open it."

I untied the twine and opened the package, feeling a nervous flutter in my stomach as I wondered what was inside the paper. Inside was a black leather-bound book filled with empty pages. On the front in glittery pink letters were the words The Dating Manual.

"What...?" I whispered, confused. I held it up. "Ave, this might be one of those presents where I need a little context."

"You've been through so much in your life," Ava replied. "From divorcing parents to tumultuous love affairs to heartbreak to moving to a new country to marriage to having a baby. A life filled with so many memories and laughter and tears and anecdotes. And when Charlie grows up, I think she should know about everything her mother went through in her life. About how amazing and incredible and special her mother is. So I bought you this."

"Oh, my God," I whispered, running my fingers over the cover. "You want me to...?"

"I want you to write your story," Ava told me, gesturing to the book. "I want you to tell Charlotte everything about your life. Show her what true love is. Show her how to love. Show her how to date."

"I'm not sure I'm gonna be the best teacher," I admitted.

"I've known you for five years, Candi," Ava replied, walking up to me. "And in that time I've seen you do amazing things. You can accomplish anything you put your mind to. And I have no doubt that you will be able to show your daughter just how to achieve true love."

"Thank you," I told her, throwing my arms around her. "Thanks so much, Ave! Seriously."

She smiled. "Every time you get a chance, write an anecdote. Write her a story. Show your daughter that it's okay to be a little scared, but it's also okay to jump in and love. Life is for living, minds are for thinking, and hearts are for loving."

"When did you get to be so wise?" I asked her, ruffling her hair affectionately. She was and would always be like a sister to me, and I couldn't imagine a life without my kooky best friend in it.

She smiled. "Now, we should go join the others. I'm dying for some wine."

I nodded and followed her out into the living-room, holding the book safely in my hands. Now that the idea was forming in my head, I couldn't wait to let the words flow out. My fingers ached to find a pen and get down some words. To begin the story of my life. Maybe she could learn some tips and navigate her own way into the dating world one day.

I guess I had officially become The Girl Who Wrote The Dating Manual.

~ * ~

Charlotte Winchester slowly closed the book, lips opening and closing as her eyes searched the pale blue walls of her room. She unfurled her legs from their cramped reading position and sat up straighter, glancing down at the leather-bound book and running her fingers over the glittery words that had once lovingly been embellished eighteen years ago by her blessed aunt.

She stood up from the chair and clutched the novel tightly to her chest, walking to the door and slowly opening it. Curiosity got the better of her, and she ran down the hallway and into the kitchen, where her mother was humming along to a tune as she made dinner.

"Mom?" she called, skidding into the aromatic room and holding up the book. "What is this?"

Candice smiled and wiped her hands on her apron, turning triumphantly. "I see you finished it."

"Did all of this really happen?" Charlotte replied, holding it up. "You and Dad really went through all this?"

"Every last word," she conceded.

"And you decided to give me this the day before I left for college?" she cried. "I have so many questions! I needed at least, like, three years notice to gather all of my questions! Was it totally awesome having Chance and Dad fight over you? Also, did Uncle Lochie really try to kiss you? Because that's just gross. And did Grandma really hate you in the beginning? Oh! Did Chance and Carla live happily ever after?"

"Slow down, sweetie," Candice replied, laughing. "To answer your questions in order, no, it wasn't awesome having them fight over me! It was sad! Yes, Lochie did try to kiss me once, but you will never repeat that, you hear me? And yes, Grandma and I didn't get along in the beginning. I don't really know what happened with Chance and Carla. I haven't heard from him in seventeen years. But I'd like to think they're happy somewhere."

"You and Chance really lost contact?" Charlie replied.

She smiled sadly, her face drifting to the cloudless afternoon outside. "Yeah. We tried to talk to each other, but our lives changed. It got harder and harder to find time to speak. And eventually we stopped altogether. I haven't spoken to him since the last chapter of the book, when he came to visit me just after you were born."

"Can I be completely honest?" Charlotte asked, leaning against the counter and watching her mother speculatively.

"Of course, sweetie," Candice replied.

She held up the book and gestured to it. "This book, it doesn't seem like you and Dad's story. It seems more like you and Chance's. I'm not trying to say you're still in love with the guy, but, I was just wondering why it seems to be more like you and his."

"Because it is," Candice replied, gesturing for her to take a seat at one of the breakfast stools. They both sat down, and Candi turned to her daughter. "You know, I considered writing the story about your dad and I. About how we met. But that wasn't the story I wanted to share with you."

"What story did you want to share with me?" Charlotte replied, cocking her head to the side as she watched her mother struggle for words. She'd always known of her mother's tortured childhood and the fact she'd never met her maternal grandparents, but she hadn't really fully grasped it until she'd read the lengthy book.

"This book was supposed to be written as a guide for you," Candice replied, and reached out with a wistful smile to brush her fingers along the edge of the pages. "A guide on how to date and how to love. I wasn't the best teacher, but Chance was. He taught me how to open up and allow myself to feel love. Since you haven't had a boyfriend yet—"

"Wow, thanks for the grim reminder," Charlotte replied, rolling her eyes playfully at her lack of romantic life.

Candice laughed. "That's not where I was going with this. What I'm trying to say is that I wrote this book so you could hear the story of when I was in exactly your position. I'd never had a boyfriend before. I didn't know how to love. I made some mistakes. I wrote this book so that when you experience your first love, you can look back and read your mother's story."

"The Girl Who Wrote The Dating Manual, huh?" Charlotte replied, turning the book over and staring at the letters with a smile. "Has a ring to it. Maybe you should think about publishing it."

Candice laughed. "No one would want to read that."

Charlotte smiled to herself. "I think you'd be surprised."

"I only ever wrote it for one person to read, and that was you," Candice told her, kissing her daughter loftily on the forehead and standing up to continue cooking.

"I guess that makes me The Girl Who Read The Dating Manual, then, huh?" Charlotte replied, beaming happily.

"Yeah," Candice responded, and if Charlotte strained hard enough, she thought she could hear a faint giggle from her mother's lips, reminiscent of her younger days. "The Girl Who Read The Dating Manual."

The End