As if she heard my thoughts, she glances up and meets my gaze. Then she winks at me. Huh. Is that a signal? We didn’t talk this plan through in detail, so I’m not sure when to start our show.

I’m waiting for some cue when my mom comes in from the yard. She’s got on a red- and white-striped top and blue pants with white stars. She’s a walking American flag. Very patriotic. Very Betty Slater.

“Welcome, welcome, welcome!” she says. “Were you all at the 4th of July parade today? Dale and I thought we might see you.”

As usual, Mrs. Graham answers for her whole family. “We were only there until they announced the winners of the boat float competition! It was Mae and Cubby, which was a wonderful surprise! Although, I suppose Beau wasn’t surprised, seeing as how he was a judge! Then we headed straight to Big Mama’s so Santa could visit Daisy!”

Mr. Graham puffs up his chest. He’s wearing a Christmas vest and turtleneck. “I did a pretty good job playing the part of Santa, if I do say so myself. Only problem is, I’ve still got some glue stuck to my face. Elaine used too much to paste the beard on.”

“Shhh!” Mrs. Graham puts a finger up to her lips. “Youweren’t Santa, dear.The realSanta came.”

Brady smirks. “Based on the smell of mothballs, I’d have to saythe real Santastores his suit in our attic.”

Mrs. Graham smacks his shoulder. “Now, you just hush. You too, Phil. You’re both such spoil sports.” She shakes her head, and I cut my gaze to Kasey, who catches my eye and smiles. Her family is nuts, but I love them all. More than is good for me, that’s for sure.

“Darby and Olivia and Tess were great sports,” Mrs. Graham continues. “They found elf costumes at the church garage sale for only fifty cents each, and convinced Daisy to sit onSanta’slap so he could ask her what she wants for Christmas. That sweet little thing wouldn’t answer, of course. So Mac went ahead and told everyone Daisy’d been a good girl all year even though some of us wonder if that’s true. Then we got some pictures of Daisy with Santa before she started to cry and—”

“Take a breath, Elaine,” Mr. Graham interrupts. Then he chuckles. “You must be dangerously low on oxygen by now.”

While Mrs. Graham glares at him, my mom pipes up. “Why don’t we all head into the backyard for some snacks before the show?”

She guides Mr. and Mrs. Graham out onto the deck, while I try to catch Kasey’s eye again. But she’s got her focus on the stairs. Natalie’s at the top, waltzing down. As soon as my sister reaches the ground floor, Kasey sidles over to me. “Hey there, Beau,” she coos. “You’re looking handsome tonight.”

Ah. Now I get it.Kasey was stalling until Natalie showed up so she and Brady could both witness our performance. “You too, Kasey,” I choke. “I mean, you don’t look handsome. You look … beautiful.”

“Thank you, kind sir.” She takes my hand, lifts it overhead, and spins herself around. She’s ridiculous. And adorable. I just want to spin her for the rest of my life.

Brady cocks his head. “You feeling all right there, Kase?”

Kasey blinks at him. Eyes big like Bambi. The innocent kind, not the deer-in-headlights kind. “Whatever do you mean, brother dear?”

“She’s fine,” I jump in to answer. “We’re fine. Everything’s fine.” My throat is tight and hot, and I’m totally rethinking this charade. Yes, I promised Kasey. But if Brady’s not all right with Fake Us,he’ll never be all right with Real Us. And what if I want Kasey for real?

I want Kasey for real.

Natalie wrinkles her nose. “Why is everyone talking weird? And acting weird. You’re all so weird!”

Kasey flashes her a smile that’s big and white. “Maybe we ate some of your special brownies.”

Natalie turns to me. “I have no idea what Kasey’s talking about,” she says, “but you look like you’ve been caught with your hands in the cookie jar. Stop being a cookie-jar thief, Beau.”

I open my mouth to protest, but I’m saved by my dad, who appears at the door leading to the deck. “Kids! You should get out here. The fireworks will be starting soon, and you don’t want to miss ’em. Come on now. All four of you.”

We head outside where my parents and Mr. and Mrs. Graham are already waiting for us. Boats are floating, their lights twinkling on the water. The lake reflects a crescent moon and a row of trees along the shore.

“Grab yourselves a drink and a popper or a sparkler if you want,” my dad says. “I’ve got folding chairs set up over there.” He points across the deck. “Or you can stand.” He shrugs. “Either way, once the fireworks start, the best view will be over at the railing.”

“Let’s go,” Kasey says, leading me toward the darkest corner. Her small hand heats up my whole body. Every part of me she touches feels branded. I want to tell her I’m all hers, but this isn’t the right time. Natalie and Brady are across the deck from us, talking and laughing with our parents.

Kasey squeezes my hand, and the fireworks start with a series of pops. Bright webs of color light the sky, dripping downward before disappearing. More fireworks explode. Pop! Pop! Pop! Everyone oohs and ahhs with each brilliant burst.

“Isn’t this lovely,” my mother exclaims. I look down at Kasey and think,Absolutely.

She gazes up at me, and her bright eyes burrow straight into my heart. “Are you ready?” she asks. When I nod, she whispers, “Me too.” Then she goes up on her toes and brushes her mouth against mine. My lips. Her lips. Soft as I remember. Riper than cherries. All I want to do is gather her in my arms, but I hold back. Let her take the lead. Kasey tips her chin, leaning into me, and I lose myself in the sweetness of her.

She tastes like magic. Like sunshine. Like every delicious thing I can imagine. My hands find her waist, pulling her close. It’s not a grip—she’s still free—but she relaxes into my embrace. Her kiss is a sigh of surrender. When we pause for breath, she lowers herself off her toes and presses her cheek to my chest. I’m sure she can feel my heart banging against my ribs. But I don’t care. I’m done pretending.

“Kasey,” I murmur. She’s so warm and light in my arms. “You have no idea how long I’ve dreamed of kissing you like this. It feels like I’ve been waiting my whole life.”