Allison's POV
Kate seemed absolutely delighted to have Lucian staying for dinner, like she'd just welcomed home a wayward prince who'd finally remembered where his castle was.
She cooked enough food to feed a small town, practically glowing the entire time.
Lucian, of course, played along like the charming prodigal son, tossing compliments Kate's way and making her laugh so hard she nearly dropped the gravy boat.
After dinner, even he couldn't invent a reason to linger any longer.
I walked him to the door, hesitating for a beat before surprising both of us with a quiet, "Thanks… for everything."
He raised an eyebrow, slipping one hand casually into his coat pocket.
"You're being suspiciously civil. Should I brace for emotional whiplash?"
"If you're fishing for a s
