Page 77 of Key West Promises

"Later," Gretchen intervened, seeing Sarah's pink cheeks. "Let's get you both ready for dinner first."

Back at The Gardens Hotel, their suite transformed into a whirlwind of pre-dinner preparation. Chelsea took charge of hair and makeup, while Tess steamed the wrinkles from their new dresses.

"Do you really think I need lipstick?" Sarah asked, watching Kaitlyn sort through her makeup bag.

"Trust me," Kaitlyn said, "I know what I’m doing.

"Just a little," Kaitlyn promised, selecting a soft pink shade. "Nothing too dramatic. You're sixteen, not heading to a nightclub."

Leah sat on one of the beds, going through her phone. "Jack’s going to meet us at the dock," she reported to Kaitlyn. "And Jamie's joining us too, apparently.”

"Really?" Tess's voice carried from the bathroom, trying to sound casual.

"Yes, really." Gretchen smiled.

“I sent Will a text and asked him to come too,” Kaitlyn added.

“This is going to be awesome,” Sarah said as she smoothed her blue dress nervously. Looking at Gretchen she asked,

"Do you think my mom will be mad about all this? The shopping and everything?"

"Let me handle Joanna," Gretchen said firmly. "You just enjoy being with your sister."

"Done!" Kaitlyn announced, stepping back to admire her work. "Take a look."

Sarah turned to the mirror and gasped softly. Kaitlyn had enhanced her natural beauty without making her look overdone. Her honey-blonde hair fell in soft waves, and her makeup was subtle but perfect.

"You look beautiful," Kaitlyn said, standing beside Sarah in front of the mirror, their reflection showed their undeniable connection—same height, same delicate features, same sparkle in their hazel eyes.

"We look like sisters," Sarah whispered, joy evident in her voice.

"You are sisters," Chelsea said, dabbing at her eyes while trying not to smudge her own makeup. "Now, let's get going before I completely ruin my mascara."

They gathered in the hotel lobby, a parade of colorful dresses and excited chatter. Will and Jamie were already waiting, both looking sharp in button-down shirts and dress pants.

"Wow," Will said softly when he saw Kaitlyn. His genuine admiration made her blush.

"You clean up nice," Tess told Jamie, who couldn't seem to take his eyes off her coral dress.

Jeffrey appeared from the hotel entrance, looking somewhat formal in a suit. “We should get walking down to the docks. The water taxi's waiting."

As they walked toward the dock, Sarah fell into step beside Kaitlyn. “This is so exciting, and the day has been perfect.”

Kaitlyn smiled. “It has and tonight will be just as much fun.”

Indeed, they made quite a group: the Lawrence sisters leading the way, Will and Jamie flanking the girls, and Jeffrey bringing up the rear. The evening air was perfect, carrying the salt-tinged breeze that made Key West evenings magical.

At the dock, Sarah's eyes widened at the sight of the boat. “The adventure continues.”

"Wait until you see the restaurant," Tess said, accepting Jamie's help onto the boat. "The view is spectacular."

Jack met them at the dock. “Looks like the gang’s all here,” he announced, taking Leah’s hand. “Let me help you.”

“Thanks, Jack. I pictured myself falling flat on my face.”

They settled into their seats, the sisters naturally together, as the boat pulled away from the dock. Sarah gripped Kaitlyn's hand as they picked up speed, but her nervous expression quickly turned to delight as they skimmed across the water toward Sunset Key.

"This is amazing!" she exclaimed, the wind catching her hair. "The water's so beautiful!"

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