Page 69 of Heartfelt Goals

“Dustin has something for you, too, but you might have to wait for Tuesday for that one,” Laurel said gently. “This… this is just a little something from me.” She exhaled, feeling the weight of the moment settle in her chest. “When I turned thirteen, Mom gave me…”

Kendall sucked in a breath, her entire expression shifting from surprise to something far more fragile. “Oh, Laurel,” she whispered, her voice cracking with emotion. Her fingers curled around the bag, holding onto it like it was something sacred.

Laurel swallowed past the lump in her throat. “Mom called it a ‘big girl gift,’” she murmured, forcing a small smile. “And I wanted to do the same for you.” The air between them was thick with understanding, a love that ran deeper than words. “I know we have a weird relationship because we’re sisters, but I love you. I never want you to think otherwise. And while I never expected to get the phone call that morning about the fire, I’m so glad I’m here with you. I want you to have the same memories I had, to share in what I once experienced. And I want you to know that Mom would be so proud of you right now.”

Kendall pressed her lips together, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. They stood there, frozen in that delicate, painful, beautiful space between grief and love.

Then, in true Kendall fashion, she broke the moment.“She would not be a fan of your dragon boinking,” she choked out, her laughter mixing with her tears.

Laurel barked out a laugh, the sharp sting of sadness fading into something softer.

“No, she wouldn’t,” she admitted, shaking her head. She reached out, pressing a kiss to Kendall’s forehead, holding onto her like she could somehow protect her from the world.

Kendall sniffled, wiping at her eyes. “Do you think she would like Dustin?”

“I know she would,” Laurel whispered, watching as a tear finally slipped down Kendall’s cheek.

“I do, too,” Kendall said, voice thick with emotion. “But just don’t tell the big dork.”

“I won’t.” Laurel smiled, squeezing her shoulders before nodding toward the bag. “Now, are you going to open it sometime this year?”

Kendall nodded quickly, sniffling once more before eagerly pulling out the tissue paper. The moment she saw what was inside, her face lit up in pure delight.

First, a package of delicate golden freckles, the kind that could be pressed onto the skin to give the illusion of sun-kissed beauty. Kendall gasped, running her fingers over them reverently. Next, pink lip gloss, a small bottle of perfume, a tube of blue mascara, and light brown eyeliner—just enough to enhance her features without overpowering her youth.

“Oh, goodness… Laurel,” Kendall whispered, her voice wavering.

“You’re growing up,” Laurel said softly, brushing a curl behind Kendall’s ear. “And we both see what an incredible young lady you’re turning into.” She smiled, her heart swelling with warmth. “I’m happy we can spend more time together, go tothe games, and share these moments with our new friends and families.”

“Me too,” Kendall said quickly, surging forward to wrap her arms around Laurel. She clung to her tightly, squeezing with all the strength she had. “I love you.”

Laurel’s breath hitched as she hugged her back, pressing her cheek against Kendall’s head. “I love you too. Now, go get ready, and we’ll head out.”

“I will…” Kendall pulled away, her excitement renewed as she bolted up the stairs, still clutching her new treasures.

Laurel exhaled slowly, pressing her hand against her heart. She glanced down at the counter, a small smile tugging at her lips as she thought about what was to come.

Dustin had thought of everything.

He had planned a little celebration for Kendall at the youth league’s first practice, a way to welcome her into their ever-growing family. He had even gone so far as to buy her a pair of brand-new ice skates, the case embroidered with her initials, because he wanted to support her, to show her she belonged.

Laurel bit her lip, her chest swelling with love for the man she had married. He was thoughtful. He was kind. And he understood, without ever needing to be told, just how much Kendall meant to her.

She loved him—more than she had words for.And she would spend forever showing him just how much.

Twenty minutes later, they entered the private underground garage of the building, and she saw the Lotus was gone. Dustin took his fancy sports car out for a little fun on the way to work.

As they reached the bottom of the stairs, Kendall pulled open the door to the garage, and Laurel hesitated, her breath catching in her throat. The spacious garage was dimly lit, the overhead lights casting a soft glow over the two Land Rovers parked side by side—pristine, gleaming, identical. But it wasn’t the sight of the luxury vehicles that stopped her in her tracks.

It was the license plates.

Her pulse pounded in her ears as her gaze locked onto them, her entire body freezing as if someone had pressed pause on her world.

PUCKYGUY

GOALM8TS

She blinked, once, twice, as if she wasn’t seeing them correctly. But no—there they were, bold and unmistakable, staring right back at her like a message. Dustin took the Lotus so she could see the two cars beside each other.

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