Seeing Tyler's reaction, Alexis allowed herself the tiny thrill of knowing that she was still desirable. She'd spent the last year and a half feeling more like a ghost than a person and Tyler's rapt attention somehow made her feel corporeal again.

She heard the grumbles of dismay when Tyler abandoned his game to join Alexis in the house.

"I'm so glad you came," Tyler said, giving her a peck on the cheek. He desperately wanted to slide a hand around her waist, but he kept himself in check.

"Me too," she said with a genuine smile.

That smile took his breath away. He spotted Peyton in the kitchen, setting out a tray of brownies, and waved. Peyton set down the tray and worked her way through the throng of guests to greet Alexis.

Alexis recognized her instantly. Peyton looked surprisingly similar to her high school self, her tall frame still willowy and her blonde hair flowing around her shoulders in soft waves. She wore a red maxi dress with a halter style neckline that highlighted her toned shoulders and arms.

"Alexis, how great to see you again." Peyton greeted her with a warm hug and

Alexis felt her stomach unclench. She hadn't realized just how anxious she was.

"You too, Peyton. You look absolutely beautiful."

"Forget me. You look stunning. Green is definitely your color."

"I love your house," Alexis said, glancing around the rooms again. "I wouldn't have expected such a modern interior from the outside."

"I know. I love that element of surprise. The house was a total mess when we bought it, so I couldn't wait to change it up."

"You did an incredible job."

Alexis felt something brush past her leg and looked down in time to see a blonde blur disappear behind Peyton's dress.

"Ariana, you're supposed to be in bed, young lady," Peyton said firmly.

Alexis saw the little girl's fingers clasp her mother's legs.

"It's too dark," Ariana complained. She peeked out from behind Peyton and gazed up at Alexis with wide, light eyes. Her hair was lighter than Peyton's but with the same thick waves.

"Hello, I'm Alexis," she said. "And you are most definitely your mother's daughter." She bent down to speak to the little girl at her own level. "I'm guessing you're about five years old."

Ariana nodded mutely.

"Good guess," Tyler murmured.

She'd forgotten he was even standing there; she was so transfixed by the little girl. "Your nightgown is so lovely."

The little girl wore a long-sleeved, white nightgown adorned with pink and purple butterflies.

"I got it for my birthday," Ariana said.

"And when was that?" Alexis asked.




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