Chapter 137

• Rita and Steven burst into the kitchen, noses wrinkling at the fresh whiff of burning rolls. "What in the world—did you char another batch?" Rita started, words dying mid-stride.
• They froze in track, eyes widening at the sight: Howard and Charlotte locked in that deep kiss, his hands cupping her face, her fingers twisted in his shirt—flour everywhere, sink still running.
• Charlotte heard her mother's sharp intake and jerked back first, cheeks flaming crimson. Howard stepped away too, clearing his throat, lips still tingling.