"You know what I'm talking about. It's starting," she murmured as a trail of light streaked skyward. "There's nothing like the start of something big."

FROM THE PORCH of the inn, Hope watched the sky explode. Around her the guests applauded, oohed, ahhed. She'd made margaritas on request, enjoyed one herself while she watched the color and light.

And thought of Ryder, down in the park with his family.

Flowers, she mused. Such a surprise. She liked surprises, but she also liked to know what they meant. An apology in this case, she concluded. Though it hadn't been necessary.

Then there was the movie business. Where had that come from? Straight out of the blue, as far as she could tell.

Silly, she told herself. A movie was just a movie.

But it was the first time he suggested going anywhere-a date?-since they'd started sleeping together.

Were they dating now? Dating was different from sleeping together. Dating had a kind of structure and a set of rules-loose ones, depending, but rules and structure.

Should she start thinking about that-about rules, and structure?

And why was she complicating what was absolutely simple? They enjoyed each other in bed, and bonus, liked and enjoyed each other out of it.

And, both of them were sensible, straightforward people with busy lives.

Enjoy the moment, she ordered herself. Enjoy the fireworks.

A hand closed over hers, so she turned. No one touched her; everyone's eyes were trained on the sky.

"All right, Lizzy," she murmured. "We'll enjoy them together."

When the last boom echoed, she went down to make a fresh batch of drinks. It pleased her, a great deal, to know her guests had a good holiday experience, and were even now talking about the show, the feel, the local color.

It pleased her, too, to realize Lizzy wanted her companionship.

She fixed more chips and salsa, plated the pretty mini cupcakes topped with American flags she'd gotten from the bakery. She left some on the counter for those who came down, trayed the rest to carry up for those who wanted more time out in the summer night.

She carried up the tray. Belatedly thought Ryder might like something if and when he came by. She slipped out and down, plated a few more cupcakes. She had beer in her personal refrigerator now.

And what did that mean?

Just that she often had the company of a man who preferred it to wine, she told herself as she once again climbed the steps.

And stopped short when Ryder came down from the third floor.

"I didn't know you were here."

"I put D.A. in your place. The kids wiped him out. Did you make those?"

"No, the bakery-"

He grabbed two, ate the first in one bite. "Good."

"Yes, they are. I was taking them upstairs in case you made it by and wanted some."

"Good thinking. I do." He ate the second, then held out some sort of plastic wand with a star on the top. "I got you a present."

"You-What is it?"

"What does it look like? It's like a magic wand or a fairy stick. They sell these light-up toys down at the park. The boys got light sabers and ray guns. This is girly."

"It's girly."

"They're fun." He pressed a couple b.u.t.tons, had it singing and shooting off light.

Laughing, she took it, gave it a little wag through the air. "You're right. They're fun. Thanks."

"Did you see the show?"

"Yes, it was great. We had chips and salsa and margaritas on the porch."

"It's not Cinco de Mayo."

"The guests are always right. And they're excellent margaritas. Do you want to come out and have one?"

"Really don't. I've had my quota of people today. The park was jammed with them."

"Here. Take the cupcakes. I'll be up as soon as I can."

"Am I supposed to save any of these?"

"Yes."

"Always a catch."

"Beer's in the fridge," she said, and went out to her guests.

IT WAS LATER than she'd hoped, but they made their own fireworks. With too little sleep, she climbed out of bed to work with Carolee on breakfast. By the time she managed a minute to go back up, he and his dog were already gone.

See? Simple. Straightforward.

Then she picked up the silly wand, turned it on.

And felt her heart melt a bit-more, she realized, than it had with flowers.