Christmas wasn't fun for Violet; she was mostly confined to the couch. However, she could eat as much of her mother's baking as she wanted—a first in years.

She began physical therapy immediately after the holidays. It was excruciating. Kaleb or Nathan drove her to appointments, as everyone else was at work; sometimes Noah picked her up.

Violet followed instructions precisely, determined to avoid hindering her recovery through laxness or overexertion. Her physical therapist was impressed by her dedication; most patients weren't so diligent.

More than anything, she wanted to dance again. The ballet director had visited, explaining he could hold her place for a maximum of twelve months. Otherwise, he'd have to replace her.

Her physical therapist predicted full mobility within the original three-to-six-month timeframe, but muscle rebuilding might take longer. Dancing en pointe might take six to nine months.

Violet didn't care how long it took, as long as she didn't permanently damage her knee and could return to the New York City Ballet before her leave ended. She tried to remain optimistic, but the potential loss of dancing threatened to destroy her.

After a particularly difficult therapy session, she sobbed in Noah's arms.

"What if I can't dance properly again? What will I do? I won't be myself without dancing."

He gently stroked her back, speaking calmly. "I don't think that will happen, Vi. Your therapist is confident, even if you feel it's slow."

"But what if it does?" she sniffled.

"Then we'll figure something else out. Even if you can't dance professionally, you could teach. You'd just need to adjust your plans," Noah pointed out. "But I don't think that will happen. You'll be the New York City Ballet's prima ballerina again soon."

His words were exactly what she needed, especially "we'll figure something else out." He included himself, framing them as a team. He'd always been supportive, but things felt different now that they were in a relationship.

He wasn't just her best friend; he was her partner, like her parents. It was Violet and Noah against the world, even more so than before.

She'd often wondered what she'd do without him during difficult times, but never more fervently than during her recovery. He was her sanity, her safe place.

"And Vi?" he said.

"Yeah?"

"You'll always be you, regardless of your job. And I'll always love you."

Violet looked up, seeing his sincerity. How had she missed it all these years? He looked at her the way her father looked at her mother—as if she were his whole world.

She didn't know what to say. Their romance was still new. She sensed he was avoiding rushing things, which she appreciated.

Changing lifelong feelings didn't happen overnight. But she admitted she couldn't love anyone more than Noah in that moment. If he stayed wonderful, she'd definitely fall in love.

Since confessing she couldn't bear to lose him, they hadn't kissed. She was sure he was waiting for her to initiate.

The time was right. Overwhelmed with affection and appreciation, she kissed him. He was surprised, pulling back to look at her.

"Hey Vi…I don't want to overstep…but I really want to kiss you. Properly. Is that okay?" he asked nervously.

Violet almost laughed. His face was adorable! She smiled, caressing his cheek, emboldened by her affection.

"Yes, Noah. But you didn't need to ask."

His eyes widened. He leaned down to kiss her again. She'd been kissed before, but it had never felt so sweet. Despite his inexperience, she felt his love.

Her heart pounded. When they separated, she buried her face in his neck. This was Noah, the man she'd considered a brother weeks ago. How could he make her heart pound like this?

"You don't look comfortable," Noah noted. "Do you want to move?"

Her braced leg was awkwardly positioned as she sat on his lap. Flushing, she moved to sit beside him. How embarrassing!

"Want to play Scrabble?"

He asked nonchalantly, as if they hadn't just kissed. She wondered how he could be so calm when she was a mess.

Noah was always relaxed, but still! Shouldn't he have a stronger reaction if he was in love? He'd been a wreck when she'd made him stand in for a prince…

Violet narrowed her eyes. "How are you so calm?"

He smiled. "My calm is an illusion; I'm about to spontaneously combust. Feel my heartbeat if you don't believe me."

She felt his rapidly beating heart. She snorted. It was nice knowing she wasn't the only one freaking out.

"Do you really want to play Scrabble?" Violet asked doubtfully.

"Truthfully, I'd rather continue down the path of spontaneous combustion."

She laughed. What a hilarious way to say he wanted to kiss her again. Noah always had a funny way with words.

Violet stood, offering him her hand. "If you want to spontaneously combust, I won't stop you. But standing might be easier with my leg."

He took her hand; as they were about to kiss, they burst out laughing at the awkwardness. They ended up touching foreheads for support. This was going to take some getting used to.

(The final paragraphs regarding the website are promotional material and were removed for this editing exercise.)