Together sounded right.
For the first time in a very long time, the future didn’t feel like something stalking me from the shadows.
It felt… open.
And I was finally ready to step into it.
41
Nora
The tavern finally opened.
Exactly at eleven.
Trigger insisted.
“If we’re having a grand opening,” he said, flipping the sign fromCLOSEDtoOPEN, “we do it on time. Eagle River doesn’t need rumors. It needs coffee, bad music, and fried food.”
The Magnolia Ladies showed up at ten thirty.
Of course they did.
They stood outside in their coats, purses clutched like weapons, eyes sharp and curious and far too perceptive. When they saw me through the window, every single one of them softened.
Not pity.
Recognition.
I took a breath and unlocked the door.
“Morning,” I said.
Mabel was the first in. She didn’t say a word — just wrapped me up in the kind of hug that smelled like perfume and home and unyielding strength.
“We heard there was trouble,” she murmured into my hair. “Didn’t need details.”
I swallowed hard. “I’m okay.”
“We can see that,” Clara said briskly. “Which means the rest is none of our business.”
Hazel snapped her fingers. “Now. Where is Wolf?”
I glanced over my shoulder.
Wolf stood near the bar, tall and tense, scanning the room like it might suddenly turn hostile. He’d tried to give me space this morning.
Tried.
He was failing spectacularly.
Hazel waved him over like she’d known him his entire life.
“Come here,” she said.
Wolf hesitated.
Then took one step.
