My gaze drifts back to the headstone she’d been standing in front of moments ago.
“Is that your husband?” I ask gently.
“Yes.” Her smile turns a little wistful but doesn’t fade. “I like stopping by every so often. Updating him on how the kids are doing. That way, it doesn’t feel like he’s missing out on everything.”
“Do you think he hears you?”
“I like to think so,” she says after a moment’s contemplation. “I know it might sound strange and a littlewoo-woo, but after I tell Ryan what’s been on my mind, I feel…lighter. Less burdened.”
I nod, knowing all too well how that feels.
It’s how I feel right now, too.
“Well…” I adjust the leash in my hand. “I should probably get back. I promised this little man a pup cup before bringing him back to the shelter.” I nod toward Sergeant Puppers. “I’m sure I’ll see you sometime this week.”
I head down the path leading toward the gate.
“What are your plans this afternoon?” Danielle calls out, stopping me.
I face her. “I’m not really sure yet.”
Which is true. I’d considered checking out the Christmas Festival at Holley Ridge, since everyone in town seems to be buzzing about it, but I haven’t made any concrete plans, aside from avoiding Hayden at all costs.
“If you’re not busy later, it’s Second Sunday.”
I tilt my head. “Second Sunday?”
“It’s a tradition I started a few years ago now that all my kids are grown and out of the house. I host a family get-together on the second Sunday of every month. Lots of food. Wine. Beer. It can get a little loud and chaotic,” she adds with a grin, “but it’s my favorite day of the month. I’d love for you to join us.”
“I wouldn’t want to intrude on your family time.”
“Which is exactly why you should be there,” she says without missing a beat. “You’re part of this family now, too.”
I haven’t felt like I was part of a family in a while. You’d think when I was in the hospital, my parents would have visited me more often. My father had his personal assistant send flowers, but I could count on one hand the number of times either of them actually stopped by to see me. And when I told my father I was quitting the law firm to travel the country in a van, he thought I’d lost my mind.
He didn’t understand how nearly dying could have changed my perspective on life. He figured I’d be happy to jump right back into my so-called career of working eighty hours a week in the hopes of becoming a junior partner in the next few years. Because that’s what he did.
“I should probably check with Hayden to make sure he’s okay with it.”
Danielle waves a dismissive hand. “Who cares what he says?I’minviting you.” Her expression softens. “I hate the idea of you being left out. And it’s not justimmediate family. You’ve met Dylan’s roommate, Claire, right?”
I nod. “We met up for a drink last weekend.”
“She’ll be there, too. Along with a few other family friends. Everyone’s welcome at my table.”
I open my mouth to protest again, but then I remember my rule to say yes, even if it scares me a little.
“Thank you, Danielle,” I say finally. “I’d love to come. Do you need me to bring anything?”
“Just yourself,” she responds with a wink, already turning away. “I’ll see you later.”
I watch her walk off between the rows of headstones, cursing my year of yes for the first time.
So much for having a day without seeing Hayden.
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
HAYDEN
