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Now...

for the first time...

I'm unpacking.

Mrs. Donnelly, the owner of the inn, waters the flower baskets along the porch rail and smiles when she reaches me. "You look peaceful today."

I glance up.

"I think I finally am."

She nods as though she'd expected exactly that answer. "I've been waiting for you to figure it out."

I laugh.

"Were you?"

"Oh, yes." She continues watering bright red geraniums. "The first week you arrived here, you looked like someone trying to outrun tomorrow."

"And now?"

She studies me for a moment before smiling. "Now you look like you've decided to stay awhile."

The words settle softly around me.

Stay awhile.

I suppose I have. Not just in Briar Cove. In this life.

***

A car horn sounds from the parking lot.

Once.

Then twice.

Curious, I glance toward the drive.

A silver rental car has just pulled into one of the visitor spaces.

The driver's door swings open.

A familiar woman with dark curls, oversized sunglasses, and a grin wide enough to light the entire porch climbs out.

For one completely ridiculous second, I simply stare, then I launch myself out of the chair.

"Keisha!"

She barely has time to shut the car door before I throw my arms around her.

She laughs, hugging me just as tightly.

"What are you doing here?"

"What does it look like?"

"I...you..." I step back just enough to look at her. "You're supposed to be three states away."