Page 89 of Happily Ever After

“Early,” he said. “I couldn’t stand being away another minute. And with everything going on with Sophie, I figured I should be here. Chad can handle things.”

She pulled back just enough to look at his handsome face. “You didn’t call.”

“I wasn’t sure I could get a flight,” he said. “It’s good to be home. I brought you something.”

He reached into his pocket, pulled out a little suede pouch and tipped it gently into her palm—a delicate gold necklace, simple and elegant, with a beautiful diamond cross dangling from it.

Essie swallowed. “Oh, Frank.”

“I saw it and thought of you,” he said. “I generally take that as a sign you’re supposed to have it.”

She laughed softly and leaned in to kiss him. “You didn’t have to.”

“I think I did,” he said. “And I wanted to. You deserve it after taking care of things here.”

They were still standing there when the unmistakable jingle of Maple’s tags floated up the walk.

Essie turned just as Sophie came into view, Maple trotting proudly ahead of her. Sophie stopped short when she saw Frank, surprise flashing across her face before something softer replaced it.

“Dad,” she said.

“Hi, sweetheart.” Frank stepped forward immediately and pulled her into a hug. Sophie stiffened for only a second before melting into it.

“I’m home,” he said into her hair. “And everything’s going to be okay.”

Sophie nodded against his shoulder, eyes squeezed shut, Maple circling their legs before flopping down with a satisfied huff.

Essie watched them, her heart full. “That’s Maple, by the way.”

Frank released Sophie and ruffled the fur on Maple’s neck. “Nice to meet you, Maple. I hear you’ve become a big part of the family.”

“She’s super sweet,” Sophie said.

Frank smiled at his daughter. “How are you doing?”

Sophie gave a small, tired smile. “I’m okay. I’m trying.”

“That’s all you can do,” he said gently.

Essie gestured toward the kitchen. “I was just thinking about making some dinner.”

“Perfect timing,” Frank said. “I could definitely eat.”

Sophie hesitated, then nodded. “Yeah. Food sounds good. For once.”

As they moved inside together, Essie felt a quiet sense of relief. There were still hard things ahead, but Frank was home. Home. And there was nothing the two of them together couldn’t manage.

Chapter Thirty-Five

Maude had collected more signatures than she’d expected but fewer than she’d wanted to. She hoped that wasn’t the same with the rest of the Bees or they were going to be in trouble.

She steered her golf cart slowly through the Colony, the clipboard resting on the seat beside her, pages lifting slightly in the breeze.

She’d developed a method pretty quickly. Knock, smile, explain, listen, thank. She could probably do it in her sleep now.

Some doors had opened wide. Others barely cracked. A few people had waved her away with polite firmness.

She tried not to take any of it personally, but she wasn’t known for her poker face. There might have been a few eyerolls. Whatever. Those non-signers were dumb.