Erika blushed. Would Cassie’s mother be as friendly if she knew how Erika had spent the evening before? Wrapped in her son’s arms, making love to him over and over...both desperate to fuse their connection, make it as strong as possible so that it could survive what came next.

Had Cassie told her mother about them? She’d yet to talk to her friend since their uncomfortable chat the day before. All she’d wanted was to go to Reed—the one place she felt safe, the only place she could be herself.

Cassie hadn’t asked any questions when she’d left the day before. She knew where Erika was going, but Erika needed to apologize to her friend before she left Wild River. She wanted her connection with Cass to be strong going forward so time or distance or arguments couldn’t come between them.

But now that conversation might have to wait. “Hi, Mrs. Reynolds. Nice to see you.”

“It’s been far too long. I was so happy when Cass told me you were coming to visit her. You two used to be inseparable.” Erika closed the door and stepped over two heavy-looking suitcases still in the entryway. Reed had told her that his mother was coming to stay with Cass while her foot healed. Arlene had read about the details of the search and rescue in the Willow Lake backwoods newsletter. “It’s such a shame you have to go back early. I would have loved to catch up with you,” she said, looking genuinely disappointed.

Erika nodded, swallowing a lump forming in the back of her throat as she removed her coat. Arlene had been like a mother to her after hers died. The other woman had taken her shopping for her prom dress and taught her how to apply makeup. Seeing her now brought another wave of nostalgia that made leaving so much harder.

She had two hours before she had to catch her train and she felt guilty for having spent her last night there with Reed. She wasn’t sure if Cassie would even want to talk to her.

“Cass, Erika’s back!” Arlene called up to the bedroom.

Erika held her breath as Cassie made her way down the stairs, holding the rail with one hand and her crutch in the other. She bit her lip, but relief flowed through her when Cassie sent her an apprehensive smile as she hobbled her way toward them. “Do you see the size of those suitcases?” she asked, nodding toward her mother’s things.

“Yes, your mom packs as light as I do,” she said with a laugh, hugging her friend tight at the bottom of the stairs. “I’m sorry,” she whispered.

“Me, too,” Cass whispered back as she pulled away, giving her a reassuring smile. “And you were right—I will tell him.”