“Wait,” Charlotte said. “But how will you guys do math homework without me?” She took a sip of coffee.

“You’re just down the street!” Julie enthused.

Charlotte laughed. “This should have been one of the hardest times of my life, but, because of all of you, it’s been one of the happiest. Thank you for that. I love you all so much.”

“Well, it isn’t over,” Grace said. “Because one of my conditions is that we all congregate once a week, right here, for a great meal and a little forced family fun.”

“Yay!” I said, clapping my hands. “I love this idea!”

Three little sleepy-headed nieces appeared from their bedroom around the corner. Audrey climbed into Julie’s lap, Jamie crawled into mine, and Brenna said, “Yay! Pancakes!”

“Should we wake Merit, Emma, and Iris to celebrate?” Grace asked.

“We’re coming!” Merit called.

The three of them padded down the stairs, still in pajamas.

“I’m so excited Dad is coming home!” Iris said.

There was a tentative knock on the back door, followed by Oliver’s “Hello?”

I shot a knowing look at Julie.

“Oliver!” Charlotte said. “Is everything okay?”

He nodded. “All is well. Julie invited me to breakfast. I hope that’s okay.”

Grace laughed. “Julie, you dog. Juniper Shores Socialite calls it right again.”

Oliver laughed and put his arm around Julie. Well, well, well, maybe someone had fallen into her lap after all.

Grace stacked plates full of pancakes, Charlotte poured glasses of milk, and everyone piled into their seats at the table.

“I can’t believe this is our last family breakfast,” Iris said.

“Well…” Julie said, “maybe not our last. Grace and I want to host everyone as often as you’ll come.”

Iris gasped. “What?”

Grace nodded. “We’re buying the mommune!”

“So, you aren’t getting back together with Dad?” Emma asked.

Grace put her hand on Emma’s. “I’m sorry, sweetheart. I know this is hard—”

“Dad’s a total jerk,” Emma said. “And I don’t want to leave my school. I’m glad you’re not getting back together with him.”

“Same,” Merit said, his mouth full of pancake.

I laughed. “In case I don’t get the chance to say it again, I want everyone to know how happy you have made me. I love you all deeply, and you have given me my life back when I truly didn’t think that was possible.”

“We love you too, Anally!” Jamie squealed.

“Alice, I honestly do not know what Iris and I would have done without your kindness and compassion. You saved us. You gave us not only a place to live but also people to sustain us.” Charlotte paused. “And no matter what anyone else says, I believe with all my heart that all of us coming together played a huge part in Bill getting out of jail.”

“Hey!” Oliver protested. “Ye of little faith!”