The door swung inward, and there she was, as beautiful as I remembered. Her face had more maturity, but nothing else seemed to have changed. I fought the urge to hug her, knowing she probably wouldn’t return the affection.

Her smile faltered, and she stopped abruptly, crossing her arms over her chest. “Let me guess. Katy?”

I winced. “I’m sorry.”

She shook her head. “I never thought I’d see you again. Not after all this time.”

I shifted from one foot to the other, unable to read her. She clearly wasn’t pleased, but she didn’t seem furious either. More… cautious.

“Things changed,” I said, knowing the weak excuse couldn’t possibly sum up the many ways in which my life had been tipped upside down over the past decade. I’d need hours to explain the whole painful story. “I can leave if you don’t want me here.”

Grace pursed her lips and was quiet for a long moment with her hand on the door, effectively barring me from entering the house. She searched my eyes. I didn’t know what she hoped to find, but I held her gaze.

Eventually, she spoke. “If you’re expecting to be welcomed back with open arms, you’re going to be disappointed.”

I released a bitter laugh. “I know. Believe me.”

“People are going to be upset,” she continued, her tone level despite her words. “They won’t be happy if I open my doors to you.”

I nodded. She was probably right.

“Why the subterfuge?” she asked. “I’m sure you have plenty enough money to buy your own place and not feel a pinch in the pocket. Why rent mine?”

Honestly, I’d wondered the same thing.

“Nostalgia, I guess.” It was the closest thing to the truth I could offer her. “I have a lot of good memories here.” I’d been happy in the cottage with its pink curtains and cute kitchen.

Grace’s hand dropped from the door. “You can stay,” she finally said, though she didn’t invite me in. “I always thought there was more to the story than what you told Liam.” She reached out to touch my shoulder, and I felt like crying just from that small gesture of acceptance. “You were smitten with him, and you never seemed homesick while you were here. I figured you must have your reasons for ending things with him and staying away, but others aren’t so open-minded. They’ll take a while to come around. Assuming you’re not just here for a visit?” She arched a brow.

“I’m here to stay.” No amount of frostiness would deter me.

“Good.” She withdrew her hand. “Don’t make me regret my decision.”

“I won’t. I promise.”

Grace passed me a key from the pocket of her jeans. “Here. Let me know if you need anything.”