This is going to be the last email I write to you. I don’t think it’s healthy to hold on the way I have been. I’ve used my imaginary letters to you as an outlet for too long. Years have passed. I’m a different person, and my life looks nothing like it used to. You can probably say the same. It’s time for me to accept the way things are.

I’m going to keep these private communications in case I ever want to look back. This has been cathartic. Like a journal, almost. I like to tell myself that maybe one day I’ll see you again, and I’ll share everything I’ve written to you, but I doubt that will happen.

So, for now,

Goodbye.

K xx

When I got back to the cottages, the door to the other one was open, and Blair and Tyler bounded out. Tyler grinned, and it lit his square-jawed face.

“Hi, Kennedy,” he said. “It’s good to see you.”

Blair’s friend was wearing jeans that would probably cost a month’s rent for most people, and a designer T-shirt. With tousled blond hair and deep brown eyes, he had the kind of easy good looks that always attracted attention. I liked him, but I’d never been interested in him romantically, and I was glad he had a girlfriend now and seemed to have gotten over the crush he used to have on me.

“Hey, Ty.” I gave him a quick hug. “You really didn’t have to come all this way.”

He released me and stepped back. “When Blair explained what was happening, and the fact that he was worried for your safety, I knew I needed to be here at least for a while to see you with my own eyes and make sure you’re okay. Plus—” A dimple popped in his cheek. “—I’ve always wanted to visit New Zealand, so it didn’t take much convincing.”

I laughed. “Well, there’s plenty to see in this area of the country. Perhaps you and Blair can do a bit of a tour while you’re here.”

“I’d like that.” He smiled. “I already know I like Destiny Falls. It feels like such a welcoming community.”

“Mm,” I replied noncommittally. “Welcoming” wasn’t exactly how it had felt recently, but I knew I had some ground to make up.

“How did your meeting with Liam go?” Blair asked.

My heart lightened. “It went well. We talked. Had breakfast together and caught up.”

“Good.” He still looked wary. “So, what now?”

A smile crept over my face. “We’re going hiking on the weekend.”

“Cool.” He glanced at Tyler. “We were just talking about heading up to see the falls now. Do you want to come?”