“No, but I’m really interested in music, and people seem to think I have some talent.” She raised her hand when he seemed about to interrupt. “The main reason is that my mom used to sing to me, at night and in the car and when we went for a walk. All the songs she loved. I didn’t tell you that before.”

“I didn’t hear her sing very often. But there was one night in particular…” His voice trailed off.

“We sang lots of her favorites together. Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline, Bob Dylan, Reba McEntire—”

“Of course,” he broke in with a laugh.

“And many more.”

“Again, I’m not surprised by what you’ve told me. But I’m very moved. And I get the tattoo thing now.”

“I had it done a few months after she died. It’s to commemorate her and to…celebrate our history.”

“You still want to talk to Shallie? To be honest, when it comes to dealing with emotional stress, I think she’d be more helpful than me. But you and I will talk later, okay? Whenever you want.”

“Okay,” she responded and he called Shallie on his cell.

Shallie came down a few minutes later; she and Carly exchanged a long hug.

“What can I do?” Shallie asked, exactly as Cord had. “I’m available to talk anytime you need. You know that.”

Carly nodded. “Thanks,” she whispered. “I’ve been feeling bad. About my mom.”

“I’m going to suggest setting you up with a therapist I used in Seattle. You can do Skype appointments with her. Would you like that?”

Carly nodded again.

“All right, consider it done.”

“Oh, by the way,” Cord said, “Eli asked me to pass this on to you.” And he gave Carly an envelope. “Let me know if you have any…concerns.”

That comment about “concerns” made her wonder, but she wasn’t really worried.

Other than her relationship with her mom, she’d never connected with people in a more profound, loving way. Fate, or whatever it was, had finally served her well.

BACK UNDER HER favorite tree, Carly closed her eyes against the sun. Since the letter Cord had given her came from Eli, she could guess who’d written it. Tearing open the envelope, she pulled out a single sheet of paper, unfolded it and glanced at the signature. Yes, indeed. Eric.

The message was carefully printed by hand.

Dear Carly,

I’m sorry. That’s all I can say. I was a jerk to give you and Lindsey a hard time. You guys don’t deserve that. I’m sorry for all the hurt I caused everyone.

I don’t know what’s wrong with me.