I smiled. “I used to think that. Luke used to laugh at me about that too, you little stinker.” I sat on the edge of the bed and pulled him into my arms for another hug. “Good night, sweet boy. I love you.” I snuggled him closer and kissed the top of his head.

“I love you too, Mommy. He said there were no ghosts in the backyard either.” He burst out laughing as I turned off the light and headed down the hall to get ready for bed.

I crossed the threshold to Gram’s old room to find my suitcases and boxes piled up in the corner. I guess Levi and Jude had reached their helpful limit with Dylan’s room. I laughed to myself as I dug through the boxes until I found my pajamas and toiletries and headed into the bathroom. Mom had left a basket on the white marble-topped counter filled with bubble bath and other girlie fun things, and a card to welcome me home.

I felt like a brat for the way I had acted earlier. I craved independence, but I should have been nicer about it. I placed my phone and the baby monitor on the edge of the counter near the old claw-footed tub and started the tap, adding a huge amount of the sweet-smelling bubble bath. I had always loved this tub. I twisted my ponytail up into a bun, stepped in, and let myself drift down into the warm, bubbly haven of relaxation. The day washed away as the water got higher.

My phone pinged with an incoming text. I shut the water off with my foot and reached for my phone. The text was from Luke. My heart pounded, and my stomach did a tingly swirl. I felt ridiculous because it was just a freaking text message, and I responded like a hormonal teenager in the throes of a crush. Which, I’ll be honest, had been how I’d used to react to Luke every time I was near him. But I was older now, and I hadn’t seen him in years, and there was this huge hurtful history between us that had yet to be addressed. I had come in here to relax, and one ping of my phone had ruined that.

Luke: I wanted to talk to you today. I have so much I need to say to you. Can we talk soon?

I should suck it up and be a grown-up about this. The water swished around me as I sat up and grabbed a towel to dry my hands so I could text back.

Lily: Yes, I am going to work with Violet. We can talk there. Will that work?

Luke: That works for me. Sweet dreams.

Lily: Good night. See you tomorrow.