On the downstairs balcony, Brianna settled in a lounge chair with her phone and made a call to Liam. It was after eleven. The house was dark and quiet, Burke asleep in his downstairs room and Allison alone upstairs in the king-size bed. Brianna could tell things were strained between her father and stepmother. Not so long ago, she had hoped the marriage wouldn’t last. Now that she was getting to know Allison, she found herself wishing it would—and fearing that it might not.

“Hullo.” Liam had picked up on the third ring.

“Hi, sleepyhead,” Brianna purred into the phone.

“Hi. You sound mighty cheerful for this late hour.”

“I am. I got a job today—just part-time, but it’s with a local newspaper. I’ll be a real reporter!”

“Hey, that’s great. I’m happy for you.”

“You don’t sound too happy.”

“Sorry. I’ve been trying hard not to miss you, but it’s like there’s this big hole in my life. I’m counting the days till you can come back here.”

“So am I. But I’m scared, Liam. My six-month probation won’t be up in time for next semester. I’ll have to reapply to go back to Northwestern in the summer or fall. What if they don’t accept me? I mean, I was a decent student, but not one of the superstars, and now I’ve got this blotch on my record. Why should they take me back when they could fill my place with somebody better? And with my dad having money troubles . . .” Brianna’s voice trailed off. She’d tried not to worry about her father’s business, but today’s lunch with Allison had brought the issue front and center.

“Can you reapply now? At least you’ll know whether it’s even an option.”

“That’s a good idea. The sooner I find out, the better.”

“What if you don’t get back in? Do you have a plan B?”

“Sort of. Allison suggested I check out Missouri State in Springfield. They have a good journalism program. It would be a lot cheaper, and I’d be close to home—but I wouldn’t be close to you.”

Liam took a long, deep breath. “I love you, Brianna,” he said. “I’ve got a good job here but there are other jobs. And I’d never forgive myself if I didn’t give you the chance to follow your dream. Figure out where you need to be. If you still want me, I’ll find a way to be there for you.”

His willingness to accommodate her brought tears to her eyes. “You have a dream, too, Liam,” she said. “Yours is just as important as mine.”

“If you and I are meant to be together, we’ll work something out,” he said. “But not much can happen until you’ve settled the question of school.”