“I know what it’s like to have trauma, and I also know that you have to talk this out in a way that helps you get past it and forgive yourself. I would like for you to come to a support group with me. Even if you’re not ready to talk to a counselor yet, my support group for trauma survivors is wonderful.”

“I don’t know…”

“Emma, let this new start be a real new start. Don’t let it just be the place you’re running to in order to get away from what happened. Let people support you. These people understand. I promise.”

Finally, Emma felt a weight lifted off of her shoulders. She felt lighter just knowing that someone else knew her secret. The burden wasn’t hers alone to carry now.

“Do you feel differently about me now that you know?”

Janine shook her head. “Absolutely not. I feel like we’re sisters. We’ve both suffered trauma, and we’re both survivors. And I’m thriving now. You’re going to be thriving soon too. Just take my hand and let me help you.”

Emma looked down at Janine holding out her hand. Was it time for her to finally get past this? Was it time for her to open up and let other people in? She reached out and took Janine’s hand.

“Okay.”

“Okay?” Janine said, smiling as tears rolled down her face too. She hugged Emma even tighter. “We’re going to do this together.”

Chapter 10

Julie was up bright and early ready for the spring festival. It was one of her favorite parts of the year because it meant that the warmer weather was being ushered in along with all of the tourists who would not only bring more money to the bookstore but also to the inn. Both of her businesses relied heavily on welcoming people to Seagrove.

The spring festival brought in tourists from all over the area, but also all of the locals. It was so great to see everyone in one place and take the time to relax and catch up on all of the town’s gossip. She had been sitting at the table for Down Yonder Books for the last couple of hours, handing out free bookmarks and discount coupons.

“It’s a beautiful day, isn’t it?” her mother, SuAnn, asked as she walked up to the table. She picked up one of the bookmarks, looked at it and then scrunched her nose before setting it back down on the table. “Do people actually like those?”

“Yes, Mom. People like them. So how’s everything going at your table?”

SuAnn had quite a spread at her table with pound cakes, cupcakes and even German chocolate cake. She had been on a baking frenzy trying to get ready for the festival, and she was selling a lot from what Julie could tell from across the square.

“We can’t keep up with the pace! Darcy is sitting at the table now, and I think we’re almost out of peach pound cake. You know that’s everybody’s favorite.”