Her mother’s face was pale and her eyes glistened with unshed tears.

“Mom, what is it?”

“They said…they said your brother’s farm is on fire—”

“What?” Her chest tightened. “Come on. Let’s go.”

She took her mother by the hand and rushed out the door. They headed straight for Hannah’s golf cart. What she wouldn’t do right now for a car. Her foot pressed the gas pedal to the floor. She didn’t ease up on the accelerator as they whipped around a right turn.

“Hannah, slow down,” her mother said.

“Slow down? This cart can only go twenty-five miles per hour.” She inwardly groaned. “This can’t be happening.”

Her mother remained quiet the rest of the ride. Hannah couldn’t tell if she was having a word with the big guy up above or if she was thinking of Hannah’s father.

Her mother held on tightly as Hannah pushed the golf cart as fast as it would go. All the while, she prayed her brother and niece were safe. Any other damage they could deal with. But nothing could happen to Sam and Nikki. Their family had already gone through so much—they’d lost so much.

As the cart crested a rise in the road, Hannah spotted the glow of flashing red lights. It was a worrisome beacon. Part of Hannah wanted to turn around and pretend that none of this was happening. And yet she kept her foot pressed firmly to the accelerator.

Her family needed her. That was more important than painful flashbacks or the fear that had her white-knuckling the steering wheel. They’d all get through this terrible evening.

The sheriff stood in the driveaway, attempting to keep away gawkers. He waved for her to stop. As soon as he lifted the beam of his flashlight to their faces and recognized Hannah and her mother, he offered a quick word of comfort and then waved them through.

“I…I can’t look.” Her mother covered her face with both hands.

Flood lights illuminated the farm house. It had stood there all of Hannah’s life as well as her mother’s. Hannah remembered going there for Sunday dinners and holidays. It was within this very house where she’d first learned to bake. It was there where she’d gained a passion for creating delightful edibles.

“Mom, it’s okay. The house is fine.” Tears spilled over onto Hannah’s cheeks.

“It is?”

“Yes. Look and see.”

Her mother slowly lowered her hands. “It is.” Her mother pressed a hand to her chest. “Thank God.” She looked around. “Where’s Sam and Nikki?”

“I don’t know.” Hannah gazed into the shadows.

Though the old farmhouse was still standing, there was still something terribly wrong. The heavy odor of smoke hung in the air. But if it wasn’t the house on fire that must mean the barn was burning. Hannah’s chest tightened as memories of her father’s demise rushed to the forefront of her mind.

“I don’t see Sam.” Her mother’s frantic voice drew Hannah from her troubling thoughts.