“Newport is as popular as ever,” Clare said.

They navigated Ocean Drive’s winding curves in silence until an elaborate gold-leaf sign announcing “Infinity Newport” appeared in front of them. Sitting at the end of a quarter-mile driveway, the hotel kissed the shore of Rhode Island’s Narragansett Bay.

“Oh my.” Clare took in the sprawling two-story shingled building with dark green shutters and trim. “Why, it already looks like it’s been there for years!”

“I know,” Kate said. “I’ve thought that, too.”

“It’s magnificent,” Clare said.

“Wait ’til you see the inside,” Maggie said. “It’s awesome.”

“We’ll save that for another time,” Clare said as Jill drove slowly past the hotel. “Dad and Uncle Jamie did a wonderful job. Thanks for showing me.”

They fell quiet again as they wound along the ten-mile Ocean Drive on Newport’s southern coast.

“Oh, look, that’s the house Dad and Andi are buying.” Maggie pointed to an ornate wrought-iron gate in front of a two-story gray colonial.

“Is that it? I haven’t seen it yet.” Jill slowed the car to get a better look. “Wow, it’s huge.”

“It is,” Kate agreed. “There’s a little beach out in front, too.”

“Very nice.” Clare felt suddenly disconnected as her daughters checked out their father’s new house. “I think I’m ready to get home, guys.”

“Sure, Mom,” Jill said, taking the curve to Bellevue Avenue where they passed the city’s famous mansions. They drove by the merry-go-round at First Beach, and a few turns later, Jill pulled into the gravel driveway at home.

Kate retrieved Clare’s crutches and helped her mother from the car.

Clare took a long look at the house she hadn’t seen in more than three years. The only noticeable difference was the landscaping, which had grown and matured in her absence—just like her daughters. She shook off their offers of help and navigated the three small stairs to the front porch. When a flood of memories assailed her, she gestured for the others to go on in.

“I’ll be right there.” She rested against the porch railing. “Go ahead, honey,” she said when Jill hesitated.

Jill went in, and Clare stood riveted, staring at the bright red front door, remembering.

“Three small steps,” he had said, taking both her hands to lead her. “One, two, okay, stand there a minute.”

Listening to a door opening, she’d been tempted to nudge aside the blindfold he insisted she wear. “Jack, where are we? What’s going on?” She felt him come back to her, and before she knew it, he swept her up into his arms. “Jack! What are you doing?”

“Carrying my bride over the threshold.”