The trip had taken more than twenty-one hours in the U-Haul. They’d shared the driving duties, but he’d stayed wide-awake while she was at the wheel.

“I need some navigating help,” Jack said. “Keep an eye out for Interstate 65 south. Reid’s place is about twenty miles outside the city.”

They crossed the Cumberland River on the way into downtown Nashville on Interstate 40. “Check out the building that looks like Batman,” Jack said.

“That’s the AT&T building. The blue one’s the Tennessee Performing Arts Center.”

Amused, Jack glanced over at her. “Is there anything you don’t already know about this city?”

“I guess I’ll find out, but I’ve read everything I could find.” Kate peered out the window as the city unfolded. “There’s I-65.”

Jack handed her the directions as he merged into the southbound lane. “What exit is it?”

“Umm, seventy-four.”

Thirty minutes after they left the city lights behind, they took the final turn on the rural road to Reid’s property.

“There’s the sign.” Kate pointed to the archway over a paved road. The name “Matthews” was carved into a sign at the top of the arch. White split rail fencing ran the length of the road and the long driveway. “Wow,” Kate said. “I’ll bet this place is something in the daylight.” The fence went on until it disappeared into the darkness. Huge trees that might’ve been oaks lined the driveway.

“Reid said the guesthouse is a mile from the road on the right,” Jack said.

They saw the outside light that had been left on for them before they saw the guesthouse itself. “That’s the guesthouse?” Kate said. “I had pictured a little cottage.”

Jack pulled the U-Haul into the driveway in front of the two-story house. “I guess the main house is another mile and a half up the driveway.”

“I can’t wait to see that.” Kate hopped down from the truck and stretched. She grabbed their bags from behind the seat and followed her father to the door, which was unlocked. “Oh, it’s so cute!”

The house was furnished with a combination of antiques and country-style furniture. A stone fireplace dominated the living room.

“Reid left a note,” Jack said. “It says, ‘Welcome Jack and Kate! Make yourselves at home. Bedrooms are upstairs. Towels are in the bathrooms. Sleep in and come up to the main house for brunch whenever you get up. Look forward to seeing you. Reid.’”

“That’s nice,” Kate said. “I don’t know about you, but I’m beat.”

Jack stretched and yawned. “Me, too.”

They took their bags upstairs to find bedrooms.

“Dad?” Kate said.

“Yeah?”

“Today was fun. Thanks again for all of this.”

He kissed her cheek. “My pleasure. Get some sleep.”