“Tessy Bear,” Mom said softly, rubbing my back. “We missed you so much!”

“I didn’t think you were coming!” I said, crying with my face pressed against her shoulder.

“Maureen and I thought you’d like the surprise,” she said before pulling back and wiping my tears with her thumbs. “But maybe we should have told you. Oh, don’t ruin your pretty makeup! Was it a bad surprise?”

“No!” I said. “It’s a good one! I’m so happy!”

My mom put her hand on her heart, smiling. “Thank goodness.” She stepped back and looked me over. “My girl, you look beautiful. And so grown-up. That dress!”

“I can’t believe you came,” I said, wiping my eyes again, thinking she looked beautiful, too. She had on slim black pants and a short-sleeved black-and-white wrap top I’d never seen. Her dark hair was down, sleek and shiny.

“We wouldn’t miss it for the world.” She leaned in, holding my gaze; she even had on eyeliner. “I wouldn’t miss it, Tess. Do you know that?”

I do now.

“Yes,” I said, the word getting stuck in my throat. I needed to change the subject, or I’d cry more. “Where’s Charles?” I asked, looking around.

“Someone had to take care of the inn,” Mom said sadly, adding, “He wishes he were here.”

“I just sent him seven pictures of you guys hugging,” Frankie said next to us, eyes on her phone, typing like she was in a texting contest. “He said he feels like he’s here.”

“Frankie, leave him alone. He has to work,” Mom said.

“I am,” Frankie said, still texting him.

“Put the phone away,” Mom said sternly, and Frankie rolled her eyes in a way only she can, and I felt like I might burst it was so good to see them again.

“Can we get a drink already?” Frankie asked, and my mom agreed, looping her arm through mine.

“Yes, and then we’re going to Tess’s station so we can see what she’s been up to this summer.”

“I know what she’s been up to this summer,” Frankie said sarcastically. “Where’s the g—”

“Shh,” I said, and she didn’t even snap at me for shushing her.

We started through the crowd, my mom looking back at her sister, saying, “We actually did it! We surprised her!”

“It’s a miracle!” Aunt Maureen replied. Until then, I hadn’t realized how similar their voices were. It was sweet.

Everyone got a cup of punch, and we moved to the corner of the room, hovering near one of the high tables. Kane, in his shorts and button-down mini-man shirt, stared at Frankie.

“What?” she asked.

He blinked.

“Stop staring at me,” she said flatly.