She circles the desk and squeezes my hand. “Don’t worry about the inn, Auttie. But do you want me to come with you?”

I shake my head.

My best friend gives me a long look before she nods. “Okay, then you go pack your stuff. We’ll take care of things here.”

I run to my suite and throw some of my clothes into a duffel bag, then I pull out my documents file from the bottom drawer of the TV stand. My hands shake as I take out the marriage certificate we signed four years ago.

What is he doing in St. Peppers?

The question runs on a loop in my mind as I place the file back and grab the small wooden box next to it. I flip it open to take out a dog tag hanging on a ball chain, remembering our email conversation from two years ago.

From: autumnthefallqueen

To: lukasspencer

Hi, Lukas,

Thank you for the surprise birthday gift. I must say, I wasn’t really expecting to receive your dog tag. I sent you a picture of me wearing it. How do I look?

Also, Grandma baked another great cake with our names on it. It was really, really good.

When we get divorced, I’ll miss her cakes.

~ Autumn

From: lukasspencer

To: autumnthefallqueen

Hi, Autumn,

I couldn’t buy you something special enough, and the dog tag is the only one-of-a-kind thing I own.

And if someday I get hurt or injured, you can come running to the hospital wearing it. Now that would be a scene from one of your romance movies, wouldn’t it? Just remember, if you ever get such a call, don’t forget to bring our marriage certificate. You might have to prove you’re family.

Enjoy the cakes while you can. I’m happy you’re getting something out of this marriage.

- Lukas

My breath hitches. The dog tag, which I’ve been wearing since last night, suddenly feels heavy.

From: autumnthefallqueen

To: lukasspencer

What the heck, Lukas?

That was a terrible joke. Why would you even say that? I don’t want you to get hurt or injured. You are one of the few friends I have. And aren’t you a daredevil?

~ Autumn

* * *

I clutch the cold metal tightly as my breathing escalates, but before the tears that are threatening to fall can make an appearance, there’s a knock on my door.

“Autumn, are you okay?” Chiara softly knocks again. “The taxi’s here.” I close the wooden box and slide it into the bag, along with my marriage certificate.

“Yeah. I’m ready.” I walk out and lock the door behind me. “Can you give this to Mom?” I hand her the keys to my room.

She nods, sliding them into her jeans pocket. “You take care and don’t you worry about anything here, okay?”

“Thank you.” I hug her tightly, and she returns it with equal vigor.