It’s about two people who are complete opposites and fall in love, but she’s got cancer. She has these really sweet wishes, and he makes each one of them come true.

It’s beautiful. I can’t stop crying every time I watch it.

You should definitely see it.

~ Autumn

From: lukasspencer

To: autumnthefallqueen

I only watch action movies and thrillers.

But only a few weeks later, I sent her another email.

From: lukasspencer

To: autumnthefallqueen

I’m ready to watch that movie. But I won’t do it alone. You’ll have to watch it with me.

- Lukas

I’m lying on the bed, still not recovered completely. The crutch propped up on the side is mocking me. My brain screams at me to call the therapist whose card is lying in my nightstand drawer, but for some reason I know this is what I need right now.

11. Autumn

11

AUTUMN

Mom holds my hand as we stand next to Dad’s car. Grandma and Dad are already seated inside, waiting for her. “Are you sure about taking over the inn now? I can keep helping you until Lukas is back on his feet.”

“Mom, you agreed. And I did well the last week, didn’t I?”

“You did. I’m so proud, and so is Dad and your grandparents. But, Autumn, Lukas—”

“We’ll manage, Mom. Lukas isn’t a baby, and thanks to Grandma, we’ll be seeing each other all the time now that we’re holed up in one room.” I cross my arms over my chest, not intentionally trying to be rude, but my family hasn’t left me with many options.

Mom briefly looks back at Grandma, who’s sitting in the back seat, before leaning closer to me and whispering, “Dad told me…about the”—she looks around and speaks the next word so softly that I almost don’t hear her—“divorce.”

I release a deep sigh even when I don’t blame her for being concerned. What parent wouldn’t be worried when their child gets divorced at the age of twenty-two? Especially in a small town like Cherrywood, where everyone knows everyone’s business.

“Are you sure it’s the only way?” Mom’s eyebrows furrow. “Lukas is a nice man, and…he doesn’t look that old. He’s…handsome.” There’s a twinkle in her eye, and my heart skitters at the sight of it.

Guess even my composed mom isn’t immune to Lukas’ overpowering presence.

“Mom,” I whisper, because all of a sudden my mouth is dry. “Grandma is enough. We don’t need you to be like her.”

“I’m just saying,” she whispers back.

“Don’t. Not in this matter,” I say in a hoarse voice, and then I turn her around toward the waiting car.

My heart beats wildly even after my parents are long gone.

Mom’s words ring in my ear.

He’s handsome.