Noelle’s feet widened a little farther, and her shoulders went back. “When someone I know is in trouble, I’m the person they call. When someone needs money, or a ride, or their car jumped, or tile grouted, I’m the person they call. I have intentionally built my life so I am that person. I am steadfast. You’re frivolous.”

Miriam knew then how she could prove herself and make her absence up to Cass and everyone else. She couldn’t believe what she was about to say, but it felt completely right.

“Well,” Miriam snapped back, her hands balling into fists at her hips, “this frivolous knockabout is about to save your damn farm. Do you, or do you not, need help getting through the Black Friday rush?”

“What does that have to do with anything?” Noelle threw up her arms.

“I’m going to be your seasonal help. I’m going to stay here, and work the Carrigan’s Festival, which, you’re right, I’ve never done. For free, because Carrigan’s can’t afford to pay me. I will get us through Black Friday weekend, and by the time I leave, I’ll have a plan to take to the bank. Literally. Then you can eat your words.”

Holy shit, what had she just committed herself to?

Staying here through Thanksgiving was absurd. She had no idea what would convince the bank that they were a good business risk. But she knew she had to do this.

“Why the hell would you do that?” Noelle demanded.

Miriam rose up to her face, or as close as she could considering their height difference. “If you’re right and I let Cass down, what better way could I make that up to her but to fulfill her dying wish? Should I just blow that off, too? What would that say about me?”

“You’d better clear this with Hannah,” Noelle growled, stepping back. “And call your fiancée.”

Fuck, Noelle was right. She was going to have to call Tara. Which was going to suck.

“Thank you for your input. And, just FYI, Cass knew exactly why I wasn’t coming home, and she understood.” Miriam headed toward the door.

“Did Hannah?” Noelle called after her.

Miriam flinched, but she didn’t answer. Instead she extended her middle finger up above her head as she pushed outside.

She stomped back to the inn, letting her adrenaline drain as she went. Inside, she found Hannah sitting stiffly on an antique chaise that would look better as a moose statue. Maybe Hannah would give this to me to rehab, Miriam thought idly. This was the first time she’d seen Hannah truly still all week.