Mary hadn’t expected to be so nervous. Maybe coming a day early wasn’t the best idea. What if Nora doesn’t like surprises? What if she has plans tonight? What if she doesn’t like my new dress or my haircut? What if you just ring the doorbell and find out, Mary Elizabeth?

The blinds were down and the lights were on, so most likely Nora was home. Mary took a deep breath and set down her suitcase. Here goes nothing. She rang the doorbell. She heard movement inside.

“Just a second,” Nora called out. A moment later, she opened the door.

“Hi.” Mary stood rooted to the spot, her heart pounding out of her chest. You’re even more beautiful than I remembered. How is that possible?

Nora’s smile turned radiant. Without saying a word, she hefted the suitcase and pulled Mary inside.

“Wh—” Mary felt herself being lifted off the ground and spun around in the air. Then Nora set her back on her feet.

“I can’t believe you’re really here.”

“I know I’m a day earl—”

Nora drew her in and kissed her.

The softness of her mouth, the scent of her shampoo, the solidness of her body… Mary drank it all in. This was where she belonged. This was home.

“Thank you for coming early. Did everything go all right? How was your trip? What did your mother say? How’s your father doing? Were your credentials all in order?”

Mary laughed. “Slow down, for Heaven’s sake. Since when did you become so talkative?”

Nora laughed too. “Since I haven’t had anyone to talk to in more than a month.” She took Mary’s hand and led her to the couch. “Come, sit down and tell me everything. Wait. You must be worn out. Do you need to rest first?”

“I’m fine. You, on the other hand, look like you haven’t slept in a month.” She meant it. Nora looked even thinner than when she left, and the dark marks under her eyes belied her exhaustion. “I’m worried about you.”

“Don’t. I’m better for seeing you.” Nora caressed her cheek. “I can’t believe you’re really here. I know, I said that already. I can’t get over it.”

“Didn’t you think I’d come back for you?”

“I hoped you would. I dreamed you would. But I guess I was afraid to trust it until now.”

Mary kissed Nora’s eyelids, her forehead, her nose, and finally her mouth, reveling in the taste and feel of her. “I made my girl a promise. I tend to keep my promises.”

“Are you hungry? Do you need something to eat?”