“Do you need me to pick you up?” Charley asked.

“No. I’ve already scheduled a Lyft. I’ll swing by tonight though.”

“Can’t wait to see you. I’m glad you’re coming home.”

“I miss you, too.”

Annie avoided talking to her sister because she was emotionally drained from the tour and would probably end up ruining the surprise. She ended up scrolling through social media and liked several posts from fans on Instagram. She jumped over to TikTok to follow Reece, because in his videos she would see glimpses of Bristol’s life. The kid had posted at least two dozen videos since the one he and Bristol made on the tour bus.

Her flight was at one thirty and would get her into Denver at five. She had an appointment at the dealership at six and was hoping to be at Sarah’s by seven thirty, right before Peyton’s bedtime. Peyton started all-day kindergarten today. Annie knew she would be wound up wanting to talk about it until she dropped off to sleep, exhausted.

She got to the airport, took a few selfies with fans who recognized her, and slipped into first class without any problem. She slept the entire trip, waking only when the tires bumped on the tarmac. Everything about today felt rushed.

At 7:14, Annie pulled up in Sarah’s driveway and honked. She had stopped a block away to throw on the giant red bow the dealership provided. The SUV was charcoal gray with heated seats that Annie tested on the drive over. Strange that it was still hot in California but there was already a chill in the Denver evening. Sarah opened the door and stared.

Annie jumped out of the car and yelled, “Surprise!”

“You’re home.” Sarah ran down the steps and hugged her.

“I’m home,” Annie said.

“Did you get a new—wait a minute.” Sarah took several steps back when she noticed the red bow and Annie dangling the fob in front of her face. “No! Shut up. Seriously?”

Annie couldn’t stop the tears that rolled down her cheeks. “It’s what you asked for and the very least I could do.” She thrust the fob into Sarah’s hand. “She’s all yours.”

“Auntie Annie!” Peyton pushed open the storm door and squealed when she saw Annie. She was already in her pajamas and carrying her elephant stuffed animal that she slept with every night.

“Peyton! Come here!” Annie braced herself as Peyton flung herself into Annie’s arms. “I’ve missed you. How was your first day of school?”

Her blue eyes widened with excitement. “It was so cool. I had the best time.”