“How do I know if I’m in love?”

Vanessa smiled at Bristol. “You’ll feel like your world has been turned upside down and the only thing that makes sense is the person who occupies so much of your head and heart. When they are with you, everything seems perfect.” She finished her coffee and stood. “You’ll figure it out. I trust you. Now, I have to make sure your brother doesn’t sleep the day away. It’s been a rough week getting him out the door and to school on time.”

“Good luck there.”

“How did two completely different children come from the same womb?”

Bristol held up her hand. “No. I refuse to believe that. He’s adopted.”

Vanessa cupped Bristol’s chin and pushed her hair behind her ear. “But he looks just like you.”

“Purely coincidental, I swear.”

“Get some rest. I’ll call you tomorrow.”

Bristol washed their cups and wiped down the counter. She had nothing to do. Nothing needed her immediate attention. Bristol’s financial advisors had instructions on what to do. All her emails had been answered by Lizzy’s team. They forwarded any that they felt required a personal touch. She was officially bored. It had been a week. One week.

When the doorbell rang, Bristol laughed. “Mom, you can use your key. I promise it’s okay.” She opened the door and had to hold the handle to keep from falling to her knees. She couldn’t find her words. She could only stare.

“How do you feel about cats?” Annie stood in the entryway with a guitar and a small rolling suitcase.

“What are you doing here?” Bristol asked.

Annie didn’t falter. “How do you feel about cats? This is a very serious question. This could make or break us.”

Bristol teared up and laughed. “I think cats are amazing. I’ve never had one, but I hear they’re sometimes a lot of fun.”

“Would you be okay with one who maybe wanted to kill you in your sleep?”

Bristol pulled Annie close. She was here. She came back. “We could give that cat an entire wing of the house. I mean, maybe we’d see her sometimes, but we’d keep her out of the kitchen, well, because of knives.” She hugged Annie tightly. “You came back. How did you get through security?”

“Your mom told Mac to let me in. And yes, I came back. Can I come in?” Annie asked.

Bristol grabbed Annie’s suitcase and rolled it inside. She quickly shut the door and reached for Annie again. “What’s going on?” She couldn’t stop touching her.

“Can we sit down? It’s been a long day already.”

“Of course.” Bristol didn’t let go of her hand until they sat on the couch.