“Let’s go sit in the porch swing,” Joy said. “We can watch what they’re doing and still be out of the way.”

“I’m so glad you’re here,” Donna said as she and Joy sat down in the swing.

Joy patted Donna’s knee. “I’m glad we’re here, too, sugar. Family has to stick together, right?”

“Yes, that’s right, but I need to call Ruby.”

Joy smiled. “You go right ahead and talk. I’m just gonna sit here and swing the both of us.”

Donna made the call, hoping she wouldn’t be interfering with Ruby’s work. It rang several times, and then Ruby answered.

“Hello.”

“Ruby, it’s me, Donna. I wanted you to know my sister and brother-in-law are here, and Dub sent some men to help load up my things. I know I’ve said thank you a thousand times already, but I’m gonna say it again. Thank you for helping me through the worst days of my life. I will never forget all the kindnesses and the blessings I have received since Arnold died. I won’t see you again, but I will never forget you.”

“You’re welcome, Donna. I’m glad we could help. Safe travels, and when you get a chance, just text me and let me know you all arrived safe and sound,” Ruby said.

“Yes. I’ll do that,” Donna said, and hung up. Then she leaned a little closer to her sister, letting the love and the swing lull the ache in her heart.

It took a mere three hours for six men to remove the Hollis presence from the house. Donna called her landlord, Dan Amos, to let him know she was leaving.

“We’re really sorry to see you go,” Dan said. “But we understand your need. Safe travels, Mrs. Hollis.”

“Thank you. I’ll leave the key on the kitchen counter and turn the lock on the door as we leave.”

And then Donna hung up, knowing she had just ended her last connection to Blessings.

“Do you have everything?” Joy asked.

Donna nodded. “Yes, I walked through the house twice. I’m good to go.”

“Then hop in and we’ll be on our way,” Burl said.

“How long do you reckon it’ll take to drive home?” Donna asked.

“Once we hit I-77 North out of Savannah, it’s about an eleven-hour drive. We’ll likely stop about halfway and spend the night somewhere, and then drive the rest of the way home in the morning. Safer that way,” Burl said, and started up the truck and rolled out of the drive and onto the street. “West Virginia, here we come,” he said.