“Thank you,” I tell them.

When I turn up the next day, the whole place is swarmed with people. I park as close as I can, but with all the activity going on, it’s hard. I stand at the edge and see about two hundred people ready to work. I look around, taking pictures for her. I won’t tell her, but I want her to see that she matters to this town.

Instead, I send her a text.

Me: Missing you. Hope you have a great day.

I put the phone away, my heart aching in my chest when I think of her not being here. I work until I can’t stand anymore, and when I go back home, all I can do is collapse in bed after my shower. I sleep on her pillow with her smell all around me, and when I wake up in the morning, I’m greeted with a text from her.

Savannah: I miss you, too. Talk soon.

I run my finger over the words, the muscles in my body aching as I stretch. I walk to the bathroom, passing the picture of us on our wedding day. I have to sit down and just stare at it while my heart beats for her.

When I show up, I’m shocked at the progress that’s already been made. “Holy shit, I can’t believe the frame is already up.” I look over at Jacob.

“Casey hired three groups of people to rotate shifts, so there is someone here all the time,” Jacob says. “Mr. Lewis hired an extra cook, and he keeps bringing food every eight hours.” I put my hand to my mouth. “What if this isn’t enough?” he asks, and I look at him.

“I’ve been without her for three days now,” I tell him. “The pain just gets worse instead of getting better.” I look over at him. “If she isn’t going to stay, I’m leaving.”

“What?” he asks, shocked.

“If she comes back and decides that this isn’t the place for her, then I’ll follow her wherever she goes.”

“But your life is here.”

“No,” I say, shaking my head. “My life is wherever she is.”

Chapter Thirty-Two

Savannah

I watch the water crash onto the shore as I sit in the sun. It’s what I’ve been doing for the past three days.