“Well, that’s all I wanted to say,” Kate said. She knew Susan hadn’t wanted to hear it, especially not from her, but she hoped the woman took it to heart anyway.

Kate reached out and put her arms around Susan, feeling the stiffness of her shoulders, but embracing her regardless. “Thanks for all the walks, Susan. And for your hospitality.”

She felt Susan’s arms unfurl, felt her hands land on Kate’s arms. It was enough.

Kate pulled back and smiled. “I’ll try and catch Brody later. Will you let him know I’m looking for him?”

“Of course,” Susan said.

Kate said good-bye one final time and left the house. Her feet took the uneven porch steps before she cut through the yard to the grassy knoll that separated their houses.

This is the last time you’ll see them. You’ll never sit down to a meal on that insanely high rooftop or listen to Jamie and Brody tease one another again. It’s over.

Somehow, in a few short months, the Wrights had wiggled their way into her heart. And now she was leaving.

The crisp autumn air washed across her face, tugging at the short strands of her hair. She crossed her arms against the coolness and looked toward the ocean, the direction she’d soon go. A movement on the beach below caught her eye.

Brody threw something into the water, walking backwards, then turned toward his house. Kate changed directions, aiming her feet toward him.

When she reached the place where the long grass gave way to the sandy shore, Brody saw her. He stopped at the steps leading up from the beach, waiting for her approach. The wind pulled at his white T-shirt and tousled his blond curls.

“Hi,” Kate said over the sound of the waves lapping the shoreline. “I was just at your house.”

Brody nodded, his guarded smile reminding her of Roy’s.

“I came to say I’m sorry,” she said. “Sorry about deceiving your family. I never meant to hurt anyone, but I realize I have.”

Brody dug his bare feet into the sand. “It wasn’t right.”

“I know,” Kate said. “I’m not going to offer excuses.” A seagull soared above the water and cried out—a lonely, high-pitched squeal. “I also came to tell your family good-bye.”

Brody met her gaze, his eyes flinching for just a second. She watched the emotions dancing across his face. He’d never been good at hiding his feelings. “I didn’t think you’d leave.”

She shrugged, turning her face into the wind, letting her hair blow off her face. “Everyone knows the truth now. There’s no reason for me to stay.”

Brody studied her, his head cocked to the side. “Isn’t there?”

His tone held a challenge, but she wouldn’t take it. There are things he doesn’t know, doesn’t understand. How can he?