Elisa peeked into Roni’s classroom, looking as regal as ever in a sharp navy peacoat buttoned all the way up. Her silver hair was pulled back in a severe bun, her makeup perfectly applied over high cheekbones and thin lips. A royal-blue scarf circled her long neck, giving her a splash of youthfulness. “Before I leave for the day, is there anything you want to tell me?”

Roni’s stomach clenched. She knew she’d been quiet, but she’d thought she’d done a good job of hiding her anguish.

Before she could think of a response, Elisa said, “Like you changed your mind about the Winter Showcase?”

Relief washed over her. “I don’t think so, Elisa. I’m sorry. I’m not ready for that.”

Elisa walked into the room. Even at sixty-nine she still danced every day, which kept her tall frame strong and lean. She put her arm around Roni, speaking in a soft, maternal tone. “When are you going to stop comparing yourself to what you used to be capable of and start seeing the beauty in what you are capable of now?”

They’d had this conversation every few months since Roni’s accident, and this was the first time Roni really heard it. But it wasn’t dance she was thinking of. It was Quincy, and there was beauty in the very capable man he’d become.

Elisa was looking at her expectantly, but Roni didn’t want to get into a big discussion twenty minutes before her next class—the class Kennedy was in. Roni was still trying to wrap her head around all that Quincy had told her, including the fact that Kennedy and Lincoln were his siblings. She’d been trying not to think about whether he would pick up Kennedy after class today. Roni went for levity and said, “I do see the beauty in what I’m doing now. I love teaching.”

Elisa gave her the expressionless look she’d come to expect in answer to her evasive responses. “Honey, you know what I mean.”

“I do. But I’m not ready, Elisa. Thank you, though, for encouraging me.”

“You’ve been quiet today. Are you okay? Is your hip bothering you?”

“No. It’s fine. I’m just tired. I had a big weekend.”

Elisa flashed a curious smile and said, “I heard you won the scavenger hunt.”

“How did you hear that?”

“The winners were listed on the Peaceful Harbor Gazette’s website. Will I have a chance to meet this Quincy Gritt you partnered with?”

Roni’s throat thickened. “Um, maybe one day.”

“Hello?” Gemma said from the doorway. “Sorry, Angela was at the front desk and she said I could come back and talk with Roni for a minute. I didn’t mean to interrupt. I can wait in the lobby.”

“I was just on my way out,” Elisa said, and as she left, Gemma walked into the room.

“Hi,” Roni said, wondering why she was there early and where Kennedy was. She hoped Gemma and Truman wouldn’t pull Kennedy from her class because of what was going on with her and Quincy. “Where’s Kennedy?”