“Deal.” Dani’s smile faltered a little. “I really hope that’s not the case, though. It’s important to me that they get to know the real me. They don’t have to like me—or even you—but I want them to know me. I want to be a part of their life again.”

“Then tell them that.”

Dani paused at the car, looking back out over the mountains. “It’s good to be home.” She looked at Harper. “Thank you. I wouldn’t have the courage to come back here without you.”

“Home…to me…is wherever you are.”

Dani held her gaze, a soft, gentle smile on her face. “Oh, Scout…I love you so much.”

Harper smiled as she opened the car door for Dani. She got a warm, sweet feeling whenever Dani called her Scout. She closed the door, then stood, taking one last look at the colors. She took a deep breath. They were less than an hour from Dani’s childhood home, an hour away from meeting her parents. An hour away from officially starting their life together. An hour away from telling someone about their relationship. They hadn’t even told Reid.

Would telling someone make it real? She tilted her head thoughtfully, gazing out across the mountain. No. It was already real. Jan—while she’d always have a place in her heart—had faded away. Her ghost didn’t visit any longer. At first, she hadn’t known whether to be sad or relieved. Now? Now it was a part of her past and she was ready for her future, whatever that might bring. And that began with meeting Dani’s parents.

It would be okay, though. She had a feeling. A good feeling.

She walked around the car, seeing Dani watching her through the glass. Their eyes held.

Yes…she had a good feeling. She hoped it lasted forever.

This time…she hoped it lasted forever.

Bella Books, Inc.

Women. Books. Even Better Together.

P.O. Box 10543

Tallahassee, FL 32302

Phone: 800-729-4992