A few years ago, she’d agreed to participate in a documentary about the shooting because she thought the victims’ stories deserved to be told, to be heard. She had no idea that night when she’d sat at a table with these women—seeing them for the first time in twelve years and reading the time-capsule letters they’d written—that her life was going to change in the best way possible.

They’d all needed healing. They’d all needed hope. But none of them had realized what they needed most of all—each other. Kincaid had spent the last year enjoying every moment in the newest part of her fairy tale, loving and being loved by Ash. But that wasn’t the only love story in her life. Without these women, she never would’ve been able to break out of the cycle she’d been in.

These women had taught her what real love felt like, had shown her the kind of love she deserved. That was why she’d been able to finally recognize it when Ash came back into her life. Her heart couldn’t be fuller, and she had the people in front of her to thank.

She hoped they liked her gift.

“So,” she said, choking back the emotion so she didn’t turn into a blubbering mess. “Ready to see the place?”

Taryn pressed her hands together and grinned. “Bring it on.”

Ash took Kincaid’s hand, and they led the group up the front stairs and onto the porch. The boards still squeaked a little, but that only made Kincaid smile. Silent boards had no personality, no stories to tell. A line of white rocking chairs had been added and they swayed in the slight breeze.

Kincaid turned the knob on the front door, the little bells on the Christmas wreath tinkling as she opened the door. Inside, the air was warm from the fire in the hearth and smelled of the cinnamon rolls she’d baked for her VIP guests’ arrival. A large Christmas tree filled a corner of the living room, the white lights dancing in time to the instrumental holiday music she had playing.

Her friends filed in behind her into the foyer, and Kincaid reveled in their gasps and sounds of delight like it was the most delicious cake. She knew the place was beautiful. She’d worked hard over the last year to get every detail just right. The vision from her dream was spread out before her like a postcard. She barely resisted pinching herself to make sure she was awake.

Her friends oohed and aahed and roamed around, taking in all the little differences and upgrades, and Ash stayed at her side, his fingers intertwined with hers. “You doing okay, gorgeous?”

She leaned her head against his shoulder. “I’m perfect.”

He kissed the top of her head. “Truth.”

She smiled, and they headed into the living room. After her friends had explored the kitchen and dining area, she gathered them up at the bottom of the stairs. “Ready for me to show you to your rooms?”