Linnea hadn’t expected this, and it took a moment to process. “You mean, I’d take care of Hope and you’ll be living at your house?”

“Yes. Just across the street. I don’t want her in the same house as David. The virus is contagious, and even being careful, if he ends up having it, the risk is too great for her. I’ll pay you, of course.”

A moment’s hesitation gave way to her willingness to support her aunt, who, after all, had just forgiven her rent payments. “I’ll do it, of course,” Linnea said. “But before we agree, you should know… I took your message about paying it forward to heart. You remember Annabelle?”

“Of course.”

“She was furloughed, too.” Hearing Cara’s sigh encouraged her with her news. “She’s in worse shape than I am financially. She can’t pay rent and without family to fall back on, that leaves her pretty much homeless. So,” Linnea took a breath, “I offered to let her stay here as my roommate. Rent free. Plus she can help with my expenses.”

“I see.” Cara considered this. “Good decision.”

Linnea smiled with relief. “But what about Hope staying here? Are you concerned?”

“I’ll have to insist that you practice precaution. Annabelle will have to wear a mask for the first ten days when she’s in the same room with Hope, just to be sure. If she agrees to that, I have no problem at all.”

“I’m sure she will.”

“Good, that’s settled, except for what I pay you.”

“Oh, you don’t have to pay me. The rent and all…”

“I insist. Please, don’t argue that with me.” Cara smiled. “I believe you need a job?”

Linnea smirked at the obvious.

Cara continued, “I’ll pay for groceries, supply anything you need. And I’ll come by to play with her and give you a break.”

“It will be fun,” Linnea said. “When do you want to start?”

Cara took a breath, then said, “Today?”

chapter three

Spring revealed her glory in the lowcountry.

The world might be in chaos, but the season of rebirth rolled in regardless.

THE GRAVEL CRUNCHED beneath the tires as Linnea pulled the Gold Bug into the driveway. Stepping out of the little gold Volkswagen Beetle, she took a moment to look around the property. Spring revealed her glory in the lowcountry. The world might be in chaos, but the season of rebirth rolled in regardless. She found the consistency of nature reassuring. The sweet scent of honeysuckle wafted past, and looking over to her neighbor’s yard, she saw it growing wildly on Emmi’s fence. It brought back memories of Easter egg hunts here with Grandmama Lovie. A smile played on her lips as she closed the car door. Hope will love that, she thought. She wanted the little girl to be happy at the beach house, as her mother had been. She’d spent the morning cleaning the pink bedroom and shopping for special foods that Cara said Hope might enjoy.