He’d been her biggest and best adventure.

Martha was right. She wouldn’t change a thing. She wouldn’t trade a day of her life, either when she was single or with her dear Brian, for more time with Adam.

Her throat ached. How she missed Brian. She missed his steadiness and the way he’d known her. There was no better gift in life than being known, and yet still loved.

And Brian had known and loved her.

She opened her eyes. “Tea then, but only tea. And we should have some kind of signal. In case I need moral support or a rapid exit, although I’m not sure I’m capable of making a rapid exit with my hips the way they are. You may need to throw me over your shoulder, Josh.” She saw Martha and Josh exchange glances again and gave a sigh of exasperation. “Now what?”

“You’ll have all the moral support you need, Kathleen.” Martha turned her head to look at the road.

A large car approached and glided to a halt in front of them.

“She’s here.” Josh stepped out of the car and so did Martha.

“Who is here?” But Kathleen was talking to herself. Before she could call after them and tell them that all this drama and subterfuge was frustrating, the door of the car was opening and a woman stepped out into the sunshine.

She looked exactly like Liza.

Kathleen felt something flutter in her chest. No. It couldn’t be. Liza was in France, with Sean and the girls.

But it was Liza. A different-looking Liza, whose shoulders were back and whose smile was sure and confident. Happy. Right here in California, wearing a dress that flipped around her legs. She was hugging Martha, and shaking hands with Josh, and then she walked quickly to the car and smiled down at Kathleen.

“Hello there, Summer Seeker! I have to admit I had my doubts about the car, but it suits you.”

Kathleen couldn’t find any words. She wanted to get out of the car, but in the end she didn’t need to because Liza slid into the passenger seat next to her, wincing as she tried to squeeze her legs into the limited space.

“You drove all the way across eight states with your legs cramped like this? It’s a wonder you can move.” She leaned forward and hugged Kathleen. “I hope you don’t mind me coming. I wanted to be with you for this part. I thought we could see Ruth together.”

Together. She wasn’t on her own. She had Liza.