Page 88 of Happily Ever After

Essie read it again, as if something might appear between the lines if she looked hard enough.

There was nothing off about the note. In fact, it sounded perfectly normal. Which was odd, considering the source.

She set the note back on the counter and leaned against it, pressing her palms flat against the cool surface. Her first instinct, which was relief, gave way quickly to something more complicated.

Concern, yes, but it was mixed with hope.

Sophie hadn’t disappeared. She hadn’t run. She hadn’t packed a bag or left without a word. Not only had she written a note, but she’d done something that contributed to Essie’s life. Taking Maple out was a good thing.

Would Sophie have done something like that before their big talk? Essie doubted it. Sophie had always been about herself.

So this was progress. For all Essie knew, Sophie was using Maple to get a cute video for TikTok, but that didn’t matter. Sophie had taken a step forward.

Essie decided that there was nothing to be concerned about. She got a glass, filled it with ice and water from the fridge dispenser, then took it into the living room and sat down. Her legs welcomed the rest. She stretched them out and closed her eyes.

The afternoon replayed itself in her mind.

There was the woman on Seabreeze Lane who’d hesitated, then signed anyway, saying she didn’t belong to any clubs but believed people should be able to gather freely. Then the couple near the community center who’d asked pointed questions and listened carefully before adding their names.

And then there were the ones who hadn’t signed.

Essie frowned but tried not to dwell on those people. She’d made notes about a few of them, thinking maybe one of the more persuasive Bees might want to take a second crack at them.

She sipped her water. She’d done what she could. She’d gotten out there, supported the cause and gathered as many signatures as she could. If they didn’t beat Darcy, at least they’d tried.

Although she was already thinking about talking to Frank about footing the bill for a legal challenge. If it came to that.

Her gaze drifted to the side window, scanning the street beyond. She half-expected to see Sophie and Maple coming up the sidewalk at any moment, Maple trotting ahead the way she did, but there was no sign of them.

Essie checked her watch. It was fine. They’d probably taken the long way around.

She stood and straightened the kitchen a bit. It was busywork, really, just something to keep her occupied. She washed the few dishes in the sink, wiped down the counters, then wandered back into the living room.

Essie sat down again, hands folded in her lap, and thought about the conversation they’d had that morning. The way Sophie had reacted defensively, then somehow Essie had gotten through to her.

She thought about the look on Sophie’s face—not anger so much as surprise. As if no one had ever spoken to her that plainly before. Essie knew Chad had tried, but maybe Sophie hadn’t been close enough to rock bottom then.

Essie hadn’t enjoyed the conversation, but she certainly didn’t regret it either.

She was thinking about what to make for dinner when she heard it—the sound of footsteps on the front walk.

Her heart lifted automatically. Sophie and Maple were finally home. Essie crossed the room and opened the door without hesitation.

“About time,” she began.

And stopped.

Frank stood on the porch, travel-worn but smiling, his suitcase next to him, his computer bag slung over one shoulder.

For a split second, her brain refused to catch up, but her heart knew exactly who she was looking at.

“Frank?” she said. “Frank!”

He grinned. “Surprise.”

Essie laughed, the sound breaking free from her throat almost like a sob as she stepped forward and wrapped her arms around him. He held her tightly, solid and familiar, and for the first time since he’d left, things felt right in her world again.

“You’re home,” she said, her voice muffled against his shoulder.