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I hug her and she cuts it short to blow her nose.
“Not that you need our input or help, but I have experience with nonprofits,” Abby says. “It’s somewhat of a grueling process that can take time, but I know all the ins and outs…if you’re interested in going that route. I really love this idea, Sofie.”
“That would be incredible. I haven’t even thought that far ahead, but I need to start if this is really going to happen. It’s been amazing seeing the progress Fiona has made, but I want to do more.”
“You’ve been preoccupied getting your life back…as you should,” Aunt Hilary says, smiling.
“Yeah, I’ll probably be preoccupied a while longer, to be honest. But there’s time.” I grin. “I’m not going anywhere. And I’d be ecstatic for the two of you to be part of this in any and every way you’d like to be.”
“Count us in,” Abby sings.
“Well, this visit has turned around.” I stand up, feeling lighter than when I came. “I’m sorry to lay all of that sadness on you. You might have been better off not ever knowing what happened here, but I just thought if we’re going to have the kind of relationship I want us to have, I wanted to tell you the truth.”
“I’m so grateful you opened up to us. We love you and we really want to be a part of your life. Yours and Theo’s,” Aunt Hilary says, rolling her eyes when her eyes fill again. “Ignore my leaking eyeballs.” She laughs. “I’ve always wanted to be closer to you and it feels like this is our time.”
I hug her again and then Abby.
“I’m gonna go check on Marlow and Dakota and then I’ll be back to run the horses.”
I move toward the door and Aunt Hilary calls me. I turn back to look at her.
“Unless your heart changes, you don’t need to ever come in this house again for my sake.” She runs her hands down her arms. “I’d rather not be in here either. Maybe we’ll park an RV near the stables or something until we decide what we’re doing.”
I nod. “That’s a good idea. I should have thought of that months ago instead of sleeping on that cot out there.” I laugh and walk outside.
My heart feels free, untethered from all the anguish.
Miss Jamie, my therapist back in Texas, has wanted this for me ever since we started therapy years ago. I owe her a call to saythank you.
The sun is at its hottest, and I lean my head back and soak it in. For the first time ever, I have nothing hanging over my head, nothing to fear, and nothing to hide.
It feels fucking spectacular.
CHAPTERFORTY-TWO
ONE-SIDED CONVERSATIONS
THEO
I make a stop after my last call that doesn’t get me home as fast as I’d hoped, but it’s worth it.
At least I think it will be.
In about four weeks I should find out for sure, hopefully sooner.
I pleaded my case with Daniel, the jeweler at Timeless, asking him to create magic like never before. Yes, I was a little over the top with my exuberance, but Daniel didn’t stop smiling the entire time I was there. He said it had been slow around there, so he was happy for the work, and he wasthrilledto do a custom order.
I’m practically bouncing in the cab of my truck, and Fred glances over at me smiling likewhat is up with you, dude?
I don’t know what it is about Fred, but I’m certain if he could talk, it would be in a surfer accent. It’s a gift—I like to call it a gift, my siblings like to call me Dr. Dolittle occasionally for it—my ability to determine what any given animal would sound like if he could talk.
“I’m going for it,” I tell Fred. “Not tonight, obviously. But as soon as I have the ring and it feels right. Why wait?”
His tail whacks against the door. His look:I know, man, right?
“Don’t get me wrong, I’dloveto ask her tonight…but I don’t want it to be half-assed. I need to make her feel special.”
Fred:Yeah, dude. She deserves it.
