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“Your move?”

Gran cackled. “Five times this year. I get ‘em up, I keep ‘em up.”

I drained my glass. She was conveniently ignoring the role high-grade pharmaceuticals played in that feat. And was it really a victory if it involved a trip to the emergency room?

Anya seemed at a loss for words, and I couldn’t blame her.

“You seemed to be celebrating this afternoon. Anything in particular got you feeling festive?” I asked, pointedly excluding Gran from the question. A Margarita Monday wasn’t out of the norm for her, but dragging Anya and Vi into it was new.

Anya’s cheeks creased, her face breaking into a beautiful smile, the mix of relief and joy almost painful to watch.

“You must not have checked your text messages yet. I heard from Agent Harris today. They arrested Owen.”

Relief washed through me, making me giddy. Suddenly, the tequila-fueled lawn celebration made sense.

“Finally.”

Anya raised her glass in a silent toast. “It’s a start.”

There was a long way between arrest and conviction, but Owen’s legal troubles made it unlikely that he’d try to terrorize Anya again. Now if only the authorities would scoop up her parents next.

Chapter 31 – Anya

The last of the leaves were falling in the yard as Drew carried the final box out to his truck. We’d lucked into a dry weekend for our move.

Zach honked, waving as he pulled out of the drive, heading toward our new house with Rae and Vi next to him on the bench seat. Lucy, Clay, and Lee had taken an earlier trip and waited for us at the house.

I locked the back door, pausing for a moment. The house I’d shared with Vi had given me sanctuary when I needed it most. She’d welcomed me into her life and ultimately into her family, helping me make friends I’d treasure forever.

“Ready?”

I turned, smiling up at Drew. He was my anchor, guiding me through the deep waters as I navigated my past to my future. To him.

Wrapping my arms around his neck, I stretched up, catching his mouth in a soft kiss. “I’m excited to start our life together.”

“Me too.” He extended a hand, helping me into his truck before rounding the hood and driving us out to the house we’d rented.

We’d found a beautiful place near Westcott Bay. It was tiny, but ours. My favorite thing about the cottage was the back deck. It’d be perfect for early morning yoga. Drew liked the open floor plan and the proximity to the farm.

We spent the afternoon unloading boxes, finally relaxing in the evening with burgers and hot dogs on the deck. Everyone seemed mellow in the fading light, devouring dinner in record time.

“Thanks for your help today,” I said. “We really appreciate it.”

“I’m going to miss you,” Vi admitted.

“You’ll still see me all the time, but I know it won’t be the same. I’ll miss you too.”

“Mom has already issued the invite for family dinner next weekend. You’ll be there?” Vi asked.

“We wouldn’t miss it.”

The sky lit with oranges, pinks and finally purples as the sun set. Lucy emptied the last of her beer before pushing to her feet. “Who’s taking me home tonight?”

Clay’s hand shot up, and she glowered. “I didn’t mean it that way, Robertson.”

Zach chuckled. “The Fenwick family bus for Friday Harbor leaves in ten. We’ll drop you and Lee off.” He tutted at Clay. “Sorry, man. You’re on your own. Not enough seatbelts.”

Clay opened his mouth. Lucy held up her hand, forestalling him. “If you say I can sit on your lap, I’m going to punch you.”