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My heart immediately kicks into rapid beats.

“They’re here.” My voice is soft, but filled with surprise. “I can’t believe they actually came.”

Tyler comes up behind me, peering over my shoulder. He rests his hand gently on my waist. “I can.”

I feel like my feet are rooted to the floor as we watch them park in front of the house, climb out of the car, and approach the front porch. I know I’m supposed to greet them at the door but anxiety has me frozen. What if their faces are filled with fake smiles and judgment over our little house? What if they cringe away from adorable Poppy and Boomer, who expect everyone to pet them? What if they’re rude to Tyler? It’s one thing for themto act a certain way in their own home, but I can’t allow them to be rude inourhome—a place Tyler and I have vowed to never allow negativity. This is our sanctuary.

Tyler guides me to the front door with his arm around my waist and swings it open. My parents are on the doorstep—smiling nervously but without a trace of cringe. My mother is holding two white boxes that are tied closed with red-and-white-striped string that doesn’t stop the scent of bakery goods from escaping.

“Come on in,” Tyler says, closing the door behind them before extending his hand to my father to shake. I realize I can’t remember if they’ve ever met in person before. “We’re glad you came.”

“Thanks for having us,” my father replies. “This property is beautiful. How many acres do you have?”

“Ten,” Tyler answers.

My father’s brows rise with what I first think is surprise, but is actually praise. “Wow.”

I still haven’t uttered a word. I’ve leaned into their hello kisses, but I’m not sure of the right thing to say.

“This is my mother, Tammy Grace,” Tyler says as Tammy joins us in the foyer. “Mom, this is Cynthia and Steve Daniels.”

“We’re so happy you were able to come,” Tammy says.

“We are too,” my mother says, glancing at Ty. “Tyler made sure we got the messages you sent me. I apologize for not responding.”

“Let’s go into the living room where it’s comfortable,” I finally say. “Gram is waiting for us in there.”

Ty hugs me and presses a reassuring kiss to my temple as we all move into the other room. “I’ll get us some drinks and snacks,” I offer.

“I’ll help.” My mother follows me into the kitchen, where I start putting cheese and crackers on a wooden board Ty ordered when he bought more silverware.

“Holly, your house is beautiful,” my mother says as she puts the bakery boxes in the refrigerator. “Everything is so unique and cozy.”

The compliment is so unexpected that words catch in my throat for a few moments. “Thank you. Ty made most of the wood furniture… like the dining room table, the coffee table, the corner shelving unit… if I show him a picture of something I like, he just magically makes it for me.”

“I had no idea he was so talented. You’re lucky. I can’t even get your father to fix the loose door on our closet.” She laughs a little, and I do, too. I’m wary of this new, friendlier version of her, but it seems sincere. “I can tell how much he loves you.”

Hesitantly, I ask, “Do you want to see the rest of the house? I have an office.”

“I’d love to.”

Poppy and Boomer follow us excitedly as we head down the hall. “I can’t believe you have a fox living in your house. He doesn’t make a mess, or get into things?” she asks with curiosity.

I smile down at Boomer, who’s circling our feet. “Sometimes he has accidents in the house, and if we’re not careful, he’ll steal our food, but he’s usually well-behaved. Ty’s had him since he was just a little baby. Unfortunately, he got so used to being a pet that he couldn’t be released. Tyler tried, but he just kept coming back. He’s free to run around outside and in the woods, but he always stays right with us.”

“That’s fascinating. Lizzie would love him, and the little white dog, too. She’s such an animal lover.”

We enter my office, which is my favorite room after the bedroom, as it has lots of windows overlooking the flower garden, and I can see the barn—Ty’s workshop—from the windows as well.

I lick my lips nervously. “Maybe, if it’s okay, you could bring Lizzie here for lunch one day? I’d love to see her. She can play with the pets. They’re very gentle; they won’t hurt her. And I promise not to scare her. I won’t mention anything about my past.”

Her face falls, and she lets out a long sigh that carries a slight waver. “Holly, I’m so sorry for how I’ve acted. I know it’s no excuse, but I had such a hard time getting over everything that happened. I realize it made me act like a horrible person and mother. I’ve made so many mistakes, but I’d like to start over, if you’re willing to give me a chance?”

I blink at her. Even not knowing her very well, I know how hard that was for her to say. “Of course I am,” I say with a hopeful smile. “I don’t dwell on the past. I only believe in now, and the future.”

She returns the smile. “I’d love to bring Lizzie here to visit you. She always asks about you.”

“I’d really like that. You can come any time. We’re home every day. This is where I work,” I say, pointing to my desk where a stack of notebooks sits next to my computer. “But I do sit outside and write a lot, too.”