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I asked the question even though I suspected the answer. The hard line on Ashton’s mouth confirmed it.

“The estate will be sold, and all monies donated to the local animal rescue, as stipulated.”

I hung my head for a moment to compose myself.

I couldn’t stay here. What would I do for work? I doubt my boss would give me the summer off. He’d probably use it as an excuse to fire me. I had savings, but they were for emergencies. Was this an emergency? Staying at Joan’s house was rent free, so I wouldn’t need to pay that on top of the apartment I shared with an old college friend back in the city.

Maybe it could work. Sure, it wasn’t in my plan, but when had anything in my life gone to plan?

Okay. I could do this. Another eight weeks. After that, I’d sell the house, pay off my debt and finally set myself up.

“All right.” I stood and slid the will back inside the envelope. “Thanks for seeing me again, especially at your home.”

He stood, giving me a warm smile. One that brightened his eyes. I didn’t notice before, but Noah’s eyes were the same shade. An intriguing ice blue with flecks of steel gray.

Ashton led me to the porch where I found Noah sprawled in the chair like he and the furniture were well acquainted. Noah’s eyes drifted open and my heart skipped a beat. He was a goddamn vision relaxed in that chair.

He peeled himself up to stand. “All sorted?”

“As much as it can be.” After I slipped on my ruined shoes and grabbed my jacket, I turned to Ashton. “I guess I’ll see you round town.”

“Sure will.”

Noah tipped his chin at Ashton before we darted to his truck. Once back inside, he started the engine and drove out the way we came.

A few minutes down the road, I couldn’t hold back the tears. They poured out of me like the downpour of summer rain. Wild and never-ending. I rummaged through my purse and grabbed a tissue. One. That wouldn’t last long but I used it anyway, mainly for my nose which decided to join the party.

Before I could stop him, Noah pulled the truck off the road and put it in park. He pivoted to face me but didn’t say anything, just waited for my embarrassing outburst to do its thing.

When the tears slowed and no longer threatened to drown us, I wiped my nose with the soggy tissue and gave Noah the best smile I could muster.

Deep grooves creased his brow. “Did Ash upset you?”

I shook my head, my mind working overtime.Nope. My mother did this. If she never introduced me to my grandmother, I wouldn’t have wanted more in life. I never would’ve inherited her estate. I wouldn’t be back here.

Rain pelted the truck, the sound ten times louder while stationary. I stared out the passenger window into the darkness, wondering what my life would’ve been like if things were different. If Mom didn’t neglect her only child, ditching me at every opportunity. If Joan fought to keep me after I stayed that one summer. Or if I’d called her from time to time rather than resenting her for letting my mother take me back.

The downward spiral threatened to pull me under. This time, I almost let it. Would it be so bad?

Yes. Years ago, I refused to let the past define me. I refused to become my mother. Mia Jones was better than that.

“Sorry.” I let out a weak chuckle, not sure why. Maybe to lighten the mood? I wiped the wetness from my cheeks and glanced at Noah. “I bet that’s the last thing you expected when you offered me a ride.”

I gave him a smile, hoping to alleviate some awkwardness.

He didn’t seem convinced. Ever so slowly, he wiped a tear away with the pad of his thumb. The touch so faint and tender, it made my heart ache anew.

“Don’t ever apologize for feeling.”

His hand stilled on my cheek and I closed my eyes for a moment, sinking into his touch.

“What can I do?”

“There’s nothing you can do.” No one could fix this. I just needed to get through this roadblock and then start fresh.

The remainder of the summer. Eight weeks.

“Do you want to talk about it?”