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I turn when I hear footsteps approaching from behind and see that Carson changed into black slacks and a white button-down, and right behind him is . . .

“Mildred!”

I fly off the stool and run over to her, wrapping my arms around her in a tight hug.

“Oh my God! How long are you staying?”

“I’m with you, for as long as you’ll have me.” She smiles as I pull back and gape at her. “He made me an offer I couldn’t refuse.”

“We need a house manager,” Carson says. “Someone to help with Charlie. Someone we trust who knows you.”

“This is the best news ever.”

Carson clears his throat, making me chuckle.

“Of course, aside from the fact that my husband isn’t really dead.”

I stare at my friend, and the tears come again, and I fall into her arms.

“I’m so glad you’re here.”

“I’m going to go check on Charlie,” Carson says as Mildred leads me to the couch and sits next to me, producing tissues from somewhere.

“Okay, let it out.” She squeezes my hand and waits for me to catch my breath. “When Carson called me last night and told me to pack, he said that you were upset. Obviously you would be. You’ve had so much happen in such a short time.”

“It caught up to me,” I admit and wipe at my face. “And I feel like such a jerk because I should be so grateful. But⁠—”

“But you didn’t have a say,” she says gently. “The decision was made for you. And maybe you would have eventually agreed to move here, but you weren’t given the opportunity to come around to that on your own.”

Shaking my head, I continue to cry. “And my father knew.”

Her eyes widen at that declaration. “What?”

“He knew where we were this whole time, Mill. He had people watching us. That’s why Carson panicked and took us away, because we weren’t safe there. And damn it, all this time, I thought I was so fucking smart.”

“You are smart. You listen to me. Look at me, Rina.”

My eyes find hers. God, I love this woman. She’s the mom I never had.

“You fled a nightmare, you had a baby on your own in a strange place, and you thrived. You made it work for both of you. That kiddo is healthy and happy as a clam. You did exactly what you should have done for both of you. You aren’t psychic. You didn’t know that your piece-of-crap father had tabs on you.”

“I know, but⁠—”

“There are no buts. Now, I want you to take a deep breath and remember exactly who you are. You’re so strong, sweet girl. You’re the strongest person I know.”

And cue more tears.

“The way you came to be here might not be ideal, but you’re here all the same. This home is stunning. Did you know that there’s a guesthouse that I get to live in?”

I shake my head and she smiles.

“It’s all mine. There’s less rain here, so it’ll be easier on my arthritis.”

“You don’t have arthritis.”

Mildred pushes my hair behind my ear. “You’re going to make the best of this. You’re going to figure it out. And I’m here to help you, always.”

“I’m so grateful that you’re here. You’re really moving here, just for us?”