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When I wake up in Ashby's bed. When Briggs texts to make sure I've eaten lunch. When Torin appears with coffee before I even realize I need one. When Lucy asks if I'm coming to school pickup instead of assuming I'll be somewhere else.

The thoughts sneak up on me when I least expect them.

Across the market, Briggs stands at June's stall holding two wooden animals in his massive hands while Lucy argues the case for adoption with impressive conviction. From the way Briggs is listening, you'd think she's negotiating an international peace treaty instead of choosing between a horse and a porcupine.

Torin sits on a nearby bench sketching in a notebook.

Ashby is talking to the town’s legal eagle Naomi Keller, one hand tucked into his pocket while the other holds a notebook clamped to his side.

Maggie follows my gaze. A grin spreads across her face. "Oh, you're in trouble."

I sigh. "Why?"

"Because I've seen that look before as well."

"Oh, God,” I mutter, exasperated. You can’t just keep inventing looks when it suits you.”

"Just did. And this is the one where you've already fallen and you're still trying to convince yourself you're standing up."

I laugh despite myself. "You’re so annoying."

I drag a hand through my hair and look away.

The truth is, I have no idea how this all happened.

I came here expecting a few difficult days. Maybe a couple of weeks if things got complicated. Maggie was missing, Lucy needed someone to look after her, and I happened to be the only Sterling left to step in to fill the breech.

That was supposed to be it.

A temporary interruption, a responsibility, a problem to solve before I went back to my real life.

Except somewhere along the way, that line got blurry.

"I don't even know what I'd be going back to anymore," I admit.

Maggie glances at me. "Your job?"

"Yes."

"You can do that from literally anywhere with decent internet access."

"For now, but Julian's already called twice this week asking when I'm coming back."

She waits for me to continue.

"I've spent eight years building that career. I like what I do, Mags. I worked hard for every promotion, every client, every bit of trust they've given me. Julian's been hinting for months that he wants me leading the regional team, and he made it pretty clear the opportunity won’t stay on the table forever."

"So you're being pressured."

"He isn't threatening me." I shake my head. "He's being... practical. Big clients want me in the office more often. The leadership role comes with more travel. He keeps reminding me that I can't build the next stage of my career from a town six hours away from HQ."

"But could you?"

"I don't know." The answer sits between us. "I love my job."

"I know you do."

"I love solving problems. I love walking into a room where everyone's convinced a project's falling apart and figuring out how to put it back together. I love the people I work with." I laugh quietly. "I even like the stupid strategy meetings everyone else complains about."