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“I’m sure I’ll go through plenty of ups and downs over the next few months, but right now, I’m okay. Despite being a bit hungover.”

“Good for you.” She winks. “You deserve to have some fun.”

I’m about to tell her last night wasn’t exactly fun, but the words die on my tongue.

Most people probably wouldn’t consider last night fun. Regardless of the pounding in my head, it was definitely something I needed.

“Yes, I do.”

She gives me a warm smile. “I hope you’ll consider staying through Christmas, despite any…tension between you and your father. You can help me bake cookies like you used to when you were little.”

I survey the living room that’s no longer a shrine to Wyatt. Now it’s full of holiday cheer, scented candles, and happy memories. Just like the Christmases of my childhood. It was always my favorite time of year. Not because of the presents. But because of the way I felt.

Right now, I wouldn’t mind feeling even a tiny fraction of what I used to during the holiday seasons of my younger years.

“I think being home for Christmas is exactly what I need to help me figure out what’s next.”

After the longest shower of my life, I feel almost human again. So much so that instead of hiding underneath my covers and sleeping all day, I start unpacking.

“What do you think, boy?” I ask Gary. “Want to stay with Grandma and Papa for a few weeks?”

His enthusiastic bark is all the approval I need.

“Okay then. Sycamore Falls for Christmas it is.”

I pull out a few pairs of jeans and some T-shirts, along with a bikini, heels, and a cocktail dress I must have packed in a moment of temporary insanity. Whatever life I’d imagined for myself when I threw everything in my suitcase, it didn’t involve coming home for the holidays. I’ll definitely have to buy some more clothes if I’m staying through the new year.

Once I empty my suitcase, I rummage through my backpack, pulling out my laptop and e-reader. As I do, my phone slides out, the screen dark.

I’d turned it off when I left Texas so I wouldn’t have to deal with everything. But I can’t avoid reality forever.

I press the power button, and the screen lights up. I expect to be inundated with texts and voicemails from Wyatt.

But there’s nothing from him. Just a few texts from Hilde, along with Mom’s message from last night about the brewery.

Frowning, I check the bars. Maybe I’m having trouble connecting to a cell tower. It wouldn’t be the first time I’ve had spotty service out here.

Even after verifying I do have a signal, and a strong one at that, there’s still nothing from Wyatt.

I navigate to my inbox, thinking maybe he emailed me instead.

Still nothing.

I shouldn’t be surprised. Hell, he couldn’t even give me an explanation when I’d confronted him about his infidelity.

But after everything I’ve sacrificed for him, after all the years I spent building my life around his, I thought he’d at least reach out once the dust settled.

He hasn’t.

It’s another reminder that I made the correct decision. That I’m finally on the right path.

I’m about to toss my cell back into my bag when a message pops up. And not from Wyatt.

Hilde:

Girl, I don’t care if you join a nudist colony or move to Alaska. Just text me when you get to wherever you’re going so I know you’re safe.

Of course Hilde’s the one checking on me. I’d called her when I left Houston to let her know I was heading out of town. If I hadn’t, she would have already alerted the authorities and started a nationwide search.