Page 195 of The Snowball Effect

Because – from what she’d remembered – they were supposed to have arrived in the cute little town Regan had looked into at least an hourbeforethe downpour was supposed to have started.

She must have gotten carried away during her drive with Emma, though, because she hadn’t even registered that they’d been driving for far, far too long to be correct. But Regan had been focused on the road, and Emma had been reading aloud to her from a new book they’d both wanted to read – so of course, she’d been distracted!

By the time she’d tried to re-calibrate, they were inVermont! Around them for miles was just… woods. No businesses, no people. Nothing.

Her GPS must have glitched or something, because it had been directing Regan to a small town in Vermont, rather than the one upstate. Again, all Regan’s fault. Because when she and Emma had agreed on wanting to see more small towns aroundNew England, Regan had put Green Ridge, Vermont on her list, and she’d put it in her GPS to check how far it was from the city.

Somehow, even though Regan had put their actual destination in her GPSandhad Sutton check it over last night to cover all of her bases, though… this is where they’d wound up.

To make it all worse, it was Emma’sbirthday.

Feeling about an inch tall, Regan dragged her soaked rain jacket off and gingerly draped it over the back of the desk chair. Using the dry material of her shirt, she lifted it to dry off her face, before she blinked down at the guestbook Emma had referenced.

Reaching down, she flipped through it, finding that only the first few pages had been filled out.

“Bad luck continues,” she shouted to Emma through the bathroom door. “This is a new book or something, because there are only, like, five entries.”

Heaving a sigh, she tried to shake herself out of it.

When things like this had happened to her in the past, Regan had been able to take it in stride, to make light of it.

But… she’d just tried so hard for this weekend to be perfect.

Emma had officially been hired as a full-time staff writer atOllya few months ago, and she’d been working so hard trying to prove herself, to make sure she lived up to expectations. Regan had been looking forward to this weekend as a little break, a little breath of fresh air for her, as well as a celebration.

Forcing herself not to go further down the road into the bad place in her mind, she focused down on the guestbook.

I’ve never had a bad experience with her! In fact, every moment I’ve spent with her since the moment we met has made my life a better place. She’s helped my family come together in ways I never wouldhave imagined. The girls keep trying to grab the pen to write their reviews, too – all glowing. – Kimberly Hayes

Frowning with confusion, Regan narrowed her eyes down at the book. What the hell?

“Um… has your mom stayed here?” She asked, even though it didn’t make any sense.

She flipped the page.

All I’ve ever wanted was for someone to make Emma happy. Someone who loves her for who she is. Regan surpassed my expectations. Not only does she love Emma and make her happy, but she makes Emma an even better version of herself. Less… afraid of the world. Less scared to be herself. She makes me feel the same way, too. It’s a very precious gift, and I’m honored to have her be a part of my life. – Sheryl Bordeaux

Okay, Regan wasn’t seeing things. That was Emma’s gram. That washername.

She was no less baffled – maybe the most confused she’d ever been in her whole life – but her stomach tingled with excitement, nonetheless.

Who wouldn’t love to walk into a room and be able to read people’s – positive – thoughts about them?!

I spent a lot of my life not really knowing her. Not really wanting to know her, because I was so resentful. But I also spent a lot of my life feeling envious of her relationships with other people, the people Regan cared about. It wasn’t until only recently that I allowed myself to see my sister for who she really is, and not who our family told me she was. Taking a page out of Regan’s book was terrifying, but I think it was the best thing I could have ever done for myself. I think it – and she – saved my life. And I’m so grateful that I let her in. Because I don’t have to be envious of the people Regan cares about and supports, anymore. Now, I’m one of those people. I’ve always loved her, but now I feel comfortable – feel allowed – to show it. – Audrey Gallagher

Regan’s breath caught in her throat, surprised. She stroked her fingers lightly over the page. She and Audrey were actuallyfriendsnow, as well as sisters. So, this wasn’t shocking. But… it was one thing to read this, to see it right in front of her eyes.

“Emma, what the fuck is going on!” She shouted, whipping her head up to look at the bathroom door. Still closed.

Regancouldgo and try to kick it down and get answers from the woman she was in love with. But… there was still more in the book, and she needed to read it.

I might not be Regan’s mother by birth, but I’m a parent to her by choice. As with all children – including all that I’ve given birth to – there have been issues. People are all flawed. But I’d be hard-pressed to find someone that cares so deeply about everyone else around her, than Regan. I knew from the day I met her – going to pick Sutton up from school, and being informed that my daughter had been pushed around on the playground, only to then be informed that the boy who’d pushed her had then been shoved to the ground by Regan – that she was a very special little girl. And she’s grown into a very special young woman. Seeing her experience the last few years of true happiness and living her life for herself has given me the ultimate parental joy. – Katherine Spencer

Feeling her chin wobble, Regan sniffed. What the hell was this book?! Had she slipped on the rain outside and hit her head?!

I’m not always one for words, especially those from the heart. But I am one for being loyal to my ideals and to my favorite people. I’m someone that respects, deeply, people who follow their heart. I’ve always been someone to have many acquaintances, butfew friends. And I’m someone that is truly lucky to consider Regan a great friend. – Charlotte Thompson

“You sappy bitch,” she murmured, before flipping the page again.

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