“Hey, buddy.” Cade wiped his eyes and ignored the anguish quavering in his voice. “Where should we move to?”

Meow!the cat yelled.

Cade picked himself up and started up the stairs toward the cat. “We’ll find somewhere nice to live, buddy. You’re all I need.”

If only he could believe that.

***

“It’s only Wednesday,” Quinn whined. “Can’t you at least stay for the rest of the week?”

“I wish I could, but I start work on Friday.” Everleigh felt a pang as she took in her friend’s sad expression. She folded another pair of jeans and put them in her suitcase.

She’d been surprised when the Newtons sent their offer Monday afternoon. The older couple hadn’t been kidding when they said they wanted to take care of things quickly. They had added in some extra money to purchase the inn’s contents—including the furniture,which made life easier for Cade and Everleigh. Cade had agreed to the offer, and they both signed before Everleigh sent it back to the Newtons’ lawyer. The closing was scheduled for the week after Christmas, and she had negotiated with the recruiter to take off the day before and after the closing so that she could travel home.

She was grateful she’d managed to sign the Atlanta contract, and she’d already found a new place to live. Last night she’d had supper with her parents, Landon, and Amber, and they all said they would miss her but were happy for her new post. She shared a tearful goodbye with them, and she tried to overlook her disappointment that her sister hadn’t bothered to come even though Mom had invited her.

Everything seemed to be falling into place so easily—so why did she feel like she was constantly on the verge of tears?

Everleigh had texted Harlowe last night to tell her she was leaving and would miss her, but once again, her sister had remained silent. Her indifference was another stab to Everleigh’s heart, but she would try again. Maybe she could call Harlowe during her six-hour drive to Georgia, and they could talk for part of the way. She smiled at that thought. Alana had always helped make her long drives seem shorter, and perhaps Harlowe could fill that role.

Cade had been reticent too, which was more painful than she could express. When she asked him what he planned to do after the closing, he had shrugged and mumbled, “Not sure yet,” before walking away from her. He was back to the grumpy version of Cade she’d met when she first came to Coral Cove. The special friendship she thought they’d shared seemed to have evaporated like raindrops on a summer sidewalk.

Maybe she had longed for more from him, but she’d been kidding herself. Apparently their heart-to-heart the night of the storm had meant nothing to him. She’d imagined he might care about her—possibly even love her—but she had been completely wrong. Had all of the good she’d seen in him been a facade? Then again, maybe she just wasn’t Cade’s type.

All she knew for sure was that he’d broken her heart, and she’d have to give herself time to heal—if healing was even possible.

Quinn set a few books into a box and then turned to her. “Do you want all of these too?”

Everleigh nodded at the stack of Alana’s photo albums. “Yes. Thanks.”

Ding-dong!

“Are you expecting anyone?” Quinn asked.

“No. I’ll be right back.” Everleigh headed toward the hallway and out to the foyer. When she yanked the door open, she did a double take. Her sister was standing on the porch. “Harlowe!”

Her sister fiddled with the zipper on her coat. “Can we talk?”

“Of course! Come in.” She led her sister into the kitchen. “Want something to drink?”

“No thanks.” Harlowe twisted her hands. “I got your message.” She scoffed. “I’ve gottenallof your messages.”

Everleigh hopped up on a stool at the island and took in her sister’s apprehensive expression. Why was she acting like they didn’t know each other? “Why are you here now?”

“I need to say something to you.” Her dark eyes glittered, and her upper lip trembled. “I’m sorry.”

Everleigh was so shocked that she stilled for a moment. Had she heard her right? After all this time, had Harlowe apologized? Then she shook herself back to the present.

Stay focused! This is what you’ve waited for your entire life.

“What exactly are you apologizing for?”

“For being a terrible sister.” Harlowe frowned and hopped up on the stool beside her. “The truth is...” She rubbed her cheeks. “Howdo I even say this?” Then her eyes met Everleigh’s. “I’ve always been jealous of you.”

Everleigh guffawed. “Jealous of me?” She pointed to herself, and Harlowe nodded. “Why on earth would you be jealous ofme?”

“Oh, please!” Harlowe exclaimed. “You were always the beautiful one. The smart one. The talented one. You got straight As. When you walk in a room, all of the guys gravitate toward you.” She frowned. “I remember I took you with me to a party when you were in high school and I was in college. Everyone wanted to talk to you. Even my own boyfriend ignored me. I was just invisible.”