Page 34 of The Pink House

She’d called Emma last night to check in and see how things were going. They talked for nearly an hour, mostly about Calista and some drama at Emma’s job.

Hannah hadn’t brought up the letter.

Emma would be even more of a skeptic than Mackenna. Emma was in Greensboro. She didn’t know Brian’s handwriting and couldn’t see the letter for herself or hold it in her hands.

A pink house. A letter from her deceased husband.

It sounded farfetched even to Hannah. She was glad that Charlie had been the one to stop over when she’d gotten home. Glad that she’d let him read the letter.

Like her, Charlie had recognized Brian’s handwriting. And the activities that Brian had mentioned in the letter were familiar to him.

The fact that she hadn’t been able to find the pink house again, despite her notes, hadn’t shaken his faith that the house was real and the letter was from Brian.

Her phone buzzed just as she finished packing the rich, dark soil around the bush. Taking off her gardening gloves, Hannah pulled out her phone.

It was a text from Mackenna.

Want to go to the GraceTown Fair?

For a second, Hannah was confused why her friend had the day free. Then she realized today was Sunday.

Say where and when.

As the fairgrounds were equidistance from each of their homes, it made sense to meet there.

Red barn near the entrance in 30?

Hannah considered.Make it 45.

The thumbs-up emoji came seconds later.

Taking a shower and slapping on makeup would take twenty. Then there was the drive. If she’d had to, Hannah could have done a quick shower, but she didn’t want to rush. As she didn’t need to hurry, she lingered, letting warm water stream over her skin and relax her tight muscles.

As she stood there, face lifted to the spray, Hannah let her mind wander back to the letter. She vowed to take to heart Brian’s warning that the future was not guaranteed.

* * *

The fairgrounds were crowded, noisy and just what Hannah needed. She found Mackenna easily, the redhead striking in white shorts and a bright yellow shirt.

Hannah waved. She couldn’t recall if Mackenna liked rides, but just in case, she’d worn shorts instead of a dress.

Mackenna gave her a hug. “I’m so glad you could meet me.”

Hugging her back, Hannah gave thanks for Brian’s letter. The kick in the backside that it had given her to seize the moment was what had prompted her to accept Mackenna’s invitation today.

“I’m excited.” Hannah looked around. “Where to first?”

Mackenna offered a sheepish grin. “I heard the fish display is back this year. You know, the tanks filled with fish from Maryland waters? It shouldn’t take long, but for some crazy reason, I love looking at them.”

“Those tanks are a must-see for me, too,” Hannah admitted. “I love the catfish.”

“The rainbow trout are my fav.”

Hannah thought of the letter. “Do you fish?”

“Me?” Mackenna brought a hand to her chest and fluttered her lash extensions. “Do I look like someone who’d bait a hook with a worm or something equally gross?”

Hannah took that as a no. Which meant Mackenna wouldn’t be any help in the fishing arena. She could do some reading. See if Charlie maybe had a pole or a rod she could borrow…

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