Page 130 of Silent Partner (Pine Falls 3)

Ariana and Jonah were also there with Whitney, Sammy, and two-year-old Jameson. It was a good-looking crew, if you asked me.

Grandma and Grandpa sat nearby and watched their crazy brood. They were getting older, and time wasn’t their friend. I tried not to think about it, but I couldn’t deny it. Someday, there would be empty chairs at the table. For now, though, I took comfort in the way they beamed at what they were leaving behind for the world. They had done well.

Tenacious and beautiful Whitney, who was getting so tall and too pretty, made her way to us along with Gemma, who asked, “Were you guys back there baking cookies?”

“I wish,” Brant whispered low in my ear.

I gave him a little nudge. His oven was always preheated. “No, just cake.” I gave her a squeeze, so thankful she still had no idea what that meant.

Unfortunately, Whitney wasn’t so oblivious anymore. “My mom and dad said you should really lay off the cookie baking thing and give your body a break.” She gave us a knowing look.

“Oh really?” I sang.

“What are cookies doing to your body?” Gemma asked so innocently, but full of concern.

“I think you should ask your Aunt Ariana.” I gave my sister the evil eye, and she laughed as if she knew exactly what was being said.

Thankfully, no one had time to ask about cookies. Sheridan and John were at the door. The noise died down before John opened the door for his wife. As always, they were dressed impeccably, and age didn’t seem to affect them at all. If anything, they looked younger. I think that was the gift of true penance.

When they entered, they reached for each other’s hands, and such a look of adoration passed between them before the crowd erupted in cheers. The whole thing was a testament to the power of love and forgiveness.

I looked at them and back at the rest of my family—each one of them was a gift in my life. Watching them all, I could see the roads they had traveled. Their roads were a lot like mine, covered in messy accidents. But there were also beautiful stretches of road, full of joy and laughter and love. People say miracles don’t exist, or dreams never come true, but I say otherwise. Sometimes they just take time and a whole lot of work, like my mother-in-law loved to say. I looked at Brant and my sweet little girls. I would be forever grateful I gave them a chance to happen, for my dreams to happen. That I didn’t have to regret my life. Because our life together was the greatest miracle of all.