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At the twist inme, beyond the i to happen now? Did I want to go? Did Tenn want me to stay? And what if he did? I had the boys, and our house, and ust and Thatcher would want I couldn't just walk away from my job Could I?

I'd thought about it more than a few times over the last two years Ever since the first ht in more than my salary It didn't happen every month, but it happened more often than not, and the months it fell short, it wasn't byextra on the e funds I was starting tojewelry and small sculptures for my online shop, I'd be able to sellboth teaching and running the shop

It was a big risk As those words ran throughwas a risk Going to Sawyers Bend Trusting Tenn Co to be afraid of risks forever?

Yes, big changes were a risk

And yes, I had two boys to look after

I didn't have the right to be reckless, but did that mean I couldn't take a chance?

I didn't know I kneas in love with Tenn No doubt there I didn't knohat to do about it, or if it could go anywhere, or if he even wanted it to I was three years older than hireat kids Maybe Tenn didn't want a ready- or whatever this was—and he'd be ready to send us on our way in a week or two

Or ht with a blast of horror, he'd be ready e got back to the Manor

No It was possible, but I didn't believe that I didn't know if Tenn loved me We'd barelyfor ht? My thoughts drifted as thewe could speed up while the clock slowed down

I ainst the cool , one hand on Thatcher's side, feeling his ribs move with every breath Ithe outskirts of Knoxville I looked around, spotting a black SUV identical to ours right behind us

"Are those guys with you?" I asked

"That's the rest of the teauys can fill up, get some food, and head home"

"I can't thank you enough for everything," I said "Things were not looking good when you showed up"