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“My only instruction was to deliver it Now that I’ve done that, I’ll leave you two alone” Ian shook Toratulations, by the way”

“Thanks And Ian—thanks for everything you’ve done with the estate”

“You’re welcome”

When he was gone Abby ripped open the sealed envelope There was a handwritten letter on embossed stationery That was all

To his hands on her knees “Are you okay to read it?”

She nodded, touching the old paper with her fingertips “I think so”

Toh “Would you rather be alone?”

She looked up into his eyes “No, I want you with me We’re partners now I don’t have any secrets”

She unfolded Marian’s letter

Dear Abigail,

I’ot to meet By now you’ve had time to fall in love with the house I hope you have, anyway It’s a very special place Not without its secrets, of course But I’ve always thought the secrets were part of its charm

You’re probably wondering how the faot separated I wish I had uely, but I reer with ht, and my father would never speak her name in this house I reht maybe Father couldn’t bear to look at her and that hy he sent her away He confessed right before he died that we had different fathers, but if there was ever any evidence of it, it’s long gone

Abby paused Looked up at Tom “She didn’t know About Kristian About Edith’s death All of it She must have blocked it frohost hadn’t revealed herself to her own daughter Why had she chosen Abby?

Tom squeezed her hand and she turned back to the letter

I want you to have this house It can never make up for the past, but if there is a scrap of Edith—ood hands By the ti care That is why I directed Ian Martin to deliver this to you after you’ve decided to stay in Jewell Cove If you’re staying, I know you love this house and this town as much as I did Treasure it Be happy in it It needs happiness