“I’m not speaking about Blake—though I’m sorry for that too. I’ll at all times be sorry whenever you’re hurting.”

“Then what are you speaking about?”

She sighs. “Your uncle and I did our greatest to provide you a house. However I do know it’s by no means been sufficient. You wanted your Mama, and he or she wasn’t right here.”

“Oh, Aunt Bea, that’s not?—”

“Hush, youngster, I’m speaking.” She smiles at me, so I do know she’s not mad. Then continues. “Your mama, she wasn’t properly. No mom who would go away such a candy daughter behind may very well be properly.” As if she is aware of I’m about to protest, Bea holds up her hand. “I’m not making an attempt to talk unwell of her. I do know she suffered terribly when Invoice died. I can’t think about what I’d do if I ever misplaced Burt. Nonetheless, I’ll admit that I’ve had a harsh phrase or two with the great Lord about your mom and the best way she left.”

“Actually? You by no means stated.”

“I didn’t need you to ever really feel such as you had been a burden. Since you’re not, Lucy. You’re a blessing, and I’m sorry on your mama that she’s missed out on seeing up shut and private what a stupendous girl you’ve turn out to be.”

Oh, candy macaroni. There she goes once more. “Cease making me cry, Aunt Bea.” I chortle.

However her face is simply as severe because the time she instructed my uncle in no unsure phrases would she ever quit quilting, regardless of how unhealthy the arthritis in her palms will get. “We needed to provide you a house, however I fear that in making a haven for you, we additionally created a jail.”

“This residence isn’t a jail.”

“Not simply this residence. This city too. It’s turn out to be your sanctuary, which is an excellent factor. A superb factor. However when you had been right here, you by no means left once more. You used to like touring whenever you had been little, however when was the final time you went farther than Morro Bay?”

Maintain on, now. “I used to be going to go away to varsity, however then Marilee’s mother and father died.”

“I do know, darling, and also you’re such a superb buddy to remain. However let’s be trustworthy. You by no means actually needed to depart. You solely felt like it is best to. You had been relieved whenever you had an excuse to remain.”

Ouch. Guess the reality hurts. “So? What’s improper with loving your own home a lot you at all times wish to be there? Which you could’t fathom leaving it?”

“There’s a distinction between loving it and utilizing it as a spot to cover.”

I stand, head for the window once more, holding quick to the picture of that grand tree anchored there. However in finding out it nearer, I see indicators that every one just isn’t properly. Items of bark flecking off. It’s itemizing to at least one aspect. There are patches the place no leaves develop.

No. No, no. “That tree…what’s improper with it?”

“What?” My aunt joins me on the window. She faucets the glass softly. “Ah, sure. I’ve been that means to have it taken out. It’s not been getting sufficient vitamins, I suppose. It’s simply been present there, trying all proper, regardless that underneath the floor, the roots had been dying. Took some time to see the issue, and by then, it was too late to deal with it.” Her hand goes to my hair, stroking it like solely a mother can. “Your uncle doesn’t wish to take it out. It’s sentimental to him, you see. However typically it’s important to do away with the lifeless issues so you possibly can plant new life.”

I flip to her, my eyes moist once more—shock, shock. “However what if the soil’s simply…ruined? What if the brand new tree by no means grows as tall?” My questions come rapidly, however the understanding in her eyes tells me she is aware of we’re now not speaking a few tree. “What if this tree, proper right here, proper now, with all of its points, is one of the best factor that’s ever going to exist? For those who chop it down, anticipating new life, and the brand new life doesn’t come, or it doesn’t look the best way you suppose it is going to…then what? You’re simply left with damaged hope.”

“Or,” she grasps my hand and squeezes it tight, “the brand new tree will exceed your expectations. However should you don’t danger chopping down the outdated, you’ll by no means expertise the life and progress that comes with the brand new. And, Lucy, what’s a lifetime of worry and hiding? Take the chance, my pricey. Dream the dream. Simply consider what a stupendous sight may very well be ready for us this time subsequent 12 months if we do.”

She pats my hand, then glances on the tree as soon as extra. “I feel I do know what’s moved to the highest of my to-do record.” Aunt Bea winks at me. “How about you?”

My coronary heart is galloping in my chest, my palms sweaty as I lean in to kiss my aunt’s cheek. She smells like garlic and tomato sauce—and if an individual can odor of knowledge, properly, she smells like that too. “I suppose possibly it’s time to cut down some timber.”

“That’s my lady.”

Her phrases heat my chest all the best way out of the room, down the steps, and out the entrance door, the place I begin to hightail it residence, praying that Blake is someplace to be discovered.

Praying that I’m not too late.

* * *

I used to be, certainly, too late.

By the point I received residence final evening, Blake’s automotive was nowhere to be discovered. I waited up till three a.m., and he by no means got here residence. Mare was asleep, however I texted her to ask if she knew the place he was. I by no means heard again from her, and once I went into her room this morning, discovered her telephone charging on the bedside desk however no Marilee. She should have left for the competition with out it—not stunning, given how drained she’s been recently.

I’ve stored my eye open for her all day, however between each Hallmark Seashore resident and the 1000’s of vacationers who’ve flocked right here for the Fourth of July Competition, I don’t have a lot hope of discovering her. For hours, I’ve been speeding backwards and forwards between the meals cubicles down on the seaside and the Robin, the place we determined it will be best for Tiny and his small however mighty workforce to grill the burgers and place them into containers to maintain them heat.

Blake was presupposed to be serving to out, however I haven’t seen him both. It’s potential that he geese out each time he sees me coming, but it surely appears odd I wouldn’t have even caught a glimpse of him.

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