Isobel stepped off the plane and into the narrow gangway, the recycled air giving way to the faintest tease of salt in the distance — a scent that tugged at her chest like a long-lost melody. Beyond the wide airport windows, the familiar sweep of coastline stretched toward the horizon, bathed in late-afternoon light. She’d packed light — a single carry-on, just enough for a visit that would be over before her heart was ready to leave again.

The hum of travelers swelled around her, but ...