Standing beside the car, unexpectedly, was Noelle.

Francesca whispered her name, “Noelle.”

She stepped forward, her movements gentle, and folded Noelle into a hug. It had been half a year since they’d last seen each other, and she had missed her deeply.

Noelle leaned against Francesca’s shoulder, drawing warmth from her embrace. After a long moment, she lifted her head, her voice soft. “My brother’s getting married, so I could only come back ...