Chapter 78

Sara jumped from her seat at the kitchen table when she heard gravel crunching beneath tires. Hanging over the sink, she spotted a black Tahoe parking beside her car. It was Brian. She dumped the meager sandwich she’d been eating into the trash as she ran to the door.

Brian was stepping out of the truck. The sun was setting, but there was still ample light spilling into the clearing around the house. What if it wasn’t Brian? He was much bigger than she remembered him being in high school, but she shoved the doubt to the side when she saw his face. She’d know that smile anywhere.

He bounded to the door to meet her. “Hey, Lizzy!” His excitement was short-lived as he remembered her name change. “Sorry, old habits.” He turned to scan the area as he stepped to the door she held open for him.

“Don’t worry about it. Get in here. Nobody followed you?”

“Nope. I’ve got stealth like a cheetah.”

Sara chuckled. “I’ve missed you. It’s good to see you haven’t changed.”

“That’s me. Old reliable.” Bri