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I never thought I would be living here.
    I’d known the layout, but since Uncle Jim did tons of renovations to the place, it all looked brand new—almost like I’d never seen it before.
    Leading me into the hallway, Lauryn pulled me into the wide open living room. If I didn’t already know this was a guesthouse, I would never have known by the look of the house. It was beautiful and more than something the kids just lived in.
    The living room had floor to ceiling windows, and I hoped to God I didn’t have to climb a ladder to clean those suckers. The view was astonishing. The lake instantly grabbed my attention. The way the sun shined on it made it look like a glass mirror. The huge dock on the left side looked like an awesome place to sit, relax, and read.
    On the opposite side of the lake were trees—hundreds of them—like our own little forest. A shiver ran down my back when I thought about things … or people … that could be hiding in those woods.
    Shaking myself out of it, I noticed the huge grassy area before the woods began. There were several picnic tables set up and what looked like a fire pit in the center of homemade wooded benches.
    I wonder if these got used a lot? Not that I knew anyone to have something like this, but it would have been fun to have a set up like this at home.
    “It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” Lauryn’s voice squeaked.
    “Yes.” I couldn’t help but feel my gut twist in what I knew was a little homesickness, even though I just got here.
    “We have little get togethers now and then. We’re gonna have one in a few days. I’m inviting everyone, and I want them all to meet you!”
    Feeling my mouth drop to the ground and stomach start to flip out of my body, words finally escaped my mouth. “You’re doing what exactly?” Was I really ready to meet everyone in this town? I guess that was what starting over meant, but it didn’t mean I was ready.
    My hometown wasn’t huge, but it wasn’t this small either. It was big enough to have several schools, restaurants, and when you went out, you didn’t always see someone you knew.
    Williamsfield, Georgia was a very small town. My mom told me before I left it was one grade school, one high school, several small businesses, a few restaurants, and if I wanted to go shopping, I would probably have to go to the next town.
    It wasn’t a huge leap from Michigan, but it was going to be an adjustment. A small town reminded me of everyone knowing everything about everyone, and I just didn’t know if I was ready for that.
    “It’s in a week or so. Nothing right now. We’ll have a bonfire, food, drinks, and people. It’s a kinda meet and greet! Everyone will so love you!” She sounded so excited. I didn’t want my nerves to burst her little happy bubble and yell, “Hell no.”
    Closing my eyes and willing my mind to catch up with my mouth, I responded, “Sounds good. I can’t wait to meet … everyone.” My half smile really didn’t give too much away, although I was sure the hesitation in my voice did, but I could see on Lauryn’s face that she was having trouble trying to read me—this was fine with me.
    After all, I had a few days to prepare, so it should be fine.
    “Sadie, it’s just a little party so you can meet some new people. It’s no big deal. I’ll be around to introduce you to everyone.”
    Sighing and letting it go, I conceded, “All right, show me the rest of the house.” I smiled at her, not feeling any more relieved at her declaration, but I would make due as always.
    She turned me around to see the rest of the living room. Holy shit! My eyes focused on the biggest thing in the room, and I couldn’t tear my eyes off it. “I didn’t know they made TVs that big.”
    “That was my birthday present from Daddy. He really does love me.” She winked. Okay, note to self: Lauryn is still Daddy’s little girl at twenty-five years old. Feeling the sadness creep up on me, I had to block it out. I missed being