~TESSA~
The sun had barely climbed over the treeline when Ryder turned off the highway and onto the long, curving road that led to the Bishop Mansion.
I hadn’t been back since… everything.
Since running, hiding, losing myself.
Now, the sight of the tall iron gates felt like a heartbeat finally syncing again.
Ryder slowed the bike as the gates opened automatically. “You ready for this?” he asked, glancing over his shoulder.
I smiled under the helmet. “More than ready.”
The driveway shimmered with sunlight. Roses bloomed along the edges like nothing bad had ever happened in the world.
When we pulled up, the front doors flew open and Debbie came racing out barefoot, arms wide.
“Oh my God! You’re here!” she squealed, nearly knocking Ryder over with her hug. “Mom! They’re here!”
Mrs
