Chapter 1
Laney Richins adjusted the cellophane around a dozen pink roses and inhaled the sweet scent. If only her life could be as uncomplicated and beautiful as roses. She pulled a crumpled petal away from one of the buds, her fingers lingering on the velvety texture. There was so much that Laney regretted, but like the rose, there was much more to her than the crumpled petals on the outside. With a shake of her head, Laney dismissed that train of thought and adjusted the silver ribbon.
She and her five-year-old son Oliver were happy in their little two-bedroom apartment. Happy to be far away from her ex-husband and just down the street from Grandpa and Grandma Richins. Laney didn’t even mind the brunt of the summertime heat and humidity as August descended on Echo Ridge, New York. Aft
