Ashley
The Vermont night wrapped around the sprawling estate like velvet, stars dotting the sky in a pattern I'd never seen in the city.
Zach's grandparents' home was the kind of place that belonged in magazines, stone fireplaces, exposed wooden beams, and windows that framed the mountains like priceless artwork. It was beautiful. It was peaceful.
And I was falling apart inside.
I stood on the balcony off the guest bedroom, fingers curled around the smooth wooden railing, looking out at nothing in particular.
The cool air brushed against my face, a welcome relief to the heat that seemed to radiate from within me, the nervous energy of carrying a secret too heavy for one person.
The floorboards behind me creaked. I didn't need to turn around to know it was Zach.
The faint sound of h
