Page 164 of Homecoming

“Don’t you dare thank them for stabbing you in the back.”

“Okay, I won’t.”

“I’m glad you don’t care anymore. That’s a good thing. And it’s a good thing that you can be in the same room with them and not be upset or hurt. You can be cordial for the sake of your parents and your children—yours and hers—but don’t youeverforget what they did.”

“You’re right.” She turned to face her grandmother. “Do you think it’s possible for people to change?”

“Yes, I do, and I see Kelly trying to be better. She was very sweet when I saw her at your mother’s house, and her little guy is adorable. I’m glad I finally got to meet him. But, that said… The person who did what she did is still inside her, you know? I’d advise proceeding with caution there.”

“Good point. We can be civil without being overly involved.”

“That’s probably the best approach.”

Kara hugged Bertha again, because she could, because soon she’d be missing her again. “Thank you for everything, not just now but always.”

“Aw, love, you’ve given me so much more than I could ever give you.”

“No way.”

“Yes way.”

Smiling, Kara held on tight to the woman who’d been her rock, her best friend, her true north.

That’s where Dan found them when he came inside to get drinks for himself and Buster.

“Everything all right in here?”

“Everything is perfect,” Kara said as she released Bertha. “We’re just getting it in while we can.”

“I hope you’ll come to Gansett any time you want,” Dan said to Bertha. “Our friend Slim will pick you up and fly you over. He’s the best pilot I’ve ever met, and he’d take very good care of you.”

“I may take you up on that.”

“Please do,” Dan said. “My wife is so much happier when you’re around, and so am I.”

“I’ve been thinking about taking a few days off here and there.”

Kara stared at her in shock.

“Don’t look at me that way. I’ve worked hard all my life. I need to start enjoying myself more, and visiting this island that has you both so captivated is at the top of my to-do list.”

“Any time,” Dan said emphatically. “You call me, and I’ll call Slim. We can surprise Kara.”

“I’d love that. We’ll do it for sure. I can leave Buster in charge here.”

“He’s welcome, too, of course.”

Bertha laughed. “If you think it’s tough getting me out of Maine, he’s a whole other story.”

“Truth,” Kara said. “He’s never left the state, and if he has his way, he never will.”

“I’ll work on him while we finish the dig.”

“You do that,” Kara said, smiling at Bertha, who rolled her eyes.

Buster wasn’t going anywhere, and that was that.

The lobster- and clambakewas a delicious hit with the family and friends who joined them on Bertha’s waterfront lawn.

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