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“They are not the only friends I’ve made. You’re my friend and Sunday, too.”

My eyes return to her list. “What else do you have on here?”

Adventure:

—Fly on an airplane.

—Go on a road trip.

—Camping.

—Climb a rock wall.

Artistic:

—Take an improv class.

—Paint a nude model and pose as one.

Wild:

—Get drunk.

—Ride on a motorcycle.

—Get a tattoo.

—Skinny-dip in the ocean.

Personal:

—Make a friend.

—Live on my own. Well, with roommates, but be self-sustaining.

—Kiss a man I love.

—Forgive my mom.

I pause, considering. Noah wrote this list before she even left the orphanage, and I wonder if her reading her mom’s letter has her regretting putting that last item on there.

“Tell me about the first thing you put on your list.”

“The Adventure items were first. I felt isolated for so long that I just wanted to see more. I still want to see everything I can.”

“Which ones are most important to you?”

“The Personal ones. I’ve accomplished so much just by falling for you. I learn and grow every day by loving you, but that last one about my mom is pretty important, too. The person who was supposed to protect me hurt me the worst, and I won’t be free from that pain until I come to terms with her decision.”

“Have you looked for her?”

“No, I’m not sure that I want to or need to in order to achieve forgiveness. I need to find it within myself.”

“You’ll get there, baby. It’ll take time.” I kiss the top of her head.

“I wasn’t sure I ever would, but it seems a lot more attainable with your belief in me.” The confidence in her voice tells me she’s ready to take on anything.

“I’ll always believe in you, but you can do anything with or without me. I think we’re going to be okay,” I tell her.

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