Chapter 27

Kristen's POV

Once I'd finished sorting through the ledgers, I closed my laptop and went to check on Noah. He was still sleeping soundly, so I shut the door quietly and went back to the living room. 

Daphne's picture was directly facing me, and again, I felt as though her eyes were following me around the room. It was sad to think we'd missed out on a potentially great relationship, but Daphne hadn't been ready, and I had been forced to accept that. 

I remembered the morning we had met for the first time. And just like that, I was back in Michigan. I was sixteen again. I was standing in front of the sister that I'd always wished for. 

We had agreed to meet in the park by the water fountain. I had spent an hour trying to figure out what to wear. Ultimately, I decided on jeans and a thin blue sweater that was simple and practical. Then I'd showed up by the water fountain, forty minutes early and so nervous I felt as though my stomach was going to