Kira blew out a slow, calming breath as she inspected the studio. Three months. Wow, she could hardly believe it. Just three months ago she’d started a new chapter in life. And though time had gone by quickly, she’d accomplished more than she imagined was possible. Her planner was peppered with indoor studio sittings, outdoor shoots, upcoming dances, and large events, too. She enjoyed those the most. In fact, last month for Easter, Kira had snapped pictures at Cobble Creek’s Easter Egg Hunt. A gal at the community center had hired her to capture some of the goings-on that day, along with staged portraits with the Easter Bunny. It’d been a blast. But still, one thing Kira was most proud of was the graffiti wall she’d come up with for senior portraits. Prior to their scheduled appointments, graduates of Cobble Creek High were invited to come and personalize part of the studio’s brick wall by spray-painting a background that represented them—perfect for teens. Luckily, Hammers Hardware carried plenty of washable spray paint for the occasion.

Another hit was her newly finished kids’ corner—a spot Anthony helped her create for the little ones. While small visitors sat up to the table for a tea party in the charming, miniature kitchen, Kira snapped away. Sisters giggling over tiny teacups, laced gloves accentuated lifted pinkies while knitted shawls hung over their small frames. Adjacent to the kitchen, mock tools dangled from small brass hooks on an old-time pegboard. Greasy coveralls draped over rusty-looking nails, ready for the next “mechanic” to work on the knickknacks on the workbench. A tiny tots library separated the two opposing scenes, offering a spot where kids could cuddle up to mom or dad, big sis or bro, and giggle at the selection of classic picture books. All of this while Kira captured the moments.

Business was good, and she’d never felt so accomplished in her life. But Kira wasn’t sure it would be enough to impress her older sister who, over time, had proven to be one of her toughest critics. And what would she say to Mom and Dad about the visit? Sure, Kira’s doing good now, but we all know it’s not going to last. Give her time, and she’ll mess it up like she does everything else.

Kira hated setting such low expectations for Marissa. It wasn’t fair, and she knew it. Perhaps this visit could mark a new beginning for them both.

A ding sounded from her phone just as she thought to check the time. It was from Anthony. Speaking of good. Wonderful was more like it. She peered down at his text:

What time does your sister get here?

Kira straightened up and turned to look over her shoulder. If she squinted hard enough, looking beyond passersby on Main Street, she could possibly make out his impressive stature behind the bar. Or at least imagine seeing him between Chuck and Don as they ate their Saturday morning special. Her phone let out another ding.

Are you sure you don’t want me to come to the airport? I will, you know.

Yes, bless him. But no, this was something she had to do herself. Besides, Anthony would meet Marissa soon enough.

I do know that. Thank you for offering, but I’ve got this. I’ll be over in a minute to kiss you goodbye.

It dinged back in a hurry.

Mmm … Can’t wait. Let’s kiss hello too. Then goodbye. I like it better when we do that.

She chuckled, bathing in the thrill that bubbled up in her chest. She and Anthony were in the honeymoon phase of a relationship. The hate-being-apart, want-to-go-everywhere-together, make-a-special-trip-to-say-goodbye phase. And Kira was loving every minute of it. Which had made last night difficult; with the weather turning warm so quickly, Shadow River had risen too high, causing flooding along the edge of town. Rather than spending a nice quiet evening together like they’d planned, Anthony had gone off to help sandbag the fire station.

Today’s three-hour trip to the Jackson Hole Airport, when doubled, would take up most of the day. Which meant she wouldn’t see much of him today either. No early lunch before the studio opened. No quick visits between sittings. But Marissa had taken time out of her life to visit her—a visit Kira had cleared her schedule for once her sister confirmed the dates—it’d be worth it.

Sunlight poured over Main Street as Kira locked up the storefront. Cobble Creek hadn’t seen snow since the first of April, and Kira had finally unpacked her shorts and capris. She’d also tucked her winter coats away for the season, needing only an occasional jacket or raincoat. She paused to take in the magic of the quaint, side-by-side shops. One walk down Main offered townsfolk places like CC’s Salon, Top’s Bakery, and the Flower Girl Floral Shop. Kira’s new favorites were Books and Nooks, Frank and Signs, and of course the Old-Fashioned Soda Shop in the pharmacy. Baskets of fresh produce lined the storefront just a few doors from Tony’s Diner, the color as vibrant and diverse as the people she’d met. This was truly the place Kira belonged, and that knowledge meant more to her than she could say.

Kira intended to listen to an audiobook during the drive to the airport, but by the time she remembered that idea, she was more than halfway there. Her mind preoccupied with a mixing pot of memories. She and Marissa when they were young. Many put a smile on her face. Some were tender enough to make her cry. Others had Kira shaking her head, wondering why her older sister had often been so harsh.

When she’d stepped over to the diner to tell Anthony goodbye, he’d offered some encouraging words, assuring her there was no reason to dread the visit. “Your family loves you,” he assured. “And they want to see you succeed.” The best part about Anthony was that he never made her feel like she’d be less great without him. He simply had a way of helping Kira see her strengths—qualities that existed with or without him. She wasn’t sure why that felt so important to her, but it did.

The sun shone in full force as Kira took the turn into the airport. Just the sight of the tarmac from a distance, the planes coming and going overhead, all of it caused an odd sort of cabin pressure to build right there in her compact car. Anthony had shown her how to use a pressure cooker just last week. He’d pointed out the dos and don’ts. Explained how the contraption needed time to build, and then release pressure with each use, which made Kira relate to the thing on some level. It was very human to build pressure over time. Most explosive outbursts were layered with mounds of pressure. Layers that had built up over years. And then, with the simplest trigger, it could go off.

Kira gripped the steering wheel and forced out a pursed-lipped breath. She didn’t have steam to let off, did she? She didn’t think so. Kira had finally found the happiness she was looking for. The place she belonged whether her family believed she’d stay put or not. And that’s what mattered most.

After locking up the car, Kira weaved through the lot. This section of parking was covered, and the lack of sunlight made it feel like winter had made a sudden comeback. She folded her arms over her chest as she scanned the exit gate. Calm, Kira. Calm. Things will be great.

* * *

“Burger, deep-fried mushrooms, and a root beer,” Anthony said as he slid Sheriff Trent Lockheart’s lunch across the counter. “Can I get you anything else?”

Trent shook his head. “No, looks great. Hey, I can’t thank you enough for all your help last night. According to Judy, the fire station suffered leaks in years past, but nothing so severe.”

Anthony covered a yawn. “I was happy to help. Never know how much damage a runoff like that can cause.”

“I’ll say,” Benny said around a mouth of food. He nudged the sheriff. “That’s what I was telling Trent. We had one heck of a winter. And when things heat up quick, we can end up with a big mess.”

Trent dabbed his mouth with a napkin. “Glad the majority of town sits outside the danger zone,” he said, lifting his drink to where the straw waited an inch from his lips. “Better to have the fire station at risk than the health clinic, or someone’s home or personal business.”

Anthony nodded. “True enough. And we’ve got one heck of a community. That’s what I love about this place.”

“Hear, hear,” Benny cheered, lifting his cup of root beer with a stretched out arm.

Anthony secured a fresh glass from under the counter to play along, straightening his arm to clank it against the officers’. “Hear, hear.” He brought the empty glass to his lips and tipped it back, way back, before placing it solidly on the counter. “Good stuff.”

“Hey,” Benny said. “Since the ladies are getting together for book club tonight, some of us are heading out for some bowling if you want to come.”

Anthony tilted his head as he weighed the option. “Thanks. If Kira takes longer than she plans, I might just take you up on that.”

He gave the two a nod before slipping out of the serving area and striding down the hall toward his office. He lowered himself onto the wheeled chair and stewed. Talking with Sheriff Lockheart and Benny Gains had triggered something: a spot of discomfort that was spreading dangerously fast. The flood. The fact that something as innocent and natural as melting snow could cause a lot of damage under the right (or wrong) circumstance. The very idea crawled into his brain like a tick. Sneaky at first. Hardly even recognized. But boy, could it cause a lot of trouble if it wasn’t snuffed out.

For Anthony, it was fear. Fear that having Kira’s sister in town might trigger those old feelings of inadequacy. That impulse to prove herself to her family. Which could result in her picking up and leaving.

The first spot of fear surfaced as Kira walked out of the diner that morning after kissing him goodbye. He couldn’t scratch the image. Suddenly it was his mom, then Ruth, then Elsie, each walking thoroughly out of his life. Never to return.

Anthony pounded a fist against his desk. “Enough,” he grumbled, kicking the small trashcan by his feet. He told Kira he wouldn’t fear her. That he didn’t fear her. Besides, this had more to do with Anthony than it did Kira Moretti. Perhaps what he needed was a good counseling session or two. Clear his head of the issues he’d faced since his mother left.

He knew Kira was only gone for a few hours, but a sudden loneliness kicked in. He remembered the way his dad changed after his diagnoses. He’d tendered up real quick after that. And he made a habit of asking Anthony for something he needed in increased doses as he went through treatments: hugs. Wordlessly, the man would nod to him, lift his arms, and look at him expectantly.

Anthony would respond gladly, needing the closeness as well. The longest embrace they shared was after they discovered he wasn’t responding to the treatments as they’d hoped. And that—at best—he had another two months to live. On that day Dad didn’t have to ask. He’d simply looked at Anthony after the doctor gave them time to discuss their limited options. The slightest nod and Anthony was there. Glad that the big, strong man had it in him to show that he needed it. He remembered wondering who’d be there to embrace him once Dad was gone.

That’s when the book club stepped into action. Run by a couple ladies from the church on Steeple Street, one being the pastor’s wife, the collection of woman swooped in with casseroles, books on grieving, framed inspirational quotes, and plenty of hugs to go with each thoughtful delivery. The fine community of Cobble Creek at its best. Thank the good Lord for it. Anthony did just that every day.

The more recent gratitude at his lips was centered around Kira. Daily he lifted thanks for her and vowed he’d do right by her the best he could. He put his mind in that mode and rolled his chair back enough to hoist his feet onto his desk. Hunkering deeper into the comfortable office chair, Anthony leaned his head back and closed his eyes, ready to catch up on some much-needed rest after the flood. And hoping to avoid disaster of a whole different kind.