Pristine white siding with classic black shutters dressed the exterior. An array of blooming flowers and shrubbery decorated the wide verandah as well as the landscape. Brimming, green ferns hung in strategic locations for eye-pleasing appeal. Pretty clay pots of begonias and impatiens sat here and there, showing off their vibrant colors. Wicker chairs lined the shaded verandah, and a wide, matching swing hung across the far end. Thick, striped cushions boasted an almost irresistible invitation to sit a spell. Caroline remembered spending lazy summer afternoons in that swing sipping lemonade. She shook off the lingering nostalgia. When, she wondered, had Henri moved into Chase’s home? Henri had lived alone on her family farm forever. Maybe alone was the key word here. Henri had always appeared so happy and full of life to Caroline. But time changed everything. Maybe Henri simply got lonely after losing Colleen. And me. Regret mounted a little steeper. Still reeling from the morning’s harrowing experiences as well as the previous night’s life-altering event, Caroline slowly surveyed the lovely old house nestled against the backdrop of trees.
