You should give him another chance, Nicki. He adores you.”

“I know. Can I ask you something?”

“Anything.”

“Do you have any regrets?”

That caught her by surprise. “About what?”

“I don’t know. I mean, like you said, Michael and I are pretty young, and this is a big decision. I guess I’m wondering if you regret any decisions you made, or didn’t make.”

She thought about it for a moment, then said, “Nothing major comes to mind.”

“Even when you were my age? Or younger? Was there anything you wanted to do that you didn’t? Or, thinking back on it, was there anything you would have done differently if you had the chance?”

She smiled. “Such a serious question!”

“I’m sorry. I know that was terribly personal.”

“Not at all,” she said. “I’ve been very fortunate. Whether on purpose or by accident, I’m pretty comfortable with the decisions I’ve made. So far, at least.”

“So, no regrets?”

“Not really. Nothing worth mentioning. But Nicki? Try not to put too much pressure on yourself. Take your time. Don’t force the decision. For now, just agree to think about getting back with Michael.”

“Okay.”

She kissed my cheek. “Michael’s not the only Thorne who loves you, Nicki. We all do. And if things don’t work out between you guys, I hope you know we’ll always consider you part of the family. I’m sure Michael will, too.”

I hugged her like she saved my life, then asked, “Would it be okay if I call David sometime this week to get his perspective about how Michael views our future?”

“That’s a good idea. I’m sure he’d be glad to take your call.”

“What about Jessie?”

“Jessie?”

“Before I head back to Louisville I’d like to reassure her that no matter what happens with Michael I’ll always be there for her.”

“That’s so thoughtful!” she said. “Of course you should tell her that.”

And so I did, and it was the last time I stepped foot on these grounds until tonight. Now, exiting Michael’s car, we find our path blocked by a police detective named Broadus, who tells us we can’t enter the house until the police conclude their initial investigation.

“I’m the son,” Michael says.

Detective Broadus checks his notepad. “Michael?”

“Yes.”

He looks at me. “And you’re Nicki Hill?”

“Yes sir.”

He stares at me like he’s been in prison and I’m the first woman he’s seen since getting released. And when he says, “Michael, stay put. Nicki, come with me,” my stomach drops. I look at Michael, hoping he’ll intervene, or at least accompany me, but his eyes are tracking Alison and Jessie, who are heading toward him with blankets around their shoulders and a paramedic in tow. What strikes me most about the Thorne women tonight is their curious facial expressions. While clearly distraught, they also seem…embarrassed.