A life reroute - that was what Holly's intentions were when she reluctantly mailed out a deposit check for first and last month's rent to the landlord of a small, two-bedroom house in Woodstock.

It was a risk and taking risks wasn't something she was overly fond of. Still, after several career opportunities had fallen through, Holly accepted a job as a writer for a small newspaper in a world she was completely unfamiliar with.

It was a last resort, or that was what she told herself. Holly had decided that change was the answer to the rut she was in. She had never been a country girl so moving to upstate New York would be an adjustment.

A challenge, she acknowledged.

If nothing else Holly appreciated a good challenge. She just hoped her time there wouldn't seem slow and dull compared to the fast-paced city life she had been accustomed to.

The ride up to the country had been an oxymoron of emotions - both anxiety-ridden and peaceful. Holly enjoyed the winding back roads, collection of trees and streams, and the big houses with elegant front porches. She couldn't deny it was beautiful.

I just hope I don't have to drive forty minutes to pick up a stick of butter and some milk, she thought.

The first signs of Woodstock were oddly cliche. 'Ye Old Hippy Store' was the first little shop that made Holly snicker. The town green was filled with a collection of stands covered by little tents and sellers of all kinds perched behind makeshift counters. Collections of tye-dye blankets and shirts were scattered about and no two shoppers in the midst of the crowd looked alike.

"Welcome to Woodstock," Holly muttered under her breath, taking in the quirks and bright colors of her new home.

The white, two-story home came into view just as the GPS gave its final command. Holly smiled to herself as she saw a middle-aged blond woman with bouncy curls waving at her with a smile as she climbed down the steps of a modest front porch.

The landlord - Lizzie. She recognized her from her Facebook and Instagram photos, as those were their initial forms of communication.

Holly pulled the car to a halt in a gravel driveway and quickly climbed out to greet the woman who she had spoken with primary by phone.

"Holly," Lizzie greeted matter-of-factly with arms wide open.

Holly smiled wide and nodded, accepting a big hug from the woman as if they were old friends.

"It's a pleasure to finally meet you." Lizzie pulled back but kept her hands firmly on her shoulders. "How was the trip?"

"It was long... but nice." Holly nodded as she spoke.

"Well let me show you around the place!" Lizzie's smile outmatched hers, "The pictures don't do it justice."

Beep beep. An old truck cruised by and Lizzie turned, waving her hands wildly while blowing a friendly kiss to the passerbyer.

Holly couldn't help but chuckle and stared as the man behind the wheel kept a hand up and beeped another time. She watched as the truck pulled into the next driveway down which was separated by a generous portion of land.

"Well you met your first neighbor," Lizzie gushed. "I'm sure he'll be by with a little something to greet you with." Before Holly could object Lizzie continued, "That's Jude Fisher. Great man. I used to babysit him when I was a teenager."

"Really?"

"He's about your age I'd think... maybe a few years older." She smirked.

"I'll be 35 in October."

"Jude's birthday just passed." Lizzie continued to grin. "He's 38."

Holly nodded, suspecting her landlord was already playing matchmaker.

"Anyway," she went on, "Let's give you the grand tour of the place." Lizzie waved her toward the front porch and Holly took a deep breath as she followed her inside. She was anxious but eager to start this new chapter of her life.

"Fully furnished, as promised."

Holly took it all in, nodding appreciatively. Her small studio apartment in the city cost more than what Lizzie was charging for the entire home with the massive yard and well-kept furniture.

"This is amazing." She was being honest and was tempted to ask why the rent was so low but she didn't want to push the issue.

"Well it's nothing fancy but I call it home." She smiled and continued to stroll around, introducing Holly to the kitchen, cozy living rooms and upstairs bedrooms.

"This is great."

"I personally love the back porch the best." She grinned. "You said you'd be writing for the local paper right?" Lizzie allowed her a step ahead through the back door, "I found plenty of peaceful inspiration back here with writing my poetry."

Holly stepped out onto a multicolored porch that overlooked a stream and made way to even more land and then a wide range of trees that appeared to stretch for miles. To either side there were homes, one was Jude's and then another on the opposite side who's layout appeared similar to hers. They were close enough for company but far enough for some privacy.

"Beautiful isn't it?" Lizzie asked.

"it really is."

"This is why I've lived in Woodstock my whole life." Lizzie leaned arm on the railing of the porch. "Is it safe to say welcome home?"

Holly smiled and nodded, good vibes filtering through her. "Yeah... I'd say it is."

"Well, dear. Let me help you unpack... and then we'll have a glass of wine!"

"Sounds good." Holly began to follow Lizzie inside but glanced over when she noticed Jude trekking through his backyard. For an extra second she stared and felt a twinge or embarrassment when he glanced over.

When he gave a quick wave Holly felt her face grow hot and gave a quick wave back before heading inside.