"All right, Tabby, I have your bags in the trunk already. Was there anything else you needed to do before we eat and head out to the airport?" Damon asked.

She looked up from her book and frowned a little. "Damon! I was supposed to take those out when you said breakfast was almost ready!"

"I know, but you were so engrossed in your book that I had Scotty take them out before he left for work. Are you ready to eat?"

Tabitha nodded as she marked her place in her book and got to her feet, bringing her book with her, since her purse was in the kitchen. "Is it weird that I'm really nervous about this? At least when I was in Boston and here, I had people that I knew of and a definitive plan. This next leg is just a step into an unknown."

"It's good that you're listening to those feelings, honey. We should always listen to our instincts, as that's what keeps us alive. But in the research we did yesterday, I can safely say that Lutsen is a safe area of Minnesota to spend time in, and that you won't need to worry too much about crime. But you did make certain your pepper spray was in your checked bag, yes?"

She nodded and took a seat, breathing in the delicious scent of pancakes and eggs. "I did, yes. And I have all the details of this trip in the folder you gave me. I really appreciate that you were able to help me rent a cabin at that resort, and a car. I forgot that some things require adultier adults to acquire them."

He chuckled as he nodded. "And you weren't planning on this, so it makes sense that you weren't prepared for the extra hoops. I'm just glad that we were able to help you out so much. Now, eat. I want you to have enough time to relax at the airport, and maybe grab some coffee."

Tabitha nodded as she dug into the food. It was so yummy, and she wished that she had more time there, in order to learn a few of his cooking secrets. "Damon?"

"Yeah?"

"Do you think that I could come here on vacation sometime? Even if we're not related, I really like being here, and spending time with you. Daddy's parents are nice, but there's something comfortable here. I can't explain."

"I understand. And yes, you are more than welcome to come out here and see us. Next time, we can show you around the city, and have it be more of a vacation. Just let me know with a little more advance warning next time?"

She giggled as she nodded. "I will definitely do that. And yes, I have you and Scotty in my phone, so I can call if I run into any trouble. I'm not planning to, but you never know."

"Exactly." He smiled at her, and she could see his eyes sparkle a little with unshed tears. Nodding, she refocused on her food and ate, carrying on a lighter conversation with Damon until they were finished. After putting the dishes in the washer, they headed out to the garage, and she doublechecked to make certain that she had everything in her purse before they took off for the airport. The drive didn't take too long, but Tabitha felt like it took far too long, as she was torn between staying and leaving, something she'd never expected.

"I wish that you could come in with me and wait, but I know I have to take this next step on my own. Right?"

"Right, kiddo. It was so nice having you with us for a few days."

Tabitha burst into tears as she nodded, leaning over and hugging him tightly before fumbling for her phone and drying her tears enough in order to take a nice selfie together. "I promise, I'll call as soon as I get to the resort, to let you know that I've arrived safely. Love you!" she said as she opened the door, intending to get out, when she felt his hand grip her wrist lightly. "Yes?"

"Here." He pressed an envelope into her hand before smiling and shooing her from the vehicle. She stuffed the envelope into her purse so that she could grab her bags from the trunk and head inside. This was her first time flying alone, and she took a deep breath as she got in line to check in, and then she focused on making her way through security, then finding her gate before taking a seat close to the door that led to the plane. She still had an hour before boarding started, so she used that time to see what Damon had given her.

The manila envelope was larger than she had thought, since he had folded it in half, and she took a deep breath as she broke the seal and opened it. A small gasp escaped her lips as she pulled out three smaller envelopes, one clearly filled with cash. "Damon," she whispered as she looked inside that one to see that he had gifted her with enough money to cover half her stay at the resort. She also knew that there was no way she could return the money, since it would somehow find its way back to her, no matter how much she protested that it was too much.

Hurriedly, she rammed the money into her purse and zipped it, knowing that it wasn't smart to advertise that she was carrying that much cash. Tabitha then looked at the other two envelopes, seeing that one was labelled for Alex, the other for her. It touched her heart to see that Damon had sent that along with her, as if he had faith she would see his daughter before he did, and she pulled out her book to place the envelope inside, not wanting it to wrinkle. Then she broke the seal on her envelope and pulled out a single sheet of paper.

Tabitha,

It's late at night, the night before you leave, and I find myself unable to sleep. So, I'm up late writing two letters, one for you, one for my Lexie. While it was quite the surprise to find you on my doorstep earlier, I am so glad that you sought us out and took time to get to know Scotty and me. I know that you had to be disappointed to not find my daughter here with us, but she's always avoided coming home, since it has bad memories for her. I wish that it could be different, but I understand a little of her hesitancy. And I pray that, when you arrive in Lutsen, you somehow run into my daughter, and can give her the other letter in this envelope. Maybe it's a pipe dream, but I live in hope.

And I just wanted to tell you how proud I am of you heading out on your own, taking on a quest to get to know your mother better. It takes great bravery to show up on someone's doorstep that you've only just heard of before, and ask questions that you might not get answers to. I also pray that you might find some peace and more answers in Lutsen. You are an honour to your mother's memory, and I know that she would be very proud of you, just as I am. And I know you're going to want to try and return the money I've also included, but you're so young, and I want you to be safe, if you run into any trouble in Minnesota or on the way home. I know that your father would do the same for any of my grandchildren, if I had any. Because that's what daddies do – they take care of the children under their watch.

Love,

Damon

Once more, Tabitha found herself tearing up that morning, and she folded the letter before placing it back in the envelope and then stuck it next to Alex's letter. Shoving the book back in her purse, she grabbed her phone and ignored all her notifications in order to quickly write a message to Damon. I'm not even on the plane yet, but I've just read your letter, and knew I had to say something as soon as possible. Thank you so much for the gift, I will use it wisely, though I do hope I don't face any trouble before I get home. But more than the money, I wanted to thank you for the kind words. I wish I knew for certain that Mum was proud of me, but hearing that you think she would be made my heart lighter than it has been since she was murdered. And I promise, if I find your Lexie, I will give her the letter you wrote. I'm so glad that you're now a part of my life, and I hope that we get to know each other better over the years ahead of us. I have to get on the plane now, so I'm turning my phone off, and it won't be back on until I land, so stay safe, and I love you, too. Tabby

Hitting send, she turned her phone off and shoved it back in her purse before pulling out her boarding pass and joining the queue for her group. Though it was a very quick flight to Duluth, she had still wanted to be comfortable, and chosen to book first class. A small smile spread across her face to see that meant she had the entire row to herself, since there was only one seat on each side. After making herself comfortable, she accepted the soda from the flight attendant and settled in to read her book once more, eager to get on her way to Lutsen and maybe finding her peace and a few answers along the way.