Avery Came Home From Overseas and Found Her Name on the Lake Deed

It landed on the wet gravel with a dull thud.

“Change the deadbolt right now, Brandon,” Victoria said.

I stepped out onto the wide stone porch before Brandon could slide the new cylinder into the lock.

The cold mist off Lake Anne hit my face the moment I crossed the stone threshold.

Behind me, the brass latch clicked into place as Brandon turned the new mechanism inside the wood.

Chloe stepped out onto the porch, wrapping a white wool shawl around her shoulders.

“Look at you, Avery.”