“Yes,” I said.

“I am.”

Two days after closing, I stood in my kitchen with the recorded deed and cried so hard I sat on the floor.

Not because I had won a house.

Because I could finally picture a future without wondering whether Roger would return to decide it for me.

PART 10: Daphne’s Phone Call

Three days after Roger’s doorstep visit, the telephone rang while I was at the dental office.

“Joanne?” a woman asked.