It’s only proper to include Hank and Lydia’s time in this home as well. The past, in all its forms, has helped me get to where I am today. It’s a beautiful place, and it keeps encouraging me to take that next step forward.

No matter how unsettled the past may be, this town and its people remind me with unwavering certainty: It’s never too late to come home.

Epilogue

I’ve been dreaming of this day, even before it was a figment of my imagination. The universe works in mysterious ways. It presents opportunities at your front door when you least expect it. But it only does so when you’re prepared to invite them inside for an extended visit. That’s where I am now, on my doorstep, ready to set forth on this grand new adventure.

Their sedan pulls up to the curb. Nervous anxiety consumes me as the young couple emerges from the car. They’re my first official guests.

The man keeps staring at the house while the woman’s gaze is drawn toward the garden beside it. He carries a suitcase while they walk up the pathway together, arms interlocked.

I greet them at the bottom of the steps. “Good afternoon.”

“This place is exquisite. Simply lovely.” Her words are airy and light, coming from the heart. Even before we are introduced, I know everything will be okay.

“I have the chickadee suite reserved for you. It’s our finest room available, with a full view of the garden. And you’re welcome to stroll through it anytime you’d like.” I extend my hand. “I’m Claire Perkins, owner of Fly Away Home.” Speaking those words aloud for the first time creates an involuntary smile. I’ll never grow tired of this wonderful feeling.

“Oh dear. Where are my manners? I suppose it’s easy to become distracted when you’re surrounded by something so beautiful.” I know what she means. We’re going to get along well.

“She speaks the truth.” The man leans over and places a tender kiss on his wife’s cheek. It’s inspiring to see love bloom in others like it has for Jack and me. He reaches his hand out to shake mine. “I’m Benjamin. Benjamin Shaw. And this is my beautiful bride, Virginia.”

“Call me Ginny.” She smiles wide and sweet, as if we’ve been lifelong friends.

“Ginny and Benjamin, it’s my sincere pleasure to be the host for your stay.”

“Well, with service like this and a property so charming, we may never leave.” A part of me believes he might not be joking. I can appreciate their attraction to this small town. There’s an unspoken magic in Pigeon Grove. It continues to spread through the kindness and generosity of its people.

Jack makes his way down the sidewalk toward me. He carries a paper bag I know is full of lemons in one hand, and a bunch of flowering lavender in the other. I wave to him as my smile grows ever wider. I might not have enough peach tart left for our daily porch date, but that’s okay. Everything is okay. Actually, it’s perfect.

I direct my focus back toward the newlyweds. They’re still smiling with pinkie fingers interlocked by their side. “Mr. and Mrs. Shaw, if there’s anything I can do for you, please let me know.” And finally, the words I’ve been waiting to say and feel forever:

“Welcome home.”

~ The End ~

Did you enjoy your visit to Pigeon Grove? Would you like to experience more of this small town’s magical charm? Your reservation for the chickadee suite at Claire’s B&B awaits. I invite you to extend your stay by reading the first full-length novel of my Pigeon Grove series.

Follow Mason Shaw & Sophie Holland on a shared romantic journey as each struggles to answer a difficult question. Is accepting a troubled past safer than embracing an uncertain future? A willingness to confide in each other may be just what both need, but the past doesn’t release its grip on either of them that easily. Trust hides in that fragile space between holding on and letting go.

Fly away home to Pigeon Grove, revisit with some old friends, and discover the small-town romance, Between the Lines.

Author’s Reflection

Thank you, dear reader, for taking valuable time out of your day to walk alongside Claire and Jack on their journey together. Having the opportunity to share this story with each of you is something I cherish more than you know. In a serendipitous way, Fly Away Home has found its way home thanks to three people who were instrumental in bringing this story to your eyes.

Natalie, your everlasting encouragement and keen insights into the hearts of these characters helped me discover aspects of their personality that surprised me in the most delightful way. You’ve helped me lay down roots in Pigeon Grove as a place I’d love to remain as an author for years to come.

Rachael, your immersive writing coupled with the willingness to provide honest feedback helped me shape this story into one that has become everything I hoped it could be. The close-knit community portrayed in Pigeon Grove mirrors the one we share in the writing world, and I sincerely appreciate the opportunity to work with you as we continue honing our skills in this craft we love.

Mary Beth, your eye for detail and ability to make my words sparkle are both things I could never accomplish without your editorial expertise. Thank you for helping me bring the charm of Pigeon Grove to readers everywhere.

HOME CAN BE AN ELUSIVE word to define.

To some, it’s a physical thing, a place that provides shelter from harsh elements threatening to disrupt our daily lives. It doesn’t matter whether it’s excessive heat, blistering cold, torrential rain, or icy accumulations. Those four walls and a roof keep each of these perceived risks at bay.

To others, home is an intangible entity. It’s a feeling of warmth, security, and knowing you belong, wherever and whenever you find yourself. It has less to do with a particular location, and more to do with who you share the space with.

There is no right or wrong answer. There are as many definitions of home as there are people in the world. Often, the thing we want competes with that which we need. And sometimes, like Claire, we get caught in the middle. That void has the power to consume us, and we find ourselves in an emotional purgatory, lost and alone.

But maybe there’s a way to navigate that divide between want and need. And perhaps there’s an even better definition for home nestled in that space.

Every day is a journey, and the journey itself is home. ~Matsuo Basho

There’s so much beauty to see in the world surrounding us. While that process of discovery might sometimes beckon us to travel across continents, there are other times when we’re asked to do nothing more than sit still and look inward.

It’s not where we go or how far we travel that matters. It’s what we learn and who we meet along the way. That is where we bridge the gap between want and need. That is where we find home.

May all your travels—physical, emotional, and spiritual—be an encouraging breeze beneath your wings. Appreciate the view, soar high, and find that place in your heart where everything is as it should be.

Embrace the spirit of adventure. It’s never too late to come home.

About the Author

DAVE CENKER is a romantic fiction author, writing stories infused with a kaleidoscope of emotions that nurture the heart while exploring elements of the human condition. He appreciates the opportunity to connect with readers through a shared emotional chord and the enchanted sentiments of a timeless love story.

Like coffee provides caffeine for the physical body, Dave’s stories supply caffeine for the soul. He lives in the Sunshine State with his beautiful wife, amazing son, and three cats (the real monarchs of the house).

Visit him online at www.davecenker.com

Also by Dave Cenker

Pigeon Grove Series

Fly Away Home

Between the Lines

Is accepting a troubled past safer than embracing an uncertain future?