Chapter 24

January 15th on the old calendar-Briony's mother, Julia Hudson, was finally coming home.

Stella had taken the day off to go with Briony to pick up Julia.

The weather forecast had been spot on: the day was glorious, clear and bright.

Sunlight broke through the thick winter clouds and spilled across the ground, turning the snow into a dazzling sea of diamonds.

Outside the gates of Northborough's women's prison, Briony stood wrapped in a cream-colored wool coat. She looked delicate, her long, silky hair swaying gently in the wind.

"Star, what time is it?" Briony's eyes were fixed on the towering brick walls ahead, her tightly clasped hands betraying her nerves.

Stella gave her shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "It's only eight-thirty. She'll be out soon. Try not to worry."

As the words left her lips, the heavy iron gate rattled.

A smaller side door swung open.

Briony's eyelashes fluttered. She broke into a run.

"Mom!"

Julia paused in surprise when she saw her, but her face quickly broke into a smile. "Bryn, you're here."

fresh," the young

gate clanged

draped the down jacket she'd been carrying over Julia's shoulders. "Mom, I'm here to take

then glanced at Stella. She stared for a moment before recognition

Bryn and I

eyes glistened as she grasped Stella's hand, holding on tight. "You're a good girl.

Let's get you home first. Bryn bought a new place and decorated it herself. It's cozy and beautiful; you're going to love

took Briony's hand in one of hers, Stella's in the other. When she smiled, the lines at the corners of her eyes

Dolphin Cove.

as it reached the top floor,

and lit the fireplace, positioning it right by the entrance. "Julia! Step over

eyes filled with tears as she nodded and stepped over the flames, smiling

she'd so lovingly prepared. In that moment, emotion overwhelmed her; tears spilled down her cheeks before she

her face

finally brought her mother out of that cold, unforgiving place,

home with no Kensingtons. No Hudsons. Just the two of them, mother

of the new apartment, showing

lay folded on the bed-Briony had picked them

a shower and change into something fresh? Later, Bryn and

clothes and held them in her

moment, she stood there, her voice barely more than a whisper. "Bryn has suffered

gently rubbed her back. "Julia, now that you're

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