standing as well, slinging her purse over her shoulder.
“Oh, I was just wondering where my whole family will be during the race. Some will be running and the others working. The rest will be there cheering.”
“Well, I’m going to volunteer at one of the medical stations. I thought I’d choose one near the middle of the race.”
Cocking her head to the side, she asked, “I’m curious, Candace. Why the middle?”
“Well, too close to the beginning will be boring, and too close to the end will be dealing with those who got close but just couldn’t finish. I think that would be horribly depressing.”
She laughed as the two made their way outside. “Makes sense. I just hope I finish without ending up needing the medical tents myself!”
As the two parted, Erin drove home, feeling more optimistic than she had in a while. Before she reached her parents’ neighborhood, she detoured. Pulling into Tara’s driveway, she noticed Carter was already home and hesitated. They’re probably already having dinner.
Before she could change her mind, Colleen popped her head out the front door and screamed, “Aunt Erin!”
Grinning, she climbed out and walked to the front door, meeting Tara, now standing on the porch.
“Hey, sweetie,” her sister greeted, offering a hug. “What a pleasant surprise! Can you stay for dinner?”
“I should’ve called first—”
Ushering her inside, Tara shook her head. “Oh, good grief. When do any of us ever call first? You’re always welcome!”
She laughed, then bent to hug her niece. Carter was coming down the stairs, his typical suit now exchanged for shorts and a T-shirt. Pulling her in for a hug, he said, “Good to see you, Erin. Colleen and I were just gonna toss a ball in the backyard.”
She knew that was his code for letting her know she’d have unfettered access to her sister for a little while. Giving him an extra squeeze, she watched as he headed out into the back with Colleen at his heels, chattering constantly. Tara had walked up beside her, the two staring silently into the backyard. “You got a good one, sis.”
“Yes, I did.”
Tara was the third sibling but the oldest girl and had every trait of being so. Mature and responsible, she’d often helped raise all the other siblings when their parents needed an extra hand. Unfortunately, Tara’s first husband was irresponsible, and Erin used to wonder if Tara hadn’t been attracted to him because he needed her. But the idea of fatherhood was not for him, and while she’d tried to save her marriage, in the end, Tara chose her daughter. However, Carter, a detective like her older brothers, was the perfect mate for Tara and father for Colleen.
Erin wrapped her arm around her sister and gave a squeeze. “I’m really happy for you. If anyone deserves the best, it’s you.”
“I could say the same thing about you, you know.” Tara held her gaze as she led her over to the den. The two women sat down, both tucking their legs up to the side. “Is this just a social call or did you have something on your mind?”
“I wanted to let you know that I really like the counselor you suggested.”
Tara’s face softened. “I’m glad.”
Erin pressed and rubbed her lips together. “I couldn’t have done it without opening up some to you first. You made it easier to talk to someone about… everything.” Tara quietly listened, a trait that not only made her an excellent social worker and counselor but big sister as well. “The counselor has helped me work through the grief… recognizing it… and understanding how it is part of but not all of my PTSD.” She swallowed deeply, her fingers twisting together. Recognizing the gesture, she focused on breathing and relaxed her hands before continuing. “Anyway, I’ve been running more. Trying to do it for the pleasure of running, not just to wear myself out to forget.”
“And the nightmares?”
She hefted her thin shoulders in a shrug. “Better, I think. Well, at least not as often. When they do come, they’re just as vivid… just as horrible. But one step at a time, and the fact that I don’t have them nearly as often is a good sign.”
“I’m glad, sis. I want you to be able to enjoy life more. Feel like you deserve to be happy again.” Tara leaned forward, her hand on Erin’s leg. “Sweetie, it’s okay to feel happy again.”
She nodded, her head moving in short jerks. “I know. I… well, my counselor…” She sucked in a deep