I Was His Wife, Then His Widow, Then No One's But My Own novel Chapter 93

The bus slowly rolled to a stop at the entrance of the Pinecrest Campsite. The moment the doors opened, a rush of crisp, cool air flooded in, carrying the earthy scent of pine and soil.

Bonnie was sound asleep against Nora's arm, her mouth slightly parted, long lashes casting faint shadows over her cheeks. Nora patted her shoulder gently, keeping her voice low.

"Bonnie, we're here."

The little girl groggily opened her eyes, rubbing them as she sleepily lifted her head.

It took her a couple of seconds to remember where she was before she abruptly sat up straight, peering out the window.

A vast expanse of grassy fields stretched out before them, tinged with the pale gold of the winter frost. In the distance, a sprawling artificial lake shimmered, its surface rippling under the gentle breeze.

"It's so pretty." Bonnie's eyes lit up. Eagerly grabbing Nora's hand, she hopped off the bus and spun around in a circle the moment her feet hit the ground.

Ms. Jenson stood by the bus doors, doing a headcount. Her gaze landed on Bonnie, and she walked over, crouching down with a much sweeter tone than usual. "Bonnie, if you need anything at all, just let me know, okay?"

Holding Nora's hand, Bonnie smiled back. "Okay, Ms. Jenson, I will."

With that, she pulled Nora past the teacher, heading deeper into the fields.

Ms. Jenson remained crouched on the ground, her smile stiffening for a second before she stood up and brushed the dirt off her skirt.

Bonnie came to a halt on a flat patch of ground near the lake. She surveyed the area and nodded in satisfaction. "Nora, let's pitch the tent right here."

She scratched her head, looking up at Nora with a hint of uncertainty.

"Do you know how to build a tent?"

Nora looked down at the child's doubtful expression and couldn't help but laugh. "Of course I do."

Bonnie walked over and slipped her hand into Nora's. Nora looked down to see Bonnie beaming up at her.

"You've still got me, Nora."

A wave of warmth spread through Nora's chest. She squeezed Bonnie's hand and ruffled her hair. By the time she looked up again, Cassie Fletcher and Seraphina had walked right past without so much as a glance in her direction.

Meanwhile, on the other side.

Cassie was dragging Seraphina toward the far end of the lake. She wanted the absolute best spot for their tent—one where she could watch the ducks on the water while still being close to the cedar grove.

Halfway there, she froze in her tracks.

"What's wrong?" Seraphina looked down, a flicker of confusion in her eyes.