When Stars Align

behind. The charming Main Street, lined with boutique shops and eateries, see

houlders. Ryan's infidelity and subsequent breakup had left Emerson reeling. He

, blonde hair bouncing with each step. "Em! Welcome back!" Lily'

re home," her mother, Rebecca, said, tears shining in her eyes. Emerson's

places stirred memories, both happy and painful. The local diner, where she'd

ed next door. A tall, ruggedly handsome man struggled to maneuver a sofa int

" Emerson asked,

ered before he nodd

e. Emerson's hands touched his, sending

deep voice resonating

replied, her voice ba

orners as he smiled. "Welcome

ed, but the conn

d the dinner table. Conversation flowed easily, wit

brought him to their quiet town? Why di

ng in the crisp evening air. Caleb's lights we

and Emerson felt

Caleb called out, his

she replied, her v

for the first time in months,

encounter left her with more questions than answers. Who was

t grass. Emerson breathed deeply, feeling the tension in her shoulders

ng beside her. "So, what do you think of the new ne

empting nonchalance.

"You're totally

ks warmed. "Ma

inding them to get some rest. Emerson bid

unds that brought comfort. Emerson's mind wand

e drifting toward the window. Caleb's lights remain

hat drove him to leave his past life behind?

ds grew heavy. She drifted off to sleep,

windows, bathing the room in warmth.

hen. Lily chatted about her art studio, while

ped outside. Caleb's door opened, and he emerge

, his eyes crinkli

n replied, her voice b

they exchanged pleasantries.

, and Emerson sensed

as hiding something. His eyes seemed to hold a deep

ught. The creaky floorboards outside h

" her mother asked, con

Emerson replied

n the bed. "We're here for

throat. Her parents had always been her r

rang. Lily's laughter car

," her mother said, rising fr

rifted back to Caleb

d catching up with Sarah. Emerson's mind wand

"So, what do you think of our new neighbor?"

igning nonchalance.

an eyebrow.

ay, fine. He's gorgeous. But

saw him earlier, and he looked like

nterrupted by their pare

ts swirled. Caleb's enigmatic

settled into bed, her gaze drifting towar

buzzed. A text fro

merson. Looking forward to gett

pped a beat. How di

r chest, she ty

Caleb.

ed with an imm

reams, E

into a smile, feeling