EPILOGUE

Three years and two months later.

Nia looked at Bart, and then back at Puzzle House.

They were standing in front of the steps.

She was wearing her wedding gown—even though the wedding had been two weeks earlier. She’d put it on just for this occasion. “Here we are, my husband.”

Bart smiled. “I suppose my beautiful bride wants me to carry her across the threshold.”

“Well, tradition is tradition but as much as I love you, my husband, I don’t think you can do it.”

“Is that a challenge?” He scooped her up and walked up the steps. “You really didn’t think I can carry this skinny, black woman up a few measly steps?”

She nuzzled his neck. “I knew you could. I was just giving you a little motivation.”

He stopped at the door. Her hand went to the doorknob but before she could open it, it opened.

Cooper stood there with a huge smile. “Welcome home.”

Bart carried her across the threshold. He gently placed her on the floor and then kissed her. “Sorry, I had to finish the tradition.”

Cooper laughed. “Not a problem. Mr. and Mrs. Simpson?”

“I love hearing that.” Nia said with a huge grin. “I’ll never get tired of it.”

Cooper smiled. “I know this is your honeymoon and all but we’ve had a slight change of plans.”

“What do you mean?” Nia looked at him.

“Well there weren’t supposed to be any guests here to give you and Bart time to settle in to your new home but…” He pointed at the steps. “But there’s someone waiting to see you in your old room Nia. I didn’t have the heart to say no.”

“Who is it?”

“She’s waiting for you.” Cooper’s voice was filled with emotion. “Better go find out who it is.”

Nia looked at Bart.

“Go on. I’ll be down here with Cooper.”

“Do you know who it is?”

He shook his head. “I’m sure Cooper will fill me in.”

Nia remembered the first time she went up the steps and grinned. She’d always remember and always be grateful. She stopped in front of her old room and knocked on the door. Hearing a muffled response, she opened the door. Her eyes filled with tears. “Keisha.”

It had been more than two years since she’d seen Keisha. She’d been in and out of rehabs for the past four years—since her daughter was born. She’d be all right for a little while but then she’d start using again.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to ruin your honeymoon. But Cooper wouldn’t let me leave once I got here.”

“Good thing. I would have been quite upset if he had.”

“Sorry I missed your wedding.” Keisha looked down at the bed. “I was too busy getting high.”

“That’s OK. I’m so glad you’re here, but why are you?”

Keisha‘s gaze met Nia’s. “I…I want to be healed.”

There were many kinds of healing. And her friend probably needed all of them. But with God, all things were possible. Nia ran to put her arms around her friend. “Welcome to Puzzle House.”