And almost drove past it.
The old one-story brick house I remembered was gone.
In its place stood a completely renovated property with black shutters, stone columns, a wide circular driveway, and a new detached garage.
A white SUV sat beside a red pickup truck.
There were expensive patio chairs on the porch.
A riding mower was parked beside a landscaped flowerbed.
For several seconds, I just stared.
Then I smiled.
Maybe the money had been put to good use after all.
Maybe Mom had supervised renovations.
Maybe Naomi had finally gotten the kitchen she always wanted.
I grabbed my duffel bag and flowers.
The front door was unlocked.
Music drifted from inside.
I heard my sister laughing.
