As arranged over the phone, Sally and Maggie met at the local diner, enjoying a quick but filling meal before driving the short way to the elementary school. From the parking lot, with their bags of crochet gear in tow, they walked to the familiar classroom where the Sommerfield crochet club convened every week. The evening air was crisp, and the anticipation of an entertaining evening filled with yarn and conversation hung in the air.

The friendly groundskeeper had anticipated their arrival and left the classroom unlocked. As Maggie and Sally gently pushed the door open, the scent of polished wooden desks and aged paper books greeted them. To their delightful surprise, Emily was already inside, her crochet work spread out before her like a colorful tapestry.

Sally's eyes sparkled with joy at the sight of their dear friend. She nearly dropped her bag filled with crochet supplies in her eagerness to greet Emily. Sally rushed over to her, wrapping her in a tight hug.

"Sweetie, we've really missed you at the crochet meetings!" Sally exclaimed, her voice filled with affection. "Why are you here so early? We would've invited you to dinner if we'd known you were coming."

Emily's face lit up with a mix of surprise and pleasure as she returned Sally's embrace. "I missed you all too," Emily admitted, her voice tinged with nostalgia. "Honestly, I had forgotten what time the club meetings were. I guess I got a bit too eager to catch up."

Maggie, not one to miss out on a warm reunion, joined in the hug, her eyes reflecting a hint of guilt. "Next time, you must join us," she said, her voice carrying a sincere tone. "I can't believe we didn't think to invite you."

Emily nodded appreciatively as Sally and Maggie began unpacking their crochet projects, their colorful yarns mingling with Emily's on the table.

With a characteristic grin, Maggie broke the ice. "Alright, spill the beans. What's up?"

Sally and Emily both started speaking simultaneously, their voices merging into a jumbled symphony. With an amused chuckle, they halted in perfect synchronization before Sally graciously yielded the floor.

"I was really looking forward to coming back," Emily began, her voice sincere. "Just catching up with all the ladies again. I actually don't have a crochet project at the moment." She confessed with a hint of embarrassment. "I've been a bit rusty, out of my groove, you know? I was more excited about shooting the breeze and catching up on the gossip."

Emily paused, her smile disappeared as her voice took on a hint of sadness. "Well, gossip other than my own broken marriage, of course."

The room was filled with a mixture of emotions—friendship, understanding, and a touch of melancholy. The three women shared an awkward laugh.

Maggie, her eyes alight with enthusiasm, leaned in with a fervor that bordered on desperation. "Oh, it's just so wonderful to get out of the house," she exclaimed, her words laced with over-the-top enthusiasm. "I've been feeling like a long-suffering housewife, holding down the fort while my husband's always working or stuck on phone calls all night. And don't even get me started on dealing with a teenage daughter who's learning to push her boundaries!"

Sally, her fingers expertly moving the crochet hook through the yarn, nodded emphatically. "I completely feel your plight, I've been looking forward to tonight so much. It's like a soothing balm to our weary souls. A bit of quality time spent with our sisters, not having to worry about doing things a certain way or acting responsible. Certainly not dealing with men."

An unspoken connection enveloped the space between Emily and Maggie as they exchanged a shared laugh.

"For tonight," Emily said with a wry smile, "we can all be single women again and not ponder where it all went wrong." Yet, beneath her jest, a melancholic shadow colored her expression, her thoughts drifting to the struggles she faced.

Feeling the weight of Emily's emotions, Sally gently laid down her crochet hooks and reached out, grasping Emily's hands firmly in her own. "We will always be here for you, rain or shine," she said, each of her words clear and deliberate, infused with determination.

Emily met Sally's gaze, her eyes beginning to glisten with unshed tears. Sally had been an unshakable pillar of support, both in words and actions, and the depth of their friendship touched her deeply.

Breaking the tension, Emily let out a playful sigh and said, "You made me skip a stitch grabbing my hands."

"Sorry sweetie," Sally said softly.

"It's okay," she said, her voice carrying a tinge of sadness. "I'm not really here to make anything serious anymore. I just regret spending two whole weeks last year making that jumper for Steve."

Sally, her heart aching for her friend, gently released Emily's hands and picked up the half-finished crochet piece that lay in Emily's lap. She offered a reassuring smile as she handed it back to her. "You've always been adept with the hook, quick as lightning," Sally said, her tone encouraging. "You didn't waste too much time on that undeserving jerk." There was a fierceness in her words.

"It's time to make something for yourself," Sally continued, her eyes lighting up with excitement. She leaned forward, eager to share her current project with the ladies. "Let me give you some ideas."

Sally lifted the half-completed work, her fingers tracing the intricate pattern with pride. The vibrant colors seemed to come to life under the warm glow of the overhead lights.

"I'm working on a multicolored gingham tote for Becky. Something she can carry her college books in."

Emily's eyes softened with admiration. "That's so cute!" she exclaimed, a genuine smile gracing her lips. "I should make something for Becky as a gift." Her mind raced with possibilities.

"If you're making something for Becky, you better be quick. She's flying back to California in a few days." Sally informed.

"Oh no, I'm gonna miss her so much!" Emily replied, her voice tinged with genuine sadness. Then, her face brightened with an idea. "I know exactly what she'd love—a cute little crochet bikini top to wear to her beach parties."

Sally laughed nervously.

"With that in her fashion arsenal, Becky might get a little too popular with the boys," she said, her words laced with endearing concern.

"Speaking of parties," Maggie chimed in, her eyes alight with excitement, "we have a big welcome distraction coming our way." She paused, her gaze drifting as she envisioning the event. "The winter harvest charity gala is right around the corner, and I'm brainstorming ideas for themes and venues."

Sally, ever practical, raised an eyebrow. "That's like at least five months away," she pointed out.

A sudden flash of panic crossed Maggie's face, her fingers instinctively reaching for her phone, which lay on the table. She furiously flicked through the device, her eyes widening with concern.

"Is it only five months?" Maggie asked, her voice tinged with anxiety. "I hope it's not too late to book a venue."

Quick on her feet, Sally offered a suggestion. "If you're looking for a venue, how about the lakeside ballroom at the Salmon Resort?" she suggested. "I saw it the last time I went there for a walk and picnic with Ted. It's quaint, with ceiling-to-floor glass and a patio that stretches right out to the water."

Maggie's eyes lit up with recognition. "Oh, yes, it's lovely," she agreed, her memory sparked. "Paul had a company conference there for the weekend. But it's a bit out of the way for the locals to travel, almost an hour's drive."

Turning to Emily, Maggie sought more input, aware of Emily's experience catering for functions in the area.

"Do you have any good ideas, Emily?" Maggie asked, her tone hopeful.

Emily nodded, her eyes brightening with enthusiasm. "Actually, I do," she said, her voice carrying a note of excitement. "There's a new bed and breakfast that opened a few months ago on the pond side subdivision of the old Berenson Farm. I highly recommend it. The lovely couple who run it moved here from St Paul, and it's become quite the talk of the town."

Sally and Maggie chattered excitedly at the suggestion, imagining the quaint charm of the place. Sally, especially, felt a surge of nostalgia, having not been back to the old farm for many years.

But Emily's smile held a secret, and she paused, letting her words hang in the air like a well-kept secret.

"The winter harvest festival may not matter to me anyway," Emily said calmly, pausing for a brief second.

"You know, I've made a decision. I've decided to leave Sommerfield and move back to New Hampshire. I want to be closer to my family."

There was a moment of stunned silence. Sally and Maggie stared at Emily, their eyes wide with shock, but Emily's expression was calm, her smile serene in the face of the unexpected revelation.

"I've thought long and hard about it," Emily began, her voice laced with determination. "This isn't a spur-of-the-moment, emotional decision. I'm ready to move on."

Maggie, her face etched with disbelief, reached out as if to grasp the words.

"Don't rush the decision," she implored, "It's a shame to throw it all away. Just take some more time. We can talk more about it. If it's finances, we can work something out."

The room seemed to hold its breath as Emily spoke again, her voice steady despite the turmoil in her heart. "It's not about money," she said, "But with all that has happened, I don't feel like Sommerfield is the place for me anymore."

Sally, her eyes reflecting a mix of sympathy and anger, interjected, "None of this is your fault. You shouldn't feel like you have to be the one to change anything."

Sally's mind roared with fury at the injustice, at how a callous man's actions had shattered the life Emily had so meticulously built in Sommerfield. She took a deep breath, the air rushing in to temper her rising anger, not wanting her outrage to spill over into their cordial conversation.

Emily nodded, her eyes flickering with gratitude for their support. "It's not just about that," she said softly, her voice carrying the weight of her contemplation. "It's difficult for me to express, but I just don't feel like I can make my life work in Sommerfield anymore." She paused, her words heavy with unspoken emotions. "It's not about going back to the way it was. Everything is just different now."

Emily paused, taking a moment to organize her thoughts. Her gaze lowered to the yarn in front of her, her fingers moving deliberately as she chose her words with care.

Her voice, when it came, was steady yet laden with sadness. "My reason to be in Sommerfield is no longer there," Emily began, "As much as I have fallen in love with Sommerfield and feel loved by parts of this community, I have nothing more to give." Her eyes flickered with a mixture of determination and longing. "I want to be selfish for once, to be smothered by my family back home, the people I miss deeply."

"The community loves you," Maggie said urgently. "You would be terribly missed, Emily. You're such an important part of the commerce in Sommerfield."

"The town will survive without its pastries and croissants," Emily's voice was soft but resolute. "It's not like I'm providing an essential service like Sally's grocery store. As long I stay here, there will always be Steve's dark cloud hanging over me, even as the police are seriously investigating the events with Steve."

Her hands moved with purpose, expertly maneuvering the yarn into intricate patterns as if the crochet work was a tangible representation of her emotions. The rhythmic motion seemed to soothe her, grounding her amidst the storm of emotions.

"Even after all of that," Emily continued quietly, her voice barely audible above the rustle of yarn, "I've had a few well-wishers advising me to consider giving Steve a second chance, suggesting that we reconcile for the sake of our marriage."

A flicker of disbelief crossed Emily's face, a painful reminder of the insensitivity she had encountered.

"You can Ignore those people. If they harass you any more, let me know. I'll give them a piece of my mind." Sally's eyes flashed with protective anger.

Emily nodded, her appreciation evident, but she remained calm. "It's quite alright," she replied. "I know they mean well, and I don't pay them any serious attention. But that's the kind of community Sommerfield is. It's a place of second chances for its native sons and daughters, steeped in family values and the sanctity of marriage." Her voice carried a hint of sadness. "As wonderful as that is, it's just not where I need to be right now."

Sally looked on with a mixture of understanding and sadness. She wished, more than anything, that Sommerfield could be the sanctuary Emily needed. But sometimes, even the warmest of communities couldn't heal the wounds that ran too deep.

Maggie, her eyes darting awkwardly between Sally and Emily, struggled to find the right words. In the end, all she could muster were a few generic words of comfort, her genuine care and concern drowned in a storm of uncertainty.

She hesitated for a moment before changing the subject, a feeble attempt to lighten the heavy air. "I really hope you change your mind, Emily. I truly do," she said, her voice carrying a note of desperation. "But if you're leaving, then I'll organize the grandest farewell party Sommerfield has ever seen."

Emily chuckled, a bittersweet sound filled with gratitude. "Thank you, Maggie," she said softly. "I appreciate that. And don't worry, I'll be here for at least a few more months. There are matters to tidy up, like the divorce, selling the shop, settling loans, and the rest of my finances." She glanced at Maggie, her eyes searching. "Maggie, do you think I can have a chat with Paul sometime? I just wanted some guidance on selling the business."

Maggie nodded eagerly. "Of course, Paul would be more than happy to help," she assured her.

Emily, her fingers deftly moving over her crochet, looked up at both women. "Could you keep this between yourselves for now?" she asked, her voice a mere whisper. "I don't want to create more talk than there already is."

Both Maggie and Sally nodded in agreement, respecting Emily's need for discretion. As they returned to their crochet work, Maggie's mind churned with thoughts. Perhaps, she pondered, if Emily was to leave Sommerfield, she could buy Emily's business. It would present a fresh challenge, an endeavor she could proudly call her own.

"Say, Emily," Maggie began tentatively, her voice filled with curiosity, "what sort of capital commitment and ongoing costs are there for running a pastry shop?"

Emily glanced up, her eyes thoughtful. "I hope to get at least three hundred thousand for the business," she said, her tone matter-of-fact. "As for running the shop, it's roughly eight hundred a day. I have yearly contracts to supply a number of shops around the local area, so the business is profitable, but it won't make you a millionaire, and it's tough work." She looked at Maggie intently. "Are you interested in taking on the business?"

Maggie waved off the suggestion, a faint smile playing on her lips. "Oh, no," she said quickly, "I'm just curious, that's all."

"You know, it would be great if you could take over. It means my baking assistant can continue to work for the shop. She's a sweet girl who moved here from Millerton, and she's a dream to work with."

Maggie nodded, her mind racing with possibilities. "I wouldn't be afraid to take it on," she replied, her voice strong and confident, "But first I'll need to convince Paul to loosen the funds for it. The business side I can handle; it's the practical, baking aspect that might be a challenge. I'm more comfortable serving champagne and blinis than kneading dough and working ovens."

Emily placed a reassuring hand on Maggie's shoulder. "Seriously, think about it," she urged. "I can stay for a month or so to help you through the handover period."

Maggie's eyes lit up with excitement. "Really? That's totes awesome!" she exclaimed, borrowing a phrase from her daughter Mary's vernacular.

However, Sally's expression darkened, her eyes filling with sorrow. "Maggie! It's not 'totes awesome'." she chided, her voice cracking with emotion. "Emily's leaving Sommerfield forever. We might never see her again."

Sally's hands trembled as she put down her crochet work, her emotions overtaking her. She covered her mouth with her hands as tears began streaming down her face. Maggie's excitement instantly turned to remorse.

"Oh my God, Sally, I'm so sorry," Maggie said, her voice thick with guilt. "I was being selfish and insensitive."

Emily, understanding the depth of Sally's pain, moved closer and put her arms around her friend. Sally leaned her head on Emily's shoulder, finding comfort in her embrace.

"I'm so sorry Emily, but it's not just you that's leaving, it's Becky too. My old heart just can't take any more heartbreak."

Sally chokes on her words, uttering them amidst her heart-wrenching sobs. Emily continues to comfort Sally, patting her gently on the back.

"Life is really strange sometimes," Emily mused, "When you think you have it all figured out, when you decide to grab life by the horns, things happen, and the rug is pulled right from under you." She spoke with a sense of sanguinity about her own situation. "But things bend both ways. What is a tragedy in someone's eyes is a wonderful event in another's."

Sally looked up at Emily, her tears still fresh but her sobbing was eased by Emily's perspective.

"My mother was a crying wreck when I left home. But moving back home after all these years, I'd like to think she'd be more than happy to see me again."

A small smile tugged at Sally's lips, buoyed by Emily's resilience.

"You know what?" Emily said, her voice filled with acceptance, "I'm going to be just fine."

Sally smiled through her tears, finding solace in her friend's strength. Maggie, sensing the need for unity, joined them, placing a hand on Sally's arm. Sally wiped her tears with a tissue offered by Maggie, grateful for the comforting presence of her dear friends.

In an effort to shift the conversation away from the emotional heaviness, Sally asked, "Emily, where in New Hampshire are you from?"

Emily's eyes brightened with nostalgia.

"A small, inland treasure called Winton. It's a place that rivals Sommerfield for its scenic beauty and small-town charm. We even boast the best boiled dinners within a hundred miles." Her words were laced with pride, a testament to the love she held for her hometown.

Sally let out a squeamish laugh. "Boiled dinner? That sounds utterly awful," she said, her tone light but honest. "Doesn't sound anywhere as appealing as a freshly baked hot dish straight from my old mother's oven."

Undeterred, Emily crossed her arms, her smile broadening. "Well, Sally, you shouldn't judge a book by its cover. Maybe you need to come to New Hampshire and try it for yourself. Who knows, you might find many other wonderful surprises waiting for you."

Sally, her spirits lifted by the prospect of new adventures, sat up excitedly. "You know what? I was just talking to Ted about it earlier today. We're thinking about going on a road trip around America. Can you imagine that? An old Sommerfield girl like me seeing the entire country, driving all the way to Key West, bathing in all that tropical sun. Just the thought of it is giving me an orgasm!"

Emily and Maggie burst into laughter, the unexpected bawdiness of Sally's comment catching them off guard.

"No wonder you and Ted were in such a good mood earlier today at the store." A sense of realization washed over Maggie as she connected the dots.

Sally, her cheeks flushed from both embarrassment and excitement, continued, "It's just a dream for now, but I'll work extra hard and plan even harder for it now that we've got an extra stop in New Hampshire."

Emily's eyes, still shining with admiration for Sally's ambitious spirit, turned to Maggie, her expression gentle and encouraging.

"What about you, Maggie?" Emily inquired, her voice filled with genuine curiosity. "What about your dreams? Is there something you've always wanted to do or a place you've wished to visit?"

"Dreams? Me?" Maggie scoffed, shaking her head. "I'm just in damage control mode right now, trying to keep my family from falling apart. Honestly, I'd be glad just to have Dan back in Sommerfield."

Maggie's gaze turned distant as she continued, revealing a long-buried desire. "Paul did promise to take me to Italy a long time ago," she said, her voice tinged with wistfulness. "He made that promise after I chewed him out over our sad and unromantic honeymoon in Milwaukee."

Sally, her brow furrowing in confusion, couldn't help but ask. "Milwaukee? What's there in Milwaukee?"

Maggie rolled her eyes, "God knows," she replied, a hint of amusement in her voice. "Our honeymoon inconveniently overlapped with his business trip. So I tagged along like some unwanted guest. At least we made the best of what little time we spent together. The hotel we stayed at did have a really nice spa. And, well..." she continued, her tone becoming more hushed, "I gave birth to Dan nine months later, and I've never left Sommerfield ever since."

Sally gasped dramatically. "Outrageous!" she exclaimed, her eyes wide with disbelief. "Twenty-odd years without a holiday? That's unheard of! When Ted and I go on that road trip to visit Emily, you're coming with us. With or without Paul."

Maggie laughed, a sound tinged with both appreciation and protest. "There's no way I'm going to be the third wheel on your lovebird holiday. And you do realize that New Hampshire is in the opposite direction to Key West don't you?"

Sally waved a dismissive hand, her carefree demeanor undisturbed. "Well I'm not great with directions," she confessed, "they've got GPS these days so I'm sure we'll find the way. We can easily make a detour to New Hampshire. Anything to see our dear Emily."

Their discussion was abruptly halted by the creak of the classroom door swinging open, announcing the arrival of the rest of the crochet club members. The trio exchanged quick glances, Emily's eyes reflecting a glimmer of hope and optimism. She felt reassured, knowing that their friendship wouldn't fade even after her departure from Sommerfield.