6 a.m.

I’m sitting here on the low wall at the bottom of the lawn, looking up at Rosemont in the still, cool morning. What a wonderful day we had here yesterday. Frank and Loretta’s wedding touched my heart. I think F has really and truly changed. Seeing them together finally healed my hurt and resentment over Loretta’s affair with Paul. What does all of that matter now? I hope—and pray—that they will be as happy and content together as John and I are. Getting married at Rosemont will bring them good luck.

I can’t believe I’m feeling this way, but I hope that F won’t serve time for his part in the fraud and embezzlement. He’ll be able to use his business skills to get some of the money back if he’s on the outside and I don’t want to see him and Loretta separated. Plus, her kids adore him. What good will it do anyone to split them up?

Alex is working on the plea deal. Fingers crossed that he can see his way clear to forget about jail time for Frank.

Susan and Aaron’s move to Westbury and another grandchild on the way make my heart overflow with happiness. I can’t wait to have them close and to be a hands-on grandma again.

Now that we’ve brought the perpetrators of the fraud to justice, I’m ready for something new. I’m not a career politician and never wanted the mayor’s job in the first place. Alex should step into the role—he’ll be so much better at it than I am.

I wonder what Paul would think, now that I’m going to be a college president. I’m thrilled and excited to be back in academia. No second thoughts about this decision—becoming president of Highpointe is my purpose and I can’t wait to see where this next adventure takes me!