Page 19 of Finally Home

“Look at your handsome faces!” My mom says, squishing Wesley’s cheeks in her hands. “You sure do know how to surround yourself with pretty men, honey,” she says to Wren in her version of a stage whisper. My hand is over my mouth to cover my laughter, but Wren is giggling like mad where she stands with Asher.

We’ve been at my parents for half an hour now, and my jealousy about her and the guys fades the longer they interact. They really do treat her like a little sister. Even Asher, who seems to have the closest physical relationship with my girl, doesn’t come off as the touchy-feely type at all. Wren pulled me aside when we first arrived and explained that he’s got extreme social anxiety, so she would likely stick near him.

“Mama Gray, you might want to let go of Wes’s cheeks now so we can take a tour and maybe pop over to Dad’s house,” Wren says.

Wes waggles his brows at my mom, making kissy noises. “You can squish my cheeks any time you want, Mrs. Gray.”

I’m mildly mortified when my mom blushes, but she just flicks him on the nose and moves to stand by my dad, who’s smirking at Wes. “Trust me, Black, you couldn’t handle Kaci on her calmest days.”

I exaggerate a gag and turn a pleading look to Wren. She’s laughing at my expense with Asher and Jamie. Wren gives me a playful look and opens her mouth to speak when there’s a loud banging on the front door. I look at everybody and notice my parents are doing their best to keep neutral expressions. And failing miserably, might I add.

My mom’s voice shakes as she speaks, and I can’t tell if she’s trying to hold back a laugh or tears, but she points to Wren. “Sweetie, would you mind grabbing that? I ordered a few things when I thought you would be staying here, so it’s probably for you.”

Wren, who seconds ago was suspicious because she can read my mom as well as I can, turns to her with a look of gratitude and a touch of awe. “Mama Gray, you shouldn’t have. I don’t need anything. I’m just happy to be home.” Her voice wobbles, but she clears her throat and opens the door with the rest of us following behind her like her loyal fans.

Her squeals reach my ears a second before I turn the corner, and I smile as the reason for my parents’ odd behavior walks in with Wren in his arms.

CHAPTER 10

WREN

“Starshine,” my dad says as he picks me up in one of his famous bear hugs. “I missed my baby girl so much.”

I’m so freaking surprised and excited to see my dad that the only thing that comes out of my mouth is an embarrassing squeak as I hug him. Being in his arms brings up all the emotions I’ve pushed to the side the last week. Tears burn the backs of my eyes until his scent hits me, and with it, a memory.

Wren, Eight Years Old

I rub at the side of my head underneath one of my pigtails, stomping up the driveway.

Stupid, mean, hair-pulling boys.

I slam the front door and jump when I hear daddy’s voice behind me.

“Wren Andromeda Reid.” I cringe at his stern tone. I’m not supposed to slam doors because I’m supposed to use my words when I have big feelings. “Wanna explain the attitude, Starshine?”

Silly tears burn my eyes and spin away, shrugging while I put my backpack away. “It’s nothin’” I mumble.

He doesn’t say anything for a minute until I turn back around. Daddy almost never gets mad at me, but he does tell me I give him lots of gray hairs. “Wanna try that again, kiddo? You pounded in here like a bull raring to get out of the chute.”

I giggle as I picture the last rodeo we went to and wonder what I would look like as a bull. “It’s nothin’, daddy. Just some rude boys acting like big ol’ babies.”

He frowns and drops down to his knees next to the shoe bench so that I’m taller than him. “Starshine, do you remember what I told you about boys when you started school this year?”

I nod my head and play with the ends of my hair. “You said some boys are dumb and don’t know how to act around girls, but if one ever hurts me, you’ll be there to patch me up…” my voice trails off, unsure if I can say the next part, but he nods at me. “And then you’d help me kick his ass.”

Daddy smiles, big and proud and happy, and hugs me super tight. He always smells good. Like books and the ocean and home.

“That’s right, Wren. The reason I call you Starshine is because you’ve always shined brighter than anybody else, and that means sometimes people will be mean and try to steal your shine. But you won’t let them. And if anybody ever breaks your heart and steals your shine, I’ll patch you up and help you get it back.”

“So, whose ass do we need to kick, Starshine?”

I laugh and finally let go of my dad. My brows furrow when I notice how tired he looks. Being a single parent, my dad always looked a little tired, but this is next level. His normally dark blond hair is streaked with gray, and his blue eyes look duller than the last time I saw him. Add that to the dark circles underneath his eyes and it has me wondering where he’s been.

Just as I open my mouth to ask, two of the three stooges behind me butt in and fight each other to get in front of me. Wesley beats Jamison and thrusts out his hand.

“It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Reid. I’m your daughter’s best friend Wesley Black.” An irritated huff sounds behind us, and Wes rolls his eyes. “Sorry, her best friend after Rhodes,” he snarks.

My dad stifles a chuckle as he takes Wes’s outstretched hand. “My name is Archie or Arch. None of that Mr. Reid shit; it makes me feel old.”

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