Page 118 of Homecoming

“This house is amazing,” Dan said. “Did you guys build it?”

“We did,” Chuck said. “About forty years ago, when it cost a fraction of what it would today.”

“He did a lot of it himself on nights and weekends for years,” Judith added. “We thought it would never be finished.”

“And they kept having kids until they filled all the bedrooms,” Kendra said, making everyone laugh.

“That wasn’t exactly the plan,” Judith said. “It just worked out that way.”

“And we’re thankful for every one of them—and their partners,” Chuck said. “Especially lately.”

“We’re so relieved that you’re representing Keith now, too,” Judith said to Dan.

“We’re on it, so try not to worry.”

“That’s easier said than done. Our family has been through some things over the years, lots of ups and downs, but this…” Judith shook her head as tears filled her eyes.

Chuck put an arm around her. “We’ll get through this the same way we’ve gotten through everything else. One step at a time.”

Judith nodded, wiped away her tears and forced a smile. “Of course we will. I made my famous stuffies. Who wants one?”

Luna and Aurora, who were seated at the island to be closer to the snacks, raised their hands.

“Me!” Kara said. “With Tabasco, please.”

“Remind me what’s in these so-called stuffies,” Dan said.

“Magic,” Kara said. “That’s what’s in them.”

“Along with some clams and chorizo and other yummy things,” Kendra said.

“He’ll have one,” Kara said. “He’s like a seagull. He eats everything.”

The girls giggled at the face Dan made.

“Is that true, Uncle Dan?” Aurora asked. “Are you like a seagull?”

“I’ve never gone dumpster diving, if that’s what you’re asking, but I do like to eat.”

As the girls giggled their heads off, Kara felt more at home in the house where she’d been raised than she ever had before, thanks in no small part to the presence of her beloved husband.

He made everything better.

After dinner,they lingered over the chocolate cake her mother had made from scratch and served with vanilla icecream. Dan kept looking at Kara for signs that she was ready to go, but she seemed relaxed and happy in the presence of her family members. He was so happy for her to have this time with them to make new memories, despite their worries for Keith and Kirby.

Kolby and Keenan had kept them entertained with funny stories from their group of friends at the gym and the people Kolby saw daily on his mail route.

“Are you going to come by the office while you’re here, Kara?” Keenan had taken her place as the director of business development. “Everyone would love to see you. They’ve been abuzz over you bringing your hotshot husband home to deal with the current troubles.”

“I’d love to see everyone,” Kara said.

“And I’d love to see this company I’ve heard so much about,” Dan added.

“Come by tomorrow,” Chuck said. “I’ll give you the full tour.”

Kara glanced at Dan. “Do you have time for that?”

“I should. I’m waiting for others to get me info and have done what I can personally at this point.”

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