Page 135 of Homecoming

“Do some of your brothers still oversee the launch services in other harbors?”

“They do that from here, with managers running the business locally. I’m the only one who’s onsite and also works as a driver.”

“Ah, I see.” He knew how much she loved being on the water, driving the launches.

Outside the main doors were barrels containing red geraniums still in bloom in the bright autumn sunshine.

“This is incredible, Kara. It’s way more than I imagined.”

“It’s a lot,” she said with a dry chuckle as she led him into the office building.

An older woman working the reception desk let out a cry of excitement as she got up to greet Kara with a hug. “It’s so good to see you!”

“You, too. This is my husband, Dan. Dan, meet Marilee, the one who holds the whole operation together.”

“I wouldn’t go that far.” Marilee’s cheeks turned pink with embarrassment. “And it’s lovely to finally meet Kara’s esteemed husband. We’ve heard so much about you.”

Dan shook her hand. “Nice to meet you, too.”

“I’ve followed your impressive career.”

“Thank you.”

“Is Dad in?” Kara asked.

“He’s waiting for you in his office and couldn’t be more excited for your visit.”

“This way,” Kara said, leading Dan toward a staircase to the second floor.

As they walked down a long hallway, people called out hellos to Kara. She stopped at the second-to-last office on the right.

“Hey, sis! I heard you were coming in today.” He got up, came around his desk and hugged her.

“Dan, meet my oldest brother, Kellen, the company’s chief strategy officer.”

The two men shook hands. Kellen, who was about six feet tall, with blue eyes and the same reddish-blond hair Kara had, looked like a more refined version of Keith.

“Glad to finally meet you,” Kellen said. “Your reputation precedes you.”

“We don’t say much about that,” Kara said. “Goes straight to his fat head.”

Kellen laughed while Dan gave his wife a playful scowl.

“It’s really good to see you, Kara.”

“You, too. Been too long.”

“Sure has, and of course, we all hate the reason you had to come home.”

“It hasn’t been all bad.”

“I’m glad to hear that. Dad is looking forward to showing Dan around and having you guys visit.”

“Is Kendra here?”

“She had to take Luna to the dentist, but she’ll be back in a bit.”

“Ah, okay. Hopefully, we’ll catch her before we leave. Can you join us for lunch, Kell?”

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