Page 159 of Homecoming

“Baby.”

She stuck her tongue out at him and got the slightest lift of his face in response.

Kara hadn’t fished since the last time she did it with Buster. She’d forgotten how relaxing it was to cast, reel and repeat until she felt the telltale tug of a fish on the hook. Then it got exciting as she engaged every muscle, or so it seemed, to land her catch.

“Nice one,” Buster said as he freed the fish and returned it to the water.

Kara was glad he remembered that she didn’t like to touch the fish either.

They’d caught two each when they heard car doors closing in the driveway.

Kara turned to see Dan give Walter a bro hug and a handshake. Her heart gave a happy lift at the sight of him coming toward her with a big smile on his face.

“Did you get my text?” he asked.

She stood to greet him with a kiss. “Haven’t looked at my phone in a couple of hours. Someone wanted to fish first thing.”

“First thing,” Buster said disdainfully. “Right.”

“Your brothers are out of lockup, and all charges have been dropped.”

Kara let out a whoop, dropped her pole and launched herself into Dan’s arms. “You did it!”

“With some very excellent help.”

She hugged him tightly. “Thank you so much.”

“Anything for you, love.”

“Good job,” Buster said to Dan. “Charges were bullshit.”

As Kara hugged her love, she realized this meant they’d be going home to Gansett soon. She was surprised to feel a pang of sadness to be leaving Maine and the people she loved there.

“We need to celebrate.”

“Your mom is way ahead of you. She invited the whole family to dinner tonight. You probably have a text from her.”

“I need to go grab my phone. Want to take a turn with the pole?”

“I’d love to.”

“Show him the ropes, Buster.”

“Yep.”

Kara walked inside, deeply relieved that the dark cloud over their family had lifted and her brothers were free men. She hoped there’d be a public statement to remove the stain on their reputations.

She had twenty-two unread texts, including one from her mother asking whether Kelly and Matt should be invited to the celebration dinner.

Fine by me,she replied.Happy to hear the great news.

We owe Dan everything. Thank you for bringing him into our lives. You chose a very fine man, in more ways than one.

Kara laughed at the double meaning in her mother’s words.He’s the best.

Bertha announced her arrival when her old truck backfired as she killed the engine.

Smiling, Kara went out to meet her. “How was the doctor?”

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