Page 160 of Homecoming

“Fine. Nothing new.”

“Did you hear the big news?”

“What big news? I was in a rush to get home. Never looked at my phone.”

“The boys are out, and all charges are dropped.”

“Oh thank you, Jesus. And Dan. Mostly Dan.”

Kara laughed as she hugged her grandmother. “Mom’s having a celebration dinner at the house tonight. Everyone’s invited.”

“That’s a party I want to attend.”

“I was hoping you’d say that.” Kara pulled back from her, sad to think about leaving her beloved grandmother.

“What’s with the frown?”

“I guess we’ll be heading home soon.”

“That should make you happy, not sad.”

“I am happy, but I wish I could bring you with me.”

“You know I’d be miserable anywhere but right here, where I’ll be the next time you come home to visit. And I’ll come to see your little one when he arrives. That’s a promise.”

“Really? You’ll leave Maine for me?”

“Try and keep me away.”

Kara hugged her again. “I love you so, so much. More than just about anything.”

“Same goes, love. All the way around the world and back again.”

The dinner at her parents’house that evening was the first time in years Kara could recall all eleven Ballard siblings being in the same place at the same time. Kirby and Keith had greeted Kara with warm hugs and thanks for everything Dan had done for them. Even Kingston, who rarely had anything to do with the family, was there with a big hug for Kara.

Kingston had reddish-blond hair, a matching beard and piercing blue eyes. “Heard your hubby is the man of the hour.”

“We’re so thankful it’s resolved. For us, anyway. I hope they catch the person who killed Tanya.”

“I heard something on the radio on the way over here that they’ve got a suspect,” Kingston said.

“I feel for her family. What a terrible thing.”

“Indeed.”

Dan came over to them, holding the beer bottle Chuck had pressed into his hand the second they arrived.

“Dan, meet Kingston, the last of the Ballards you hadn’t met.”

The two men shook hands.

“Good to finally meet you,” Dan said.

“Likewise. Thanks for everything you did for the boys.”

“I’m glad it worked out.”

“And way to work yourself into the will,” Kingston said with a teasing grin.

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