Page 47 of Homecoming

“Daddy’s home,” a male voice called from the mudroom. Hugo came into the kitchen, looking hopeful. “They used to come running.” He was tall, with dark hair and blue eyes. He wore a dress shirt with a fleece vest over it.

“Five years ago,” Luna said.

Hugo kissed the tops of his daughters’ heads. “And yet, I still hope. Every night.”

He hugged and kissed Kara. “So good to see you, sis.”

“You, too, bro. It’s been too long.”

“Way too long.” He extended a hand to Dan. “Nice to meet you in person.”

“Same, man. Your house is gorgeous.”

“That’s all thanks to my beautiful, talented wife.” He kissed Kendra’s cheek and peeked into a pot on the stove. “Oh yum. Mama made my favorite beef stew.”

“How was your day, dear?”

“Outstanding. We got a big new order that’ll keep us busy for the next few months.”

Hugo owned an apparel company that provided branded clothing and merchandise to yachts, sailing teams and marine-related companies, including BBW.

“That’s great, hon. Congratulations.”

“Thanks.”

“Glad to hear the business is doing well, Hugo,” Kara said.

He opened a Sam Adams for himself and put a new one on the counter in front of Dan. “We’re having our best year ever. Took a minute to get it off the ground, but it’s finally cruising.”

“You’ve worked so hard,” Kara said. “You deserve all the success.”

“Aw, thanks. It’s been fun to build it from nothing and see it take off. Don’t look now, but we’re in the running to provide sweatshirts to the US Olympic Team.”

“Come on!” Kendra said. “When did that happen?”

“A couple of weeks ago. I didn’t want to say anything until I knew more.”

“That’s very cool,” Dan said. “Congrats.”

“Thanks. We’re excited and nervous, too. It’s a big order. We’ll be hiring more people to make it happen, which is always scary.”

“You’ve got this, Daddy,” Aurora said.

“Thanks, pumpkin. How do you feel about coming to work for me?”

“As soon as I finish third grade,” she said with a giggle.

To Dan and Kara, Hugo said, “I was thinking on the way home that you two can use my Jeep while you’re in town, if you’d like. I’ve got a company truck these days and have been thinking about selling the Jeep. I never use it, and it’s all yours if it’d help you out.”

Kara looked at Dan. “The Jeep is way nicer than Buster’s truck and doesn’t smell like dead fish.”

“I’m sold,” Dan said. “We were planning to rent a car if it turned out we’re staying awhile.”

Hugo went to a hook by the back door and brought them the keys. “No sense paying for a car when I’ve got one that’s not being used. Keep it as long as you need it.”

“Thank you, Hugo,” Kara said. “You’re the best.”

“Yes, thanks,” Dan added. “We appreciate it.”

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