“Thanks,” Alexandra said. “Enjoy your homecoming.”
Maverick shot her a wink. “See ya, Goth Girl.”
With a smirk, she headed out. Maverick shifted his gaze to his family. Their expressions were a mix of curiosity, concern, and glee. He chuckled. “We’re a motley crew, aren’t we? Where’s Sin?”
“He said he’d catch up with you later,” Maverick’s dad said. “Let’s get you out of here. You’re hurting, aren’t you, son?”
“Nah, I’m fine.”
Maverick was back on American soil, surrounded by his family, and eager to jump into the mayhem. He couldn’t wait to shove the past aside and turn toward the future. Pain hadn’t stopped him before and it wouldn’t stop him now.
On the way out, Hudson pulled up alongside him. “Sorry you missed my grand opening.”
Maverick fastened an arm around his younger brother. “How’d it go?”
“Awesome. You would have been proud.”
Maverick smiled. “I’m always proud of you.”
Strange, even now, Hudson considered Maverick more like a second dad than an older brother. Despite just five years separating the men, Hudson had been struggling to find his way. Two years ago, he approached Maverick with a restaurant idea and Maverick had done everything possible to make that happen for him.
“Are you free tomorrow night?” Hudson asked.
“Absolutely. You want me to stop by?”
“I’m throwing you a welcome home party.”
“You didn’t have to do that.”
“Oh, hey, I almost forgot.” Hudson handed Maverick his cell phone.
Maverick hesitated. “How the hell did you get that?”
“Sinclair gave it to me.”
“It was locked in my safe at work.”
Hudson laughed. “You don’t think a gated office complex and a safe are going to stop him, do you?”
“Yeah, I kinda thought it would.”
“Whatever. Just take it. It was already turned on, too.”
Maverick rolled his eyes. “I left my wallet in the safe. Did he give you that, too?”
“Sorry, no.”
They left the airport and, for the first time, Maverick appreciated the thick September humidity. Dusk blanketed the sky, vibrant hues of violet and fuchsia lingering on the horizon. He soaked in that sunset like it was his first, gratitude filling his heart. Damn, it’s great to be back.
Over the next forty minutes, his family chatted away, updating him on everything they’d already told him via their phone calls. But hearing the stories in person, being able to reach out and touch them or punch his brother in the arm, was the best damn homecoming. When Desiree mentioned Carly, Maverick took control of the conversation.
“How is she?”
“She’s okay,” Desiree said, twirling a chunk of hair.
“Why didn’t she come to the airport?”
“She doesn’t know you’re back because she’s been testifying in Baltimore all afternoon. Sinclair called Dad an hour ago and we scrambled to get here. Do you want me to text her?”
