Page 292 of Saving Forever with the Hockey Captain

He reaches out to shake her hand. Instead, she surprises both of us by stepping forward and hugging him. Dad freezes for half a heartbeat, then laughs softly as he returns the hug.

When they step apart, he looks at me.

"I like her."

"I thought you might."

He studies us together for another quiet moment. Then says simply: "You're smiling again."

The words aren't directed at Annette; they're meant for me.

I swallow around the sudden lump in my throat. "I am."

He nods once. "I've missed that."

Before the moment can become too emotional, Mom claps her hands together.

"Well."

She hooks her arm through Annette's as though they've known each other for years.

"You're both coming home for dinner."

Annette starts to protest. "Oh, I couldn't impose."

"Nonsense." Mom smiles. "The roast has been in the slow cooker all day."

Dad slips his keys into his pocket. "And Susan made enough to feed half the town."

"I always do."

She pats Annette's hand. "I've learned that's the safest way when Jamie comes over."

"I've been accused of many things," I say.

"Eating thirds isn't one of them."

Dad chuckles. "It should be."

Annette laughs, the sound light and effortless. Watching her standing between my parents feels strangely ordinary.

As though she'd always been meant to be there.

And maybe...

she was.

***

Mom's house smells exactly the way it always has.

Fresh bread.

Rosemary.

Something roasting in the oven.

Home.