Page 62 of Finding Forever

Beth opened the door as Ryan climbed out of his truck. He still had the same thick mop of dark hair, shoulders that seemed impossibly wide, and a grin that could have turned a lot of female heads if he let it.

She leaned against the doorframe. “You look much too healthy.”

Ryan grinned and reached into the passenger seat for a paper shopping bag. “That’s what a few months of sunshine does for you.”

Beth glanced at the overcast sky. “You could have brought some back to Montana with you.”

“I tried.” He closed the truck door with his hip. “Customs confiscated it.”

Laughing, Beth stepped onto the porch. Ryan put down the bag and pulled her into a hug. For all his teasing, he held on longer than usual.

Beth hugged him just as tightly. She hadn’t realized how much she’d missed him until he was standing in front of her again. “It’s good to have you home.”

Ryan gave her one last squeeze. “It’s good to be here.”

Beth pulled him inside. “Shut the door before we both freeze.”

Ryan followed her into the kitchen and placed the shopping bag on the table. “I brought gifts.”

Beth raised an eyebrow. “Should I be worried?”

“Probably.” He reached into the bag. “I’ll give Kayla hers when I see her, but I have something classy for you.”

He produced a large box of chocolate-covered macadamia nuts.

Beth took it. “These actually look good.”

“They are. I conducted extensive research.”

“How many boxes did you eat?”

Ryan grinned. “That’s irrelevant.”

Laughing, Beth put them on the counter.

“And this is also for you.” Ryan reached into the bag again. “I bought a matching one for Kayla.” He pulled out a stuffed kangaroo with enormous feet, oversized ears, and a tiny joey poking out of its pouch.

Beth burst out laughing.

Ryan frowned. “What?”

“Kayla guessed you’d bring us toy kangaroos.”

His face fell. “That ruins everything.” Ryan set the kangaroo carefully on a kitchen chair. “I’m not giving Kayla hers now. I’ll find something else.”

Beth picked up her kangaroo. “Still give it to her. She’ll love it. It can join all the other stuffed animals you’ve brought her from your travels.” She reached for the coffee pot. “Coffee?”

Ryan nodded. “Please. It’ll be good to have a proper one.”

Beth poured two mugs and carried them to the table. By the time she sat down, Ryan had already opened her chocolates.

She stared at him. “You bought those for me.”

“I have to make sure they’re fresh.” He popped one into his mouth.

“You said you conducted extensive research.”

“I did,” Ryan said as he crunched a macadamia nut between his teeth. “But quality control never stops.”