Page 61 of Peaks and Promises

Reese let out a long breath and took off his sunglasses. “Hi, Garrett.”

The deputy’s mouth dropped open, and he pulled off his aviators, leaning down as if to get a better look. “Reese?”

“Yeah.”

For a second, no one moved. My heart raced as Reese’s brother—it had to be one of his brothers—stared at him, shock plain on his face.

“Step out of the car, please,” Garrett said finally.

“What?”

“You heard me. Out of the car. Hands where I can see them.”

“Garrett, come on. I ran a stop sign. You don’t need to—”

“Reese. Get your ass out of the car.”

“All right.” He unfastened his seat belt, opened the door, and stepped out, keeping his hands up.

I had no idea what was about to happen. Was his brother a good cop or a bad cop? Was he going to arrest him for something? What could he arrest him for?

And what would happen to me and Nate if he did?

“Holy shit,” Garrett said with a shake of his head. “It really is you.”

And then he did something completely unexpected. He didn’t tell him to put his hands on the vehicle or behind his back so he could cuff him. He stepped forward and hugged him.

After a second’s hesitation, Reese returned the hug, wrapping his arms around him.

My eyes misted with tears. I didn’t know anything about Reese’s history with his family—why he’d left or why he hadn’t been back—but it was clear this brother, at least, was ready to welcome him home.

“What’s going on?” Nate whispered.

I turned and whispered back. “I think that’s his brother.”

The two men let go and stepped apart. Garrett shook his head again, like he still couldn’t believe what he saw.

“Have you seen Mom?” Garrett asked.

“Yeah, this morning. We’re headed there now.”

“We?” Garrett glanced into the SUV. “Are they…?”

“No,” Reese said quickly. “She’s a client…a friend… It’s a long story.”

“You gonna be in town for a while?”

“Looks like it.”

“All right.” The corners of Garrett’s mouth lifted. “I guess I can let you off with a warning. This time.”

Reese chuckled. “Thanks.”

Garrett held out his hand. Reese took it and they shook.

“See you around, brother,” Garrett said.

“Yeah. Soon.”