Page 131 of My All American Girl

We sat there in silence for a moment before Mom’s soft sobs had us pulling apart. “I’m so glad you two made up. You are sisters. That’s a special bond. I hated seeing the two of you at odds. You’re both beautiful, amazing young women. Don’t let your father tear you apart.”

Tears stung my eyes. “For my part, I promise I won’t ever make you feel like that again. I’ll do everything I can to make sure you feel like you belong in this family. There’s more to life than flying. Dean has shown me that.”

“Maybe he’ll teach Dad that,” Meg said sourly.

“The most important thing is to be a good person,” I continued. “And I can say without a shadow of a doubt that my little sister is the best of all of them.”

Meg’s face crumpled, and she leaned forward to hug me once again. “I love you, Sarah,” she whispered, her voice choked with emotion.

“I love you too, Meg,” I replied, holding her tightly.

Mom smiled, her eyes glistening with tears. “I’m so proud of you both,” she said softly.

It was just like when we were younger. If we got into a fight, Mom insisted we talk it out and hug it out.

“I really am sorry,” I said to Meg.

“It’s fine,” she said. “I know you didn’t mean anything by it. You weren’t the parent. It wasn’t your job to change Dad. You had your eyes on the prize and couldn’t see much else.”

I laughed. “I do tend to get very focused. Distractions can get you killed up there.”

“I wish I had some of that focus.” She sighed. “I just keep looking for something I love as much as you love flying.”

I looked at her, studying the worry on her face. “Meg, it’s okay to not have found your passion yet. It doesn’t make you any less than anyone else. You’re young. You’ll find it.”

Just then, we heard the front door open. Footsteps approached the kitchen. Dean and Dad walked in, neither of them sporting split lips or black eyes. In fact, Dad was smiling.

I let out a breath I hadn’t realized I’d been holding. “Dad?” I said, my voice tentative.

He walked over and pulled me into a hug, his arms strong. “Sarah, do you have plans in the morning?” he asked, his voice gruff but warm. “I could use some help with the Mustang.”

It was his way of extending an olive branch. My heart swelled with relief. “I can clear my busy vacation schedule,” I replied, my voice thick with emotion. “And after we finish working on the car, maybe we could grab lunch with Meg?”

Dad looked over at Meg, his eyes softening. “That sounds like a great idea,” he said, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

Meg gave me a grateful look. “I’d like that,” she said, her voice steady and sincere. “Just don’t ask me to help you work on that car. I don’t know a wrench from my elbow.”

We all laughed. “I’d be happy to show you,” I offered.

She grinned. “No thanks. I’m not getting grease under my nails.”

Dean stepped forward. “Thank you, Mo,” he said, extending his hand. “For giving me a chance.”

Dad shook his hand firmly, nodding. “Just take care of my daughter, Dean. That’s all I ask.”

“I will, sir,” Dean promised, his eyes filled with determination. “You have my word.”

The tension that had hung over us for so long seemed to dissipate. We went out back, the five of us, and for the first time in a long while, it felt like everything was going to be okay. Dean was much more relaxed than earlier. I wasn’t sure what had been said in the garage, but it was clear they had a meeting of the minds.

Mom poured more tea for us while insisting my father drink water. We talked for another hour about the coming winter and my dad’s future travels. It felt good to be together, to be a family again.

Eventually, the night began to wind down, and Dean stood up to leave. “I should get going,” he said, glancing at the clock. “It’s getting late.”

“Stay,” Dad said, surprising all of us. “You’re welcome to stay here tonight.”

“Thank you, but I’ve got a hotel room,” he said. “I’ll be fine.”

Dad shook his hand again. “Thanks for coming by, Ryker.”