Page 43 of Finding Home

“I’ll be back soon, babe.” I press a quick kiss on Harper's lips before I head out the door. Tomorrow is gonna be a long day. Every time I step into that kitchen, I’m going to get hard remembering the way she came while screaming my name. The day I can lock her down for good will be the best day of my life. I’m also pretty excited for her to meet my family. I know they will love her, but I also want her to feel comfortable with them. It’s unfortunate that she won’t meet Caleb, who is still deployed. We try to talk regularly, but it has been very sparse the last three months. My heart clenches a little thinking of him and hoping he’s safe.

The driveway is empty when I pull up and I’m relieved. I would have felt awful if they arrived to a dark, empty place. Once inside, I check everything one more time to make sure they’ll be comfortable for their stay. Opening a beer, I think about heading to the back porch when lights flash through the window and gravel crunches, signaling their arrival. I change course and head to the front door instead.

“Welcome to Juniper Falls,” I greet them as they get out of the car.

“Well, now, son, this is real nice here,” Dad says, taking in the surroundings with his hands on his hips.

“We drove through town on our way in, and it’s so cute, like a storybook. Oh, and I saw your buildings, you are so talented,” Mom gushes as she pulls me in for a hug. I could be building a huge penis shaped building, and she would find some way to put a positive spin on it.

“Kinda looks like a cabin some creepy serial killer would hide out in,” Maddy remarks, eyeing the trees. She recently turned twenty-three, and being almost six years older than her, I was always playing the protective older brother role, driving her nuts. Lately, though, we’ve been connecting on a more mature level as she embarks into the real world and pursues a career in Human Resources. It’s been fun seeing the relationship evolve.

“I see you’re still hooked on the true crime documentaries.” I laugh, giving her a side hug.

“You have no idea,” Dad mutters as he makes for the house.

“Aside from dreams of catching a killer, how are you, squirt?” She rolls her eyes at me, shouldering her duffel bag. “Since you were too busy to see your brother in October."

“Excuse me, I’m not the one that has skipped family dinners for three months straight. Also, I couldn’t miss my bestie's bachelorette party.”

“Seeing as you live with Mom and Dad, you not missing dinner isn’t exactly an accomplishment. Second, I’m hurt that I was rated lower than a bachelorette party.” I clutch my heart dramatically as I lead everyone inside.

“Well, that is about to change. The living situation, not the fact that I chose to watch greased up men dance all night instead of looking at your lovesick mug.”

“You’re moving out? Does Ma know?” I call out loudly.

“She’s just taking a page from her older brother's books and moving away from us,” Mom responds, and I arch my brows at her.

“Got an offer in Vancouver and decided to take it. The pay is great, and several friends from college ended up there, so I’ll know people. Actually, I’m getting a place with Tori. You met her last summer, I think.”

“Is she the tall blonde one, or the shorter redhead?”

“Red.” Maddy laughs as we step inside.

“Welcome to my rental. The main bedroom is in the back, and I set up a cot in the den so you would have a little more privacy. It’s tight, but I thought it would beat sleeping on the couch, especially since Dad wakes up so early.”

“Thanks.” She drops her bag and heads toward the French doors to the porch.

“Why don’t y’all go make yourself comfortable? I’ll grab us some beers and get the firepit going so we can chat for a bit before I head back to Harper’s.”

“Oh, are we not going to get to meet them tonight?” Mom asks sadly.

“Sorry, not tonight. Tomorrow will be a big and busy day, so Harper wanted to keep Lizzie on her night and sleep schedule today so she can handle everything easier tomorrow. When she’s overtired and overstimulated it can be very hard for her.” Mom nods understandingly. She hasn’t pushed for too many details on Lizzie’s diagnosis, but Dad said she had been reading books and looking up things about autism, so she would better understand. Even though she was a teacher for so long, she just wants to make sure she knows all she can. I know I take it for granted sometimes, but I’m damn lucky to have a family like this.

“Hey, big brother,” Maddy pipes up, filling the silence. “Didn’t you say Harper got pregnant at nineteen?” I nod, not sure where she’s going with this. “And Lizzie is four?”

“Four and a half,” I quip, pointing at her with my beer.

“Ew, Jace!” she cries and I tense, ready to fight whatever she thinks she can say negatively against either of my girls. “That means Harper is basically my age. Talk about robbing the cradle. Perv.” I relax a second before the jab hits its mark, and I smack the beer bottle poised at her mouth, sloshing it down the front of her. Before she can start something, Mom stands with her hands splayed like we are wild animals.

“Enough, children,” she demands, using her tired Mom voice that makes me feel like I’m eight again. “That will be quite enough of all that. Jace, honey, why don’t you head back and see if Harper needs any help. Maddy, just shh.” I snort out a laugh at Maddy’s annoyed face.

“That is a great idea.” I smile sweetly and kiss Mom’s cheek before winking at Maddy and jogging down the steps to walk around the house.

“Eat glass,” is shouted into the night air and I smile. It’s good being around family. Hopefully, next time Caleb will be back and can join us.

Stepping into Harper’s house, I can hear Lizzie humming to herself in her room, something she often does as she is trying to calm down and fall asleep. Dishes clatter in the sink, and I make my way in to help Harper with cleanup. I spot the gift I bought her on the floor, and excitement courses through me. Harper is standing at the sink in leggings, a crop top that shows several inches of stomach, with an open flannel over it. Her dark hair is still wet from the shower she obviously took, and it’s piled on her head with wisps falling out, framing her face. The sight takes my breath away, erasing all rational thoughts. Fuck me, she’s stunning, and every time I see her it feels like coming home.

“Hey, babe.” She looks over her shoulder, spotting me. I walk to her and press a quick kiss to her lips as she dries her hands. Turning, she loops her arms around my neck, her fingers toying with the edge of my hair.