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“You guys are ridiculous,” Walker says as he refills a soda for a customer.

“We missed you,” Violet says with teary eyes. And that’s what hits me in the chest. Because I missed them too, more than I realized. The last time I was home, I was here for a few months while we filmed a reality television show out at the ranch. It was fun, but I was working most of the time.

Rick was right. I did need this, and I needed them. I just didn’t know how much.

The front door opens, and cold air rushes inside. And judging by the squeal that immediately follows, the cavalry has arrived. And my heart is bursting with joy.

“Oh my God, she’s here!” someone calls.

I barely have time to stand before Poppy launches herself at me. “You look amazing.”

I laugh as she wraps her arms around my neck and pulls me in. “Hi, Poppy.”

Behind her, Cami is already giving us crap. “It’s my turn. How’s my favorite sister-in-law?”

Poppy reluctantly lets me go just in time for Cami to hug me next.

“I’ve missed you,” Cami says. “Feels like it took you forever to get here.”

“I did a little shopping on my way,” I admit.

Then Sutton steps forward and gives me a shy smile. “Welcome home.”

Sutton is new to the friend group, but a local who started up a book club, and we just adopted her into the pack. I’ve FaceTimed with her and the group regularly, and she’s in our group chat. They’ve included me in their book club, and while I live in L.A., it’s still fun to be included, even though I rarely had time to read the books they picked.

I hug her back, and her baby, Crew, immediately grabs a handful of my hair.

“Hey, buddy,” I say softly, tickling her baby boy who has a smile with no teeth and big, wide blue eyes.

“Sorry.” Sutton laughs. “He’s feral and loves to go for hair.”

“I can see that.” I chuckle and tickle his side as he grins and giggles.

Within minutes, we’re piled into a giant booth in the back corner of The Black Dog.

Walker brings everyone drinks and Momma Mary sends out way too much food. A giant basket of cheese fries lands in the center of the table. Then, fried pickles. Then, a mountain of nachos.

“There’s no way we’re eating all of this.” Poppy immediately steals a cheese fry.

“We absolutely are,” Cami adds. “I’ve been busting my butt all day at the lodge, then running errands. I need this.”

Violet grabs a fried pickle and dips it in ranch. “We might even need more.”

I shake my head as I smile at all of them. Nothing seems to have changed around here. And honestly? I didn’t want it to. I know I’m the outlier, but having them welcome me back in like this? It means everything. Conversation flows easily as if no time has passed.

They tell me everything. How Crew has suddenly decided sleep is optional. Mack has become a baking machine, and she is still unsure where she wants to go to college, but it’ll probably be on a band scholarship because she’s so good and loves music just like her dad. Cami nearly fell off the roof of the lodge while trying to hang Christmas lights, and my brother Jack almost had a heart attack because of it.

“That’s not what happened,” she playfully argues.

“That’s exactly what happened,” Poppy huffs. “Ollie is still mad you didn’t just ask him for help.”

We all laugh at silly and mundane things. And it’s perfect.

“How was Tucker’s competition?” Poppy asks. “I haven’t seen him to check in about it yet.”

I drag a fry through some ranch. “He did great. I’m so glad I could be there for him.”

Cami gives me a look and softens. “I’m so glad you’re here.”