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Her usually vibrant face appears flat until her gaze falls upon mine for a smile to grace her lips.
“Addy.” She sighs before she leans over to kiss Dad hello. He glances at her with a worried expression while something passes between them. “Please tell me you’re staying for dinner?”
I quickly check the clock on the wall, calculating the hours with the conclusion that Cruz can start the night without me.
“Of course, Mom.” She moves into where I sit, hugging me from behind tightly. “Is everything okay?”
“It’s been a tough day,” she answers with resignation. “So, having you here is exactly what I need.”
My shoes push against the counter wall to swivel around to face her. As I try to read her expression, she runs her finger down my cheek with a grin.
“My little psychologist is trying to read Mommy’s face.” She laughs then cups my chin. “I promise you, the emotions I’m feeling right now are normal when handling a tough adoption case.”
I tilt my head sympathetically. “I’m here to listen if that will help.”
“Thank you, sweetheart, for the offer. To be honest, I just want to come home and see my family. It’s the best stress reliever I can ask for.”
“Of course.” I grab her hand to squeeze it tight. “But how about I cook? You and Dad go get some wine and relax outside on the patio. It’s been a while since I burned something, so chances are, we’ll have something edible.”
My parents both chuckle then breathe a sigh of relief.
“I’ll go to the cellar and grab us the bottle of red Haden and Presley brought back from Australia,” Dad informs Mom.
“Sounds like a plan. I’m going to shower and get changed,” Mom says, then glances my way. “You sure you don’t need help?”
“I got this, Mom.”
* * *
The sun begins to set on the horizon as we eat out on the patio admiring the view.
My parents purchased this house when Millie was born, and all of us girls grew up in the house. The truth is, I can’t imagine calling any other place home.
When I moved out and into a dorm room, the small space made me extremely claustrophobic. It’s why I spent most of my time in class or the library, using the dorm room to only sleep. On weekends, I’d come back home because it was more comfortable.
Then, when I moved into my apartment, it was much nicer and bigger but still didn’t feel right.
However, sitting here, gazing at the canyon and breathing in the serenity, I know that nothing will ever compare.
Alexa had some birthday dinner to go to though truthfully, she looked way too good for a birthday dinner. If I didn’t know better, she was off to meet some guy. As long as she doesn’t get knocked up, I don’t care what she does.
“You’ve outdone yourself,” Mom compliments, raising her wine glass.
I raise my glass as does Dad, the three glasses clinking together. It isn’t often the three of us have dinner together, but it’s something I enjoy immensely.
“Well, I did learn from the best.”
“That, I’ll second.” Dad nods in agreement. “Charlotte has always been an amazing cook.”
“You weren’t so bad yourself when we first got married. Even better when I was pregnant with Millie and had all these weird cravings.” Mom laughs.
Dad grins at the memory. “Sandwiches, though the fillings were questionable.”
“Oh?” I turn to gaze at them in amusement.
“I wanted Chinese takeout inside sandwiches. But your father, being worried about all the ingredients, tried to make healthier versions.”
He drops his head with a soft chuckle. “I tried, but I knew when I went to work, you convinced Eric to visit our local Chinese takeout place.”
