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Rolling my eyes, I changed the subject and asked, “What’s good timing?”
“I’ve been asked to go back to Salem by the mayor. Apparently, they were excavating for a new parking garage and they found an archaeological site that looks like it dates back to when Salem was colonized.”
“Oh wow! What about the dig site here?”
Lucas smiled. “We’ve discovered a lot, and it’s been fun, but I’m ready to head back home. I miss our families, and I want to be back in the states since you’re getting further along in your pregnancy.”
I hadn’t told Lucas I was homesick, but there were so many times I’d longed to see my mother, aunt, and sister. Plus, I missed Kristin and Shawn. I knew Lucas missed everyone as well.
“When are we heading back?” I asked.
“How soon can you be packed?”
We hadn’t bought much while we’d been in Ireland. The flat we rented was fully furnished, so there really wasn’t anything we’d needed to get.
“I can be packed in an hour!”
Lucas laughed. “I’ll look up tickets and book us a return flight.”
Hugging him, I felt my emotions start to bubble up. I knew it was hormones from the pregnancy. When I drew back, he wiped my tears away.
“You’ve missed home?” he asked.
I nodded. “I have.”
He placed his hand on the side of my face and ran his thumb over my cheek. “Thank you, Hollie, for standing by my side while I did this.”
I covered his hand with mine. “I’d stand by your side no matter what.”
He leaned in and kissed me. When he broke the kiss, he rested his forehead on mine. “I love you, Hollie Payton.”
Rubbing my nose against his, I replied, “I love you too.”
“Call Sarah and tell her we’re on our way.”
My phone rang, and we both laughed.
Lucas shook his head and mumbled, “Witches.”
Before I even had a chance to get out of the car, the front door to my parents’ house opened and my mother, sister, and Lucy all piled out. Sarah screamed, my mother started to cry, and Lucy waved a smudge stick all around me.
“Oh, look at you!” my mother said as she pulled me into her arms. “I’m so glad you’re home, Hollie. We’ve missed you.”
I tried to talk, but Lucy had the smudge stick practically shoved up my nose.
“Lucy!” I said, pushing her arm away. “Are you trying to make me throw up with that?”
She looked down at the smudge stick then back to me. “Of course not. I’m simply cleansing all the negativity from traveling away.”
I covered my mouth with my hand and stepped away.
“Go put it in the house, Lucy dear,” my mother said as she wrapped my arm in hers. “How was the flight over?”
“Long,” I replied, watching Lucy dash into the house to place the smudge somewhere I hoped was far away from me. “How come you’re not at the store?”
Sarah took my other arm. “Lucy and I decided we needed a day off, and what better reason than celebrating my baby sister and her little munchkin coming back home. Is she kicking a lot?”
“You think it’s a girl too?” I asked.
