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“Well, I am.” Aero clutched Sam’s hand once again while McKenzie fell into the chair between her and their father.
“Hi, I’m McKenzie.” She extended a hand.
“Sam. It’s nice to meet you.” Sam smiled, shaking.
“Well, whoever you are, you got my brother to come home, so I like you already,” McKenzie said, and Aero rolled his eyes.
“McKenzie, please, leave her alone,” Aero insisted.
“What? I just—”
She was interrupted by the front door swinging open again and someone shouting, “Markie Mouse!”
“That’s Bethany.” Aero sighed just as a shorter blonde came into the kitchen, flinging herself at Aero and hugging him tight.
“Hi, big brother, what the hell is going on?” Bethany asked, squeezing Aero tight.
“It’s good to see you, too.” He chuckled as she released him, moving to sit on the kitchen counter.
“This is Sam,” Cathy said, gesturing across the table. “She’s Marcus’s girlfriend.”
“Oh.” Bethany’s eyes widened, but she seemed to push past her surprise, and the smile returned to her face. “It’s great to meet you.”
The woman shook hands, and Sam sat back down, reaching for Aero once again.
“Well, this is sufficiently awkward,” Aero murmured, and the women all laughed.
“So, where’ve you been, Markie Mark?” McKenzie asked.
“Colorado,” Aero said, explaining again about the Iron Dragons, meeting Sam, and Warrior Security Services.
“You own your own business?” His father asked, blonde brows drawing together, assessing.
“Yes, sir, for almost two years now.”
His father nodded once, crossing his arms over his broad chest. Sam watched; the man’s build was so similar to Aero’s, and his mannerisms were similar, too. He caught her eye, and she smiled gently before turning her attention back to Aero.
“The business is successful?” Mr. McBride asked, and Sam spoke up.
“Aero installs and manages all of the security for the Iron Dragons’ businesses and other businesses in town. He also works in people’s homes, and he upgraded the entire system at the school where I teach. He does really well for himself,” Sam shared proudly, and Aero squeezed her hand.
“That’s fantastic, Marcus,” Cathy grinned, patting her son’s arm affectionately.
“Thank you,” Aero said, looking at his mom and feeling all of ten years old. He hadn’t realized how much he missed her until he was seated beside her.
“Are you staying?” Bethany asked, looking at her brother expectantly.
Aero looked at Sam, his brows pulling together. She gave him a reassuring smile.
“Yeah, we’ll stay for a few days,” Aero said, his mother gasping excitedly.
“We’ll have to take Sam out,” McKenzie said, mischief shining in her eyes. “I want all the details about your life in Colorado.”
“Don’t railroad her.” Aero scowled at his sister.
“I would never,” McKenzie gasped, feigning innocence.
Sam giggled at their exchange, and Aero couldn’t help but smile. As surreal as it was to be back in his parent’s kitchen, with his sisters, and in the company of another woman, Aero felt the stirrings of nostalgia in his chest. He was relaxing in the wooden chair, soaking up the joy and contentedness that permeated the air, feeling Sam’s warm palm against his own.
