Randy stepped between his mom and stepdad, placed his arms around their shoulders and grinned at his sisters. “These two have been incredible. Before we catch up, I have a surprise of my own.”
A cute blonde with a sweet smile took a few tentative steps into the kitchen and gave a little wave. “Hi.”
“Providence, Megan, meet my wife, Lizzie Maddox.”
Though reeling from the surprise, Providence smiled. “Welcome to the family.”
“It’s great to meet you both,” Lizzie said.
“I’m Megan and this is Beacon.”
“How ‘bout I make you guys mimosas?” Randy asked his sisters.
“Sounds good to me!” Megan said.
Providence shook her head. “It’s too early for me to hit the sauce.”
Randy got busy making more drinks while Megan chatted with Lizzie. As Providence’s mom headed for the fridge, she swayed ever-so-slightly. Providence took her by the elbow and ushered her to the counter. “Why don’t I get out the eggs?”
“Lizzie and I made two quiches yesterday,” her mom replied. “And Lizzie made a hash brown casserole.”
While the family got caught up, Providence helped her mom heat up the food. Normally whizzing around the kitchen, her mom seemed unsure on her feet.
“Mom, another cocktail?” Randy asked from across the room.
“How many mimosas have you had?” Providence asked her mom.
“I’m still nursing my first one.”
“Ah, Mom, have another,” Randy chided. “It’s a celebration.”
“I’m good, Randy.”
Her dad brought in extra chairs and everyone sat around the kitchen table. Once the food had been served, Randy raised his glass. “Here’s to Mom and Gordon. Thanks for showing me tough love when I needed it and welcoming me back when I—when Lizzie and I—needed a place to crash.”
They’re living here?
After everyone toasted, Megan asked, “What brings you back to town, Randy?”
“I just got my real estate license. I’ve already got a couple of clients looking to buy in the area.” He puffed up his chest. “Might be close to listing a home, too.”
“Which company do you work for?” Megan asked. “The big one in the area is Goode-Luck, but their realtors are seasoned.”
Oh, crap. I hope he’s not going tonight.
“I’m with Larke Realty,” Randy replied.
Years earlier, Randy had flunked out of college freshman year and returned home, unsure of what to do with his life. Providence, eight years younger, had been in elementary school. Her brother was there day in and day out, a total lump on the couch playing video games. Then, Randy had become consumed with get-rich-quick schemes and borrowed money from her parents to kick off a computer-based business that went nowhere. Six months after that, their mom gave him an ultimatum. Pay rent or join the military. After a heated argument that went on for days, Randy joined the Marines. For eleven years, he stayed in touch, but sometime around his thirtieth birthday, he ghosted on them altogether.
“How long were you in the Marines?” Providence asked.
“I retired after twenty years.”
“Lizzie, what do you do?” Megan asked.
“I’m an educator. I love teaching the little ones, so I got a job at a preschool.”
“What have you been up to, Providence?” Randy asked.