Page 213 of Buried Too Deep

“I know,” Scarlett said, just a touch evilly, and Phin felt a rush of love for his sister. “I figured you could stew a while.”

Stone huffed. “Now that I believe.”

Scarlett returned to Phin, linking her arm through his. “Come on. Meet your niece.”

But the front door slammed, breaking the moment. “Jackie,” a male voice boomed.

Dad. Jonas Bishop was home.

“There’s a big-ass RV taking up the entire cul-de-sac,” Jonas continued, still at the front door. There was stomping, and Phin pictured his father kicking off his shoes, just like he always had on entering the house. “There won’t be any room for Phin to park when he gets here.”

A moment later, Jonas’s bulk filled the doorway and his expression froze. “Phin,” he whispered. Like a prayer. “You’re home.”

And then his father was crying. Phin had only seen his father cry once before in his life and it had shaken him. It shook him harder now.

“Dad.” And then they were hugging and Phin was crying, too.

“You’re home, you’re home,” Jonas kept whispering, holding him so tight.

“I’m home,” Phin said, holding his father as hard as he could with one arm.

Finally, Jonas let him go, but not far. He cupped Phin’s face in his big hands, staring at him with a wonder that nearly made Phin break down again. Then his father shocked him by kissing Phin’s forehead and both cheeks before letting out a satisfied sigh.

“Now it’s Christmas,” Jonas said, then turned to Cora. “Cora Jane?”

Cora just smiled. “That’s me.”

“Welcome. And thank you. Scarlett told us how you made a tourniquet out of cloth napkins and a wooden spoon. You saved our son’s life.”

Cora’s smile didn’t falter. “He’s important. Plus he saved mine first. He’s a hero.”

Jonas’s smile was sweeter than Phin remembered. “I’m glad someone besides us sees that. We have things to talk about, Cora Jane. Many, many things. Starting with your transitional housing for vets. I want to invest.”

Phin stared at Cora. “How…?”

Cora shrugged. “Scarlett and I have been talking on the phone every day.”

Scarlett nodded. “We’re besties now.”

Behind him, Stone groaned. “We’re all in trouble.”

Jonas laughed. “Jackie, let’s have that hot chocolate. The others will be here soon.”

Cincinnati, Ohio

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 25, 9:00 P.M.

Cora found Phin in his parents’ living room, dozing on the sofa. A fire danced in the fireplace and there were several trash bags stacked along one wall, all filled with wrapping paper, the children having been tasked with cleanup after the presents had been opened.

So many presents. Jonas had played Santa Claus and even Cora had received gifts. She’d been so touched.

It had been a long time since she’d had a real family Christmas. Not since her mother was alive. But the Bishops had folded her into their family with hardly a blink.

It was nice.

Cora sat on the edge of the sofa, carefully checking Phin’s bandage. He hadn’t wanted to wear his sling today. The man was ridiculous about wanting to appear unhurt in front of his family.

She hadn’t fought him on it today. He’d been so anxious about the reunion, she hadn’t wanted to make things worse. But the reunion had gone far better than she could have imagined, so he would be wearing the sling tomorrow.

---