Page 86 of Above All Else

Come on.

You landed twenty minutes ago.

Where are you?

I froze as my gaze settled on the older couple.

My heart jumped in my chest as my mother’s once-dark hair swayed around her shoulders, her arm wrapped around my father’s elbow. He wheeled the carry-on behind him, the metallic gray suitcase a beacon.

My throat tightened as I watched them scan the crowd with furrowed brows.

They’re here.

“Mom.” I lifted a hand and waved.

She glanced around—her face lighting up when she saw me.

I pushed through the crowd, the hustle and bustle of the airport fading into the background. My mother’s floral perfume hit me as I hugged her tightly. The softness of her sweater against my cheek, the way she held me like she never wanted to let go, brought a lump to my throat.

“Junie.” She squeezed me tight. “I’ve missed you.”

I pulled back, offering a watery smile before turning to my father. “Hi, Dad.”

He gave me a gruff nod, the corners of his mouth lifting in a small smile before he pulled me into his arms.

“I’m so glad you’re here.” My throat tightened as I chokedback the emotion.

It’d taken three long weeks to convince them this was the right choice, the society in Vail a determining factor that solidified their decision.

An intercom crackled to life, calling for someone’s luggage being at the lost and found.

We’re finally together.

We’re here.

For the first time in what felt like forever, I allowed myself to breathe, letting the tension slip away as I led them toward the exit.

The cool evening air hit me, carrying the scent of rain and tires whirring against the road. The city lights flickered in stark contrast to their home in Avon, where the stars were your guiding light.

“So I’ll take you to your house. I’ve been working on unpacking for you, but there are still some boxes in the spare room that need unpacking. I’ll come by and get them settled tomorrow.”

I popped the trunk, and my dad put his suitcase inside, then closed it.

“This is a fancy car. Did Carter buy it for you?” My dad’s brows pulled down with disapproval as my mom opened the back seat and sat inside.

I shook my head. “No. This is his other one.”

“He has two cars?”

“Yep, and a dirt bike.”

My dad grunted. “Can’t take the country out of the boy.”

“Guess not.” I rounded the car and dropped into the driver’sseat, my father filling the passenger and drove them to their new home. “Your cars arrived yesterday, and the fridge is stocked. So you can drive around and sightsee without having to worry right away about essentials.” My fingers gripped the steering wheel and turned down their street.

“I’d like to get settled first, Junie.” My mother sat with her hands in her lap, staring out the window with wide eyes. “This is a nice neighborhood. How are the neighbors?”

Pulling into the driveway, I parked the car and pointed to the neighbor on the right. “Mrs. Derby is around eighty years old and as sweet as pie. Her husband died last April.” I pointed to the left. “ And then you have Mr. and Mrs. Dawson. They like to dance at the YMCA on Tuesdays. I’m sure you two will get along well.”

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