Page 111 of Finding Home

Later, as Elle washed her hands in the bathroom, she stared into the mirror. Her first day in Perry felt like three days in one. That day had dragged on and on.

Now, today felt like mere seconds. Walking down the hallway back to the living room, Pete stopped her and tucked her into a tight hug.

“Thank you for coming back, kiddo. I’ve loved having you here.” He kissed her temple.

“I’ve loved being here.” She coughed to hide the tremble in her voice. “Thanks for having me.”

“You always have a place here.”He placed her hand on top of his heart. “I love you, kiddo.”

“I love you too, Uncle Pete.” She looked up at him, catching the sad twinkle in his eye.

“I’m your only uncle.” He smirked.

“My one and only.” She rested her head on his shoulder as he embraced her.

Aunt Janet, of course, cried. Her eyes were already watery as she squeezed Elle, her petite frame packing an affectionate punch as she held tight.

Hoisting her purse onto her shoulder, she said goodbye to Jerome and Tobey. Then her gaze dropped to Pete and Janet, who stood on the porch. She’d lost her biological parents so long ago but standing in front of her were two people that had been, and were still, willing to fill that role. “Thank you. I love you both.”

With watery smiles, they both mouthedlove you.

“I’ll miss you.” Tobey looped his arms around Elle’s shoulders, walking her to her rental car. Lt. Scout trotted beside them. “Who’s going to help me manage those two in there?” He cocked his head toward the house where Pete and Janet shuffled back inside.

“You’ve got Jerome,” she teased.

“Not the same,” he chuckled, checking to make sure his husband was still on the porch talking to Viet. “He finds their antics delightful.”

“I think you find it just as delightful.” She winked.

“Yes, but I also have the good sense to be mortified when Dad drops it like it's hot. As do you.”

“True, but we wouldn’t change them.”

“Never.” he sighed happily. “We’re lucky to be theirs.”

“Yes, we are.” Her heart squeezed. “I remember when you were a baby. Your mom and dad let me hold you. I was so little myself and couldn’t believe they’d trust me with something so tiny….so precious. I held you tight, making sure I didn’t drop or hurt you.”

“I’m pretty sturdy.” He tapped his flat stomach, wincing in the realization that this was one of his dad’s mannerisms.

She smiled. “That you are.”

“Text us when you land and when you get home,” Tobey commanded in the same gentle tone Elle had heard through the years from his dad.

Our dad.

She saluted mockingly. “Will do, Officer Coates.”

“That’s State Trooper Coates.” He nudged her side with his elbow.

FORTY-ONE

“We live at home, quiet, confined, and our feelings prey upon us.”

~Jane Austen,Persuasion

On the flight, Viet and Willa chattered away while Elle spent most of it looking out the window, something she generally didn’t do.

They weaved through the bustling LAX crowds toward baggage claim. Ryan waited at the carousel, his arms open and smiling large as he spotted them.

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