Page 8 of Finding Home

“And what a track… A trackyoucould run once in a while.”

Despite the eye roll, a smile remained on Elle’s face. “Goodbye, Wills.”

Hanging up, she pulled into Pete and Janet’s tree hugged property. It had been fourteen years since she visited the sunshine yellow country cottage rimmed with pink rose bushes. Her sandals slapped against the stone walkway that led to the front porch, overflowing with potted plants.

“Isn’t that dress a little tight around your bosoms?” Aunt Janet tutted with a cheeky grin. The barely five-foot dynamowith brunette hair cut pixie-short, had the presence of someone twice her size.

“Hello to you too.”

“Don’t sass me.” Face puckered, Janet descended the stairs. Meeting in the middle of the walkway, she wrapped her arms around Elle’s waist. “I’m so glad you’re here, Eleanor.” Her soft rose fragrance twined around them.

“I almost forgot what a good hugger you are.”

“Come home more than every decade and a half and you wouldn’t forget.”

Elle moved to pull away with a snappy retort, but Janet clenched tighter.

“Oh no you don’t. I’m your aunt and I get to nag you about tight dresses, not coming home enough, and hug the hell out of you. It’s in the job description and I’m good at my job.”

“At least you’re not nagging about me being single.”

“Oh honey, that comes with dessert.” Janet’s deep belly laugh vibrated her entire body.

“Hey! I want in on this action,” Jerome hollered, bounding out of the front door.

“Me first!” Tobey’s shout erupted from inside the house before the door smacked shut, cutting off his rich baritone.

Tobey’s fiancé, Jerome, dashed down the stairs. Where Janet was fun-sized, as her son teased, Jerome was king-sized. Both Tobey and Pete were six-foot, but Jerome still towered over them with his bulky physique and height.

“Look at the blushing groom.” Elle gushed as Jerome folded his muscular arms around her.

Jerome hugged with his whole self, never giving throwaway hugs, sometimes making it hard to breathe.

“Bear, stop mauling them.” Tobey approached the trio, his blond brows knitted together.

“Aw, my future husband, do you feel left out?” Jerome pulled Tobey in without releasing Elle and Janet.

“No.” Tobey scowled and squirmed.

“You know you’re the only one I want to maul.” An oversized grin took up residence on Jerome’s face.

“I know,” Tobey murmured, pink kissing his cheeks.

“No mauling ‘til you’re married!” Janet slipped free from the group hug.

“You know they live together. There’s probably been some light mauling.”

“Eleanor Davidson, no mauling before marriage for them or you. Now, let me go open this wine.” Janet snagged the wine bottle. “Pete has the grill going. My future son-in-law will help me bring things out.”

“You got it, little mama.” Jerome looped his arm around his future mother-in-law and escorted her into the house.

Admiration shined in Tobey’s eyes locked on his mom and fiancé as they slipped inside the house.

“You’resogone.” Elle nudged Tobey’s side.

He just grinned.

“This time next week. Are you excited? Is she really making you wear white?” She looped her arm through Tobey’s as he led her to the backyard.

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