Page 65 of Homecoming

“I’ll get them,” Riley smiles. “I'll give them to the Noah to return to her later.”

“She’s a pretty impressive wolf too,” Matthew grins.

“Matthew…” Alana groans, “just get in the damn car and shut up.”

“Amy,itwassonice to meet you at long last and I can’t wait for you to come to dinner. Riley, we miss having you home so please make it soon.”

“I will, momma,” Riley brushes a kiss on Alana’s cheek. “I promise.”

“You know that house is going to need a helluva lot of work to make it habitable. Are you sure you’re up to it?” Matthew frowns as he looks back at the run-down building with a weathered sagging roof and peeling paint. “It lacks any proper facilities and doesn’t even have a functioning bathroom.”

“Dad, it’ll be fine, and we’re really grateful to have it. Noah’s going to help me with the repairs as soon as he finishes the cabin. It’ll work out fine because the wedding won’t be for another few months.”

“Uh, well, we don’t want to leave it too long, do we?” Amy smiles. “Besides, my mother will drive me crazy if we do. We’ll need to set a date soon.”

“Oh, but I was thinking we might get most of the repairs done first so we could move in straight after the wedding.”

Alana coughs as she smiles. “You two sound like you’re married already. It’s going to be fine, I’m sure. And the house is going to be just perfect. If there’s anything we can do, just let us know. Oh, and that table Noah made for you is absolutely amazing. It will be a beautiful statement piece in the finished kitchen. I’m quite jealous.”

“Yeah, Noah’s very talented and now he’s quitting his job at the club, he’s going to make Amy’s wedding ring.” Riley checks his watch. “Right, we should get back. Amy’s mom will be concerned if we’re not there. She’s made a cake.”

“Yeah, sure honey, you go. I’ll call you later.”

“I’m just going to take a pee before we go. So why don’t you get off? Take care son and enjoy the rest of those elk burgers,” Matthew smiles.

“Okay, we’ll see you both soon. C’mon Amy, let’s get back.” Riley takes a hold of her hand as they return to their car.

“Well, go on—go pee,” Alana frowns as she looks around the outside of the mid-sized cottage.

“C’mon…” Matthew takes a hold of her hand in his, “let’s go take a look around. I always wanted to see what a pack leader’s house was like inside.”

“You want to go inside the house? Matthew, we can’t. What if we get caught?”

“So what? If anyone asks we were just looking for the bathroom. We can hardly use the one in there, now can we?”

“No, but you could go pee in a bush instead,” she frowns. “I am not going inside there.”

“Why? Are you scared?”

“No, but… what if someone catches us?”

“Like I said…”

“… we’re just looking for the bathroom? Alright, but don’t be getting any ideas while we’re in there becausethatis not happening.”

“Oh, you know you’ve gotten so much less adventurous in your old age.” Matthew smiles, brushing a kiss on her cheek. “Remember when we broke into that grocery store looking for marshmallows one night and did it in the storeroom? This reminds me of then.”

“Will you shut up?” Alana smiles. “Oh what the hell, c’mon, let’s go check it out.”

Thepaircreepquietlyinside the house through the unlocked back door in the kitchen and all is silent as they tip-toe into the hallway.

Looking up, Alana stares at the chandelier that hangs above the stairs. It glints in the sun and the numerous strands of cut crystal sparkle as they catch in the rays.

“Wow… that’s beautiful, and the carving on this staircase is amazing.” Matthew studies the sweeping hand-crafted balustrade that leads to the landing above his head.

“Wait, did you hear something? I thought I heard a car.” Alana holds her breath and turns around.

“No, I didn’t hear anything. C’mon, let’s go check out the bathroom,” Matthew smiles, a huge grin filling his face. “Do you remember when we did it in that fancy bathroom at that art gallery once? And at the museum when we—”

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