Page 6 of When Love Comes Home

Mine too.

When she was sixteen, she volunteered at an animal shelter and met Tater, a tiny six-year-old Chihuahua mix. She brought him home, and when she went off to college, Tater went with her.

Katie graduated from Cornell University with a degree in economics. During her college years, she worked part-time as an online tutor, helping kids stay on top of their grades—just like Jon had done for me. After graduation, she landed a job as a financial analyst in Albany.

Not long after, she bought her first condo, but then Jon called and asked her to come home. Just before she moved back, Tater got sick and passed away. Katie was devastated. I sent her a sympathy card.

I know the Linders in a way I wish I’d known my own parents. Their lives were cut short, taking with them any chance I had at a normal life—a life filled with parents, siblings, stability, and happiness.

Jon offered me a lifeline—a sense of stability, a path to success, a chance at happiness. But am I happy?

The women I dated always said the same thing before walking out:"You’re somewhere else, Adam."

Maybe they were right. Maybe part of me never left the Linder home. I’m still back there, standing in the doorway, watching a family that isn’t mine, pretending it could be.

Sitting here now, I can’t help but wonder if my heart has been too deeply scarred by my past to truly love anyone. My thoughts drift back, unbidden, and settle on Katie.

In the four years I knew her before leaving for college, I learned a lot about the pretty little girl who loved to read. She had this habit of sitting next to Jon while we watched football, pretending to be engrossed in her book. But I knew better. She’d glance up at me, studying my every move, like she was trying to figure me out. I’d smile at her when our eyes met, trying to break through her guarded demeanor. Sometimes, I’d make funny faces—crossing my eyes, sticking out my tongue, anything to coax a laugh or even a smile. It never worked. And maybe that’s what stuck with me—how someone so young could see right through me, like she knew I didn’t belong, but didn’t know how to say it yet.

***

When Jon mentioned that Katie was moving back home to help with the firm and needed a place, I didn’t hesitate. I immediately offered him the house. I wasn't visiting as often so it had been sitting empty. At the time, I never imagined I’d be returning to Cold Spring so soon.

Now I’m back—and Katie is living in my house.

"I'm officially back in town," I said when Jon answered the phone.

"You're more than welcome to stay with us," he quickly offered.

"Don't worry about it, Jon," I replied. "I rented a suite with a kitchenette. It's only temporary until I find a something more permanent."

“Let me talk to Katherine,” he said after a pause. “I don’t see why you two can’t share the house. If worse comes to worst, she can move back home. It’s your house, Adam.”

"Katie’s comfortable there," I said firmly. "I’m fine at the hotel."

"Talk to Katherine first," he insisted. "Before you decide anything."

I reluctantly agreed, though every instinct screamed it was a colossal mistake. Katie resents me—always has. Staying under the same roof with her is out of the question.

"I'd probably have to sleep with one eye open," I say aloud. And yet, I can’t stop myself. I want to see her. Before I can think it through or talk myself out of it, I grab my keys and head out the door.

I know this town like the back of my hand, so I swing by Cold Spring Florals. It’s the shop I’ve been visiting for years, picking up flowers for my foster mom and the Linder women on special occasions. Never for Katie, though. She always made sure she was gone whenever I stopped by to visit.

Driving on autopilot, my mind races through a million ways this reunion could go. Eventually, I pull into the driveway, parking behind her car in the familiar circular drive. Taking a deep breath, I grab the white and yellow roses and make my way up the steps. I square my shoulders, stand up straight, and ring the doorbell. Nervous as hell, I brace myself for whatever comes next.

A few moments later, the door swings open. There she is. All grown up. I can’t help but compare the woman before me with the girl I used to know. Her eyes are still a deep emerald green, with specks of gold around the pupils, framed by long, dark lashes. The freckles I used to count have faded, but I’d bet I could still find them all. Her black curls have been replaced by long, loose waves that frame her beautiful face.

Chapter 4

Katherine

Thereheis.Myunwelcome housemate.

He’s taller than I remember—and more handsome, too, though I hate how easily I notice. His hazel eyes, warm and far too expressive, lock onto mine. A small, familiar smile tugs at his lips, and despite every silent warning I’ve rehearsed, something inside me softens. My breath catches, and my knees… well, they clearly didn’t get the memo to stay strong.

Before my brain can catch up, he closes the distance between us. I feel the warmth of his body just inches from mine as he leans in, brushes a gentle kiss against my cheek, and whispers, “Hi, Katie.”

My heart, which has been thundering erratically in my chest since Dad’s phone call, now skips a beat. Traitor.

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