Page 12 of Call it Reckless

Cam shrugged. “Think of it as a grand reveal. You know, like those shows on TV.”

“But I’m not part of a reality show.”

My sister rolled her eyes. “Fine. Just let me go with you so I can point out what we’re still working on. It’s almost finished, I swear. I just wanted the entire thing done to surprise you.”

“I promise, it will still be a fantastic surprise.”

“Tomorrow, then? I suppose I don’t dare ask you to wait until Tuesday, or worse, when Paige gets here.”

“I’ll compromise. Tomorrow at noon.”

She snorted. “Fine. Tomorrow at noon. Now, tell us the inside scoop of what you guys have planned.”

As I filled them in on some of the things Paige and I wanted to do, I was encouraged by their interest.

“It’s so good to see you again, Bristol,” Em said quietly from her place next to me. “I enjoyed our phone calls, but this is so much better. And Iain is beside himself. He and Zach have entered a soapbox race. They’re going to have a ‘guy weekend’ in Nashville this fall. Be prepared for him to pepper you with dozens of questions about soapbox racing. I told him you’d be busy working, but once he gets an idea in his head…” Emalee shrugged her shoulders as if helpless. “But it’s something he and his dad can work on together, which is important. But bless him, Zach doesn’t know a lot about building things.”

I raised an eyebrow at her. “Really? You’re going to let him race?” I grinned. “I could never even get you to come to the track back in the days.”

She laughed. “Yeah, well, believe it or not, this was the compromise. He wanted to race a quarter-midget.” She must have seen the sparkle in my eyes because she held up her hand. “Baby steps. Remember, I was always the cautious one. But if you were to help him, I’d feel better about the entire thing.”

I gave her a nod and a quick A-OK sign. “Don’t worry, cuz. I’ve got you covered. I’d love to help him practice, so long as I’m not taking anything away from him spending time with his dad.”

She patted my arm and offered me a gentle smile. “That’s the great thing about family, Bri. There’s always room for more.”

Her words were still resonating in my head as everyone finished stuffing themselves with the feast. I didn’t know her husband well, but watching Zach at the table felt as if he’d always been there.

“How does it feel to be back?” Zach asked.

“It feels strange and familiar at the same time, you know?” I commented softly. “It’s nice to be back in Gram’s house, but even after all these years, I still find myself waiting to hear her banging around in the kitchen or for Gramps to stomp his feet on the entrance mat so he didn’t track mud into the house.”

Cameron laughed as she helped herself to another biscuit. “She liked a clean house, didn’t she?” Her mirth faded to a sympathetic look. “Give it time, sis. It’ll feel like home before you know it.”

“I hope so.” For so long, I’d waited until I was old enough to leave Sterling Mill. It was hard to imagine that I was here for more than just a long-overdue visit.

I stood up, stretching and bending my right leg.

“You okay?” Cameron’s voice sounded worried.

“I’m fine. I still get stiff sometimes, but nothing I can’t handle. You guys don’t need to fuss over me.”

“Get used to it, Bristol. I know you don’t believe it, but we missed you. And when we think about what could have happened to you, we just want to make sure you know how happy we are that you’re back here.”

These moments were what I’d been missing and hadn’t even known it. Warmth flooded me as I realized I’d mistaken my racing family for my real family. I hadn’t been a good sister or cousin or anything. I’d been so focused on my career, on being part of my dad’s team. I made a vow then and there to do better.

A sly grin edged up the corners of Zach’s mouth. “I heard you had an interesting house guest last night.”

My jaw dropped. “What…how…”

He laughed while everyone else grew puzzled looks on their faces.

“Reid is one of my close friends. I saw him this morning during my run before we came over here.”

Chase nudged me with his elbow. “What happened?”

I retold the story, making everyone laugh.

“I wish I’d been a fly on that wall.” Cam was still laughing.

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