Page 98 of Call It Home

“Yes.”

“Yes.”

“Yes.”

One of my hands slapped across my mouth, and the other grabbed Christian’s arm. We’d done it. We’d actually done it!

Trey’s head bowed, but this time, when he lifted his head, he had a huge smile. “Thank you,” he whispered, then repeated more loudly, “thank you.”

The chairman continued. “By unanimous vote, you have been granted parole. By our orders, the process will begin immediately.” He held up his hand. “It can take up to seventy-two hours, but congratulations, Mr. Caldwell. We have every confidence you have a strong support system in place and will do well.” He smiled for the first time.

Trey stood, and this time, Christian didn’t hold me back when I rushed to Trey. For the first time in five years, no one stopped us from giving each other more than just a quick hug. We both had damp eyes when we looked at each other.

“I don’t know what you did, but damn, brother, that was some amazing shit you pulled off. Is that what everyone is like back in your crazy town?”

“I didn’t know anything about it,” I told him. “I was just as surprised as you. Although maybe I shouldn’t have been, because Sterling Mill isn’t just a crazy town to me anymore. It’s home.”

He grinned. “Well, maybe now I can find out firsthand. Although, Leo, man. Never saw that coming, either.”

The prison official stood next to Trey. “Sorry, man. You’re not free yet. I’ve given you as long as I’m allowed.”

Trey walked with him but called over his shoulder. “See you in a couple of days?”

I grinned. “I’ll be here.”

Chapter39

Mac

As I leftthe small conference room right behind Helena, who stomped off so hard I didn’t know how she didn’t break one of the skinny heels she balanced on.

On the other hand, I felt lighter than…well, probably ever. Not only had Trey been granted parole, but he hadn’t been put in a box. He had choices, and now, so did I. And my first choice was Cam. I couldn’t wait to get to my phone and call her.

But it turned out, I didn’t need to wait. Sitting in chairs in the hallway, was Cam, Chase, Bristol, Reid, and Leo, who all stood as I walked out of the room.

I stared at them in amazement. “What are you guys doing here?”

“Who cares? What was the answer?” Bristol cried.

My smile rivaled a thousand watts. “It worked. They granted him parole.”

Cam launched herself into my arms. Laughing, I spun her around, then buried my head in her shoulder, breathing her in as well as reveling in the moment I was worried would never come.

“That’s great, man!”

“I’m so happy for you!”

“Fantastic news. You guys deserve it.”

I absorbed all the back slaps, hugs, and words with absolute elation. Cam’s arms wrapped around my waist as I wrapped my arm around her shoulder once I set her back on her feet. “I don’t know how to say thank you for those papers you sent in, offering jobs and places to live. I don’t know what to say.”

Bristol beamed at me. “It’s what family does.”

“But I’m—”

“If you finish that sentence in any way other than acknowledging that I’m correct, I will mess up everything under your truck’s hood so bad no one will be able to fix it,” she threatened. “Well, except me, because I can fix any engine. But you get my drift.”

I burst out laughing and used my free arm to pull her into a hug. “You’re a fierce thing. I’m glad you’re on my side.”

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