Page 10 of No Place Like Home
She whipped her head toward him and he held up his hands. “Momma T, I wasn’t the only one who knew he was coming home. He told Kai also.” Trevor pointed at Kai.
Smart. Blame the one they all love. That would calm her down.
“And nowI’mgetting thrown under the bus,” Kai said. “Tonya, I did know, but he begged me not to tell anyone. He wanted it to be a surprise, and things would have worked out perfectly if Kora didn’t tell Summer she could stay in the guest house.”
“Okay, okay!” Diane, one of my mother’s best friends, cut in. “All this is getting confusing and chaotic.” She turned to my mother. “T, just forgive your boy and welcome him home so I can have my turn, or I’m going to push you out of the way so I can give this handsome Army soldier a hug.”
“The hell you say, Diane,” my mother retorted. “But fine.”
“See, Rowan,” Diane said. “Nothing’s changed here. I’m still always right.”
My mother laughed her laugh that was more like a cackle, wrapped me tight in her arms, gave me a good hard squeeze and kiss on the cheek, then grabbed a stool from the table behind us. “Scootch your ass over, Summer. I’m sitting next to my son.
“Damn, Tonya. If you give me a minute . . .” Summer cursed under her breath again as she slid her stool to the side. “Diane, are you two staying awhile? I thought you had a book club meeting at Kaye’s. Y’all were talking about it today at the salon.”
“Yes we do. We won’t be here long. We were on our way and stopped to get snacks and wine at the store when Mrs. Ledbetter told us she heard Rowan was home. T couldn’t wait, so here we are.”
“That’s right. My baby’s home and I needed to see why he didn’t let me know, but it’s all good.” She patted my arm. “Now, how do we get a glass of wine around here?”
Trevor stood. “I’ll take care of you both. Two white wines? I just got a case in from the winery.”
“Of course,” said Diane.
“Great. I’ll grab two glasses.” Trevor left for the bar.
“So, Rowan, what brought you home two weeks early?” asked Diane.
I lifted my beer and took a drink. It started going down really easy, probably because I’d already had more than I needed.
I watched Trevor as he poured drinks at the bar. Since everyone was here, there was no time like the present. If I could stall a little more until Trevor came back, I wouldn’t have to tell them the reason more than once.
“Well?” my mother asked.
Trevor was on his way back with a tray of two wines and more beers. He passed them around to everyone, settled back in his chair, and I took a big breath.
“I was going to wait and let you know after the wedding, but since everyone’s here and I got to come home early . . .” I took a deep breath. “I am officially a free man.”
“You’re what?” Jamison asked.
“What do you mean?” Bryson asked.
Summer sighed heavily. “It means he’s no longer in the military, dumbasses.” Her gaze fell on mine. “I knew you were consideringnot resigning, but what the hell? You didn’t say a word to me, and you tell me everything.”
“You knew he was considering getting out and you didn’t say anything to us?” Jamison asked.
“He asked me not to,” Summer said. “And it’s not like I tell y’all everything we’ve ever talked about.” She rolled her eyes.
“Summer,” my mother started, “you shouldn’t keep something—”
“Mom. Everyone, please. Let me explain.” Good lord, this was crazy. “I know I should have given y’all a warning, but once the numbers were totaled, I found out I could take leave now and then be out officially in November.” I held my hands up. “So, I took it and I’m free.”
“But you love the Army,” Summer said.
“You wanted to make a life out of it,” my mother added.
“I know. You’re both right, but I was tired of being away from home. I left when I was eighteen. It’s been twelve years, and I’m ready to be home.”
It was Bryson’s turn to speak up, and there was a hard edge to his voice. “You were in such a hurry to get away and hardly came home at all. Now all of a sudden you want to be here?”
