Page 73 of Because of Dylan

I can’t believeI’m doing this. Driving to my father’s house to meet his family.My family.

Guilt at bailing on his Thanksgiving invitation had me promising to meet them over the weekend. We agreed on Saturday. I planned on coming up with an excuse. But I didn’t. I spent all yesterday thinking about Dylan and nibbling on Thanksgiving leftovers. He’s a puzzle I can’t put together. It’s like he’s two different people. The cold professor I see at Riggins and this kind and funny guy I saw at his home. Something about him is so familiar.

“Destination in one hundred feet,”the GPS announces, and I slow down, taking in the neighborhood. Single-family homes, landscaped lawns, lots of trees now bare, the leaves long gone.

“Arrived. Destination on your right.”

I park at the curb, tap the screen to end route, and sit taking in the house. Not too big or too small. Two floors. A path leading from the driveway to the front door. Toys, two bikes, and a soccer ball are scattered around the lawn.

I walk up the driveway and to the path that leads to the front door. Before I can ring the bell or knock, the door opens. My father is on the other side, a huge smile on his face.

“Come in.” He steps back and opens the door wider.

I hesitate for a moment, then step in. What sounds like a stampede grows louder, and before I can react, I’m embraced by little arms. Small hands clutching at my coat. High-pitched squeals and laughter. Two pairs of bright eyes looking up at me. One pair hazel like mine and the other bright blue. My sister and brother wrap themselves around me. I never expected this … this openness, this welcome, this much affection. They don’t know me, and yet they act like they do and they’ve missed me.

“Guys, guys, guys, give her some space.” My father steps in and picks up the boy, Hunter.

My sister, Mara, releases me but grabs my hand in both of hers. “I’m so happy you’re here.”

I blink several times, pushing away the tears trying to well in my eyes. “I’m happy to be here too, Mara.” She jumps and squeals again. The boy kicks his legs to be let down.

“Come on, guys, let her come in.” I look up. A woman stands a few feet away, drying her hands on a dish towel. She’s smiling. The boy runs to her and hides behind her leg.

“What? Are you shy now?” She looks at her son with so much love it makes my heart ache.

Mara tugs at my hand. “Come! Mom made cookies, and we’re not allowed to eat them until you got here.”

“Mara! Manners, please. I’m Linda,” she introduces herself.

I step closer to shake her hand, but she pulls me into a hug.

“We’re a hugging family.” She gestures to the kids. “And these two little monsters you just met are Mara and Hunter.”

My father touches my elbow. “Come on in. The good stuff is in the kitchen.” His smile takes his entire face.

We all follow Linda and settle around the table, Mara never leaving my side. Linda grabs small paper plates and napkins. The kids take over and set the table.

“Coffee, tea, hot chocolate?” Linda asks.

“Coffee is fine, thank you.”

A plate of chocolate chip cookies appears, little hands make a grab for them.

“Guys!” Linda tries to get their attention. “Guests first.”

“She’s not a guest, she’s my sister.” Mara speaks around a mouth full of cookies.

“My sister too!” Hunter mimics her.

And it hits home. Sister. Their words make it real. My heart gallops, the sound of a thousand hooves in my ears. I blink, willing the tears to stay away. Linda sets a coffee mug in front of me. My father takes my hand and squeezes it. The kids watch me with wide eyes. And I crumble.

A sob escapes, and then another. And in an instant, I’m surrounded by all of them. My father, my sister, my brother, Linda. The four of them hug me, hold me, keep me from falling apart.

“That’s okay.”

“Everything is all right.”

“Don’t worry.”

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