Erica felt the car come to a stop, and in her mind she was back in the trunk listening to the sirens fading off in the distance. She opened her eyes, feeling her pulse pound hard in her veins.
She wasn’t in the trunk, and there were no sirens. She was between Dylan and Cam, and all she could hear was the music coming from the car’s speakers.
She looked out the windshield. Dylan had parked the car in front of Blue’s Diner. “What are we doing here?”
Strangely, the lights were on inside the restaurant. It was two more hours before the place opened up.
“While you were sleeping, sweetheart, your brothers called. They can’t wait to see you. Aunt Alice opened up early for this celebration.” Cam brushed the hair out of her eyes.
Dylan and Cam’s aunt and uncles were some of the sweetest people in Destiny. Alice Blue knew how to keep her husbands in line. Eddie and Curtis worshiped the ground the woman walked on. They had three adult children, and their daughter, Phoebe, was one of Erica’s closest friends. Her brothers were as opposite as they come. Corey Blue was a US Marshal and Shane was serving time for drug possession.
“By the number of cars parked around the place, it looks like there are several people who want to welcome you back,” Dylan said in his typical factual tone, pulling the key out of the ignition.
The motor’s hum and radio’s music, which had lulled Erica to sleep, quieted.
Being welcomed by a crowd wasn’t something she wanted to face, but how could she not? So many had helped find her so that Dylan and Cam could come to her rescue. She owed it to the whole town to put on a brave face. More importantly, she wanted to see her brothers.
She took a deep breath. “Let’s go.”
Walking between Dylan and Cam, she entered Blue’s. The diner was packed. Not a single seat was open.
Had all of Destiny shown up this early just for her? A large banner was strung up to the ceiling with the words “Welcome Home, Erica.”
Sawyer and Reed ran to her, sweeping her up in their arms. She sobbed, letting the tears flow.
“Sis, you’re here,” Reed choked out.
“You’re safe.” Though Sawyer’s eyes brimmed with tears, not a single drop fell. Her brothers were tough. They’d helped her through the loss of their parents. God, how much more did her family have to suffer?
It felt so good to be
home in Destiny. She couldn’t seem to compose herself. More tears.
Nicole joined her brothers in hugging her. “Erica, I was right. You’re a very strong woman.”
She didn’t feel strong. Quite the opposite in fact. But she wasn’t about to let anyone see her crumble. Looking around the room, she saw so many familiar smiling faces. Keeping a secret in Destiny just wasn’t possible. She smiled, knowing the phones must’ve been ringing all night.
“I hope you are hungry, Erica.” Alice came up, wiping her eyes. And then the dear woman gave her a big hug.
More hugs came from her loved ones and neighbors.
Phoebe, Alice’s daughter, came up next with her two brothers, Corey and Shane.
Erica was shocked to see Shane. “Are you really out?” she asked him.
“Yes. I made my parole.” Shane’s blue eyes were just as devilish as they’d ever been. “How do I look?” he asked with a wink. He wore a buzz cut, which was different than before.
“Simply marvelous, darling,” she teased. “The past three years have been good to you.”
Shane rubbed his head. “Wait until my dark hair grows out. The women around here won’t have a chance.”
“Same old Shane,” Jason said as he walked up next to her.
“Don’t start, Sheriff.” Phoebe frowned.
Jason shrugged. “Your brother keeps out of trouble, we won’t have any issues.” The sheriff turned to Corey, Phoebe’s other brother. “How are you doing?”
“I’m good, Sheriff.” Corey was a US Marshal. Phoebe was an attorney. Shane was the black sheep of the Blue family, but also the one everyone in town, except Jason, loved.