Finally Found (Doms of Destiny, Colorado 10)

“I believe you. Those three are so charming.”

“They’re one of the best examples of what living in Destiny can be like,” he said. “And here are two more. Here comes Mom with Dad.”

“Carrie, this is my husband, Hiro Phong.” Melissa placed plates in front of Josh and Jacob. “This is Carrie, Hiro. The young woman I told you about.”

“I’m very pleased to meet you.” Hiro placed a plate piled twice as high as either of the other two plates. “I made this special for you, young lady.” He grinned, making her wonder if he, too, had a part in Josh and Jacob’s smiles. “She is as beautiful as you said, sweetheart.”

Carrie felt her face warm, letting her know that her cheeks were turning red. “Thank you so much. It smells delicious, but I’m not sure I can eat all of it.”

“Don’t worry, sweetheart,” Melissa said. “We’ll pack up the rest for you to take with you.”

“Thank you. You both are so very kind,” Carrie said, though not sure where she would be able to store any leftovers. She wasn’t even sure where she’d be staying tonight, or when she would finally get to meet her brother, which was the only reason she’d come to Destiny in the first place.

“Honey, I have a surprise for you.” Jena’s voice came from the entrance of the restaurant, which was still to her back.

Carrie swung around, realizing she hadn’t kept tabs on the front entrance like she normally would. Why? Because Josh and Jacob’s company had put her so at ease.

Not good. Keep your guard up.

But her self-recrimination faded the moment she spotted Jena and the two men heading her direction. She instantly recognized the man on Jena’s left from the photo.

Matt. My brother.

Despite trying to keep her emotions buried, her heart raced in her chest. She stood, staring directly into her brother’s hazel eyes.

When the trio was next to the booth, Jena grabbed Matt’s hand with tears streaming down her face. “Honey, I found her. This is Carrie.”

“You what?” Matt turned his attention away from his wife to her. For a split second his eyes seemed to widen, but softened quickly.

The memory of him pushing her on the swing returned. The boy of the past had grown into a man over six feet tall. “Carrie? Is that really you?”

“I couldn’t believe it either.”

“Honey, I never stopped searching for your sister,” Jena said. “When I found her in Dallas yesterday, I knew instantly who she was. But to prove it to Carrie, I had Easton fast track a DNA test through the system. There’s no doubt. She’s your sister.”

“And you’re my brother.” Trembling and unsure what she should do next, Carrie extended her hand to Matt.

He didn’t look like a man who often cried, but she saw tears welling in his eyes.

“Oh my God. I thought you were dead.” He didn’t shake her hand but wrapped his arms around her, pulling her in tight.

She melted into his embrace and sobbed, wishing she had more memories of him.

“Carrie, you’re alive. You’re really alive.”

Chapter Five

Jacob couldn’t believe that he had just witnessed such a heartfelt reunion. Carrie was Matt Dixon’s sister, who had been believed dead, killed at the age of three years old.

Like most in town, he knew the story of Matt and Sean’s survival from the fire in Belco, Mississippi. He admired them greatly. How two young boys could escape a madman’s cult would impress anyone. It was a miracle that Matt and Sean were alive.

For all they’d witnessed, it was even more of a miracle they were sane and not in straightjackets. Instead they had turned out to be good men, who were always willing to help others. They were heroes, serving not just the town but also the entire nation on Easton Black’s cyber terrorism task force, Shannon’s Elite Team.

“Do you remember me?” Sean asked, placing his hand on Carrie’s shoulder. “I’m Sean. Sean MacCabe.”

“I–I don’t. I’m sorry.” Her voice shook with obvious strong emotions.

Jacob sensed her defenses returning.