Page 122 of Beyond the Blue Horizon

A simple one-story house in a quiet family neighborhood.

“I might have a hug or two in store for you,” she said with a grin, then she went jogging his way.

He stretched out his arms, and he sighed an affectionate sound as he wrapped them around her. “Ah, there’s my girl.”

She buried her face in his chest and whispered, “Missed you, Dad.”

“Missed you a ton, pumpkin.”

Piper felt like her heart was going to burst out of her chest as he hugged her close.

“Hope you don’t think you’re getting your room back because that baby is mine.”

She laughed as she pulled away to find her younger brother, Mason, ambling around the side of the house, a basketball in his hand and a teasing smile on his face.

His blond hair struck beneath the bright summer sun that blazed overhead, and his blue eyes gleamed with a tease.

She hitched her hand on her hip like she was annoyed. “Don’t tell me you stole my room.”

Mason sent her as much casual arrogance as any fourteen-year-old boy could, tossing his ball into the air and catching it in one hand. “You snooze, you lose.”

“I’m pretty sure going away to college is notsnoozing,” she defended.

He shrugged, trying to contain the smile she could so clearly see prancing across his face. “Whatever. Bet you sleep ’til noon every day.”

“Not even close.”

“Only thing I know is you’re no longer top dog around here. Like I was just going to stay in my dinky room when yours was empty and has its own bathroom.”

“You know he needs that bathroom because he’s shaving now.” Their mother’s voice was more awe than tease, coming from right next to where she’d moved to Piper’s side.

“Mom,” Mason drew out in embarrassment.

“What? It’s kind of a big deal that you’re becoming a man.”

Mason huffed, though that smile was breaking free, and he dropped his attention to the ground to try to hide it.

“It’s not,” he mumbled.

“Don’t worry, I’m not going to wrestle you out of it,” Piper told him. “I think it’s only fair you have my room since I’m not here as much. But, if we were to wrestle for it, let it be known I would totally take you down.”

“You wish. I’d have you pinned in a second flat.” He grinned.

A clatter suddenly broke from within the house, and Piper’s dad stepped aside as Piper’s grandmother came striding through.

She just retired two years ago, and her parents had a guesthouse built out back for her.

“Well, well, look who’s home. And as gorgeous as ever.”

Emotion squeezed Piper’s chest. “Nelly.”

“Come here, sweet girl, and give me a hug. These old arms have been missing you.”

Piper playfully rolled her eyes as she moved her way, murmuring, “They aren’t old,” as she wrapped herself in them.

“Well, they sure aren’t getting any younger,” Nelly mumbled as she hugged her hard.

Piper swore her grandmother always gave the best hugs. Hugs that poured love and belief into you, all while making you feel a little giddy.