Riley elbowed him in the stomach.
“We are. Wilhelm has been in New York getting our new apartment ready for us. He’s very excited for some camera time onBeth is Back.”
“That explains all the push-ups,” Josie said.
“I’ll help you pack!” Nick said and sprinted up the stairs.
Kellen shook his head. “I can’t believe you’re just leaving again.”
“Aww, Kelly,” Beth said, straightening his already straight tie. “You know I always wanted more than what Harrisburg had to offer. But this time, it’ll all be different. You won’t think I’m dead. You’ll have my address. And New York is just a train ride away.”
“You always manage to land on your feet, don’t you?” he said ruefully.
“Maybe that’s because my big brother is always there to soften the fall. Special Agent Joplin told me you called her.”
He cleared his throat. “Well, someone has to look out for you. Except I guess, last night, you looked out for me.”
“No one messes with my brother,” she said, digging through her purse. “I got you something that you should have been given a long time ago.” She handed him a plain white envelope.
“What’s this?”
“It’s the letter I wrote you before I left,” Sesame said. “I broke into Mom’s house while she was at the Halloween protest and stole it. I also rearranged all her crucifixes just for fun.”
Kellen looked down at the envelope in his hands.
“You deserved the truth from me then and now. I might mess up again. But one thing’s for sure, you’re never going to go another day without hearing from me. Go ahead and read it.”
Reluctantly, he opened the envelope and unfolded the notebook paper inside.
Riley watched his Adam’s apple work as his eyes scanned the page.
When he finished, he made a manly effort to hide his emotions. “I’ll miss you. Even if you do drive me nuts,” he rasped.
“I’m only a train ride away. And we have a guest room stocked with your favorite scotch,” Sesame said, pressing a kiss to his cheek.
Nick jogged down the stairs with four suitcases under his arms. Articles of clothing were hanging out of unzippered sections. “I packed a couple of things for you,” he said, huffing his way to the front door. “Here you go. You should probably hit the road and avoid traffic.” He shoved the bags into Tommy’s arms and propelled the couple toward the front door.
“Nick! You’re ridiculous,” Riley said.
“It’s my birthday, Thorn.”
“Oh, Nicky. You’re one in a million.” Sesame gave him a noisy peck on the cheek.
“Damn right I am.”
“But your girl is one in a billion. Don’t forget that.”
“I promise,” he said.
Riley joined Nick and Kellen on the porch as Sesame and Tommy got into the black SUV that idled out front. Riley waved as the car backed down the driveway and turned onto Front Street. Burt trotted outside and down the porch steps to the yard. He made a beeline for the hedge.
“No candy, Burt,” Riley called after him. The dog shot her a morose look over his shoulder and then slunk back into the house.
“You okay, man?” Nick asked Kellen after the vehicle disappeared.
“I don’t know. Maybe,” he said. “Here.”
He handed Nick the letter, and he read it out loud.
