“Yes.” He withdrew his phone and opened the app that held his scannable code.
“Give me a few minutes,” the lady said after pulling up his information on her system.
While waiting, he listened to the conversation happening at the counter beside him. A frustrated couple went back and forth with the other car rental company, and it seemed their reservation was lost. He’d been there before, but not on a holiday.
Not caring to purposefully eavesdrop, he withdrew his phone from his pocket as a call came in from his mom. He answered the phone, anticipating her question. “I landed a few minutes ago and am waiting for the car now.”
“Oh, good, then you’re still at the airport?” Hope filled her question.
“Yes, why?”
“Monica’s parents are stuck there. The rental company lost their reservation.”
“Say no more.” He darted a glance toward the couple nearby. Keeping the phone to his ear, he stepped toward the man and tapped his shoulder. “Excuse me, sir, are you Mr. and Mrs. Hughes?”
The man spun around, peered at Lucas through squinted eyes. “Yes.”
He held out his free hand. “I’m Lucas Fontenot, Rex’s brother. My mom’s on the phone now and said your reservation was lost. If you’d like, I can give you a ride to my mom’s until the car situation can be sorted out.”
Mr. Hughes’s lips twisted. “I normally wouldn’t hitch a ride with a stranger, but I don’t see that I have a choice.”
“Ron.” Mrs. Hughes rolled her eyes and nudged her husband. “Look at that him. He could almost be Rex’s twin. He’s not a stranger.”
Lucas suppressed a grin and held out the phone. “Mom will verify my good character.”
“In this day, one can never be too safe.” Mr. Hughes took the phone and chatted with Stella Fontenot for a minute before handing it back. “If the offer still stands, we’d be obliged.”
“As soon as I get the keys, we’ll head out.”
Fifteen minutes later, they were on their way in a mid-sized sedan. Though the car was roomier than comparable models, his long legs cramped, and he missed his truck. Beggars couldn’t be choosers though, and this car would suffice for his month home. Once his passengers were out, he’d be able to move his seat back and open more leg room.
An entire month home.
He had to be crazy. Since he’d left thirteen years ago, he hadn’t come home for more than a week at any given time. He’d been thinking about coming home for Christmas, but he figured he’d make the most of leave and surprise the family by showing up for Lacey’s renewal. Rex’s wedding was an added bonus, but he’d had to finagle leaving base earlier than planned.
Everything should be fine. He took a deep breath. As far as he knew,shehad left town years ago, not long after him. If he didn’t have to seeher,he could hang out in Louisiana for a month.
Heaving a last sigh, he focused on Rex’s soon-to-be in-laws. “How was your flight, other that the car issue?”
“Smooth until then.” Mr. Hughes smiled, his demeanor more relaxed now. “Although, God’s timing is perfect. I’m glad you were there to help us out.”
“My pleasure.” His statement gave Lucas pause. Here he was, worried about facing demons from over a decade ago, yet, the man who’d lost a daughter last month boasted about God. “How long are you here for?”
Mrs. Hughes gave her husband a sideways glance. “That’s to be decided.”
“Monica and Emily are all we have left now.” Emotions roughed Mr. Hughes’s voice. “Monica asked if we’d stay close by for a few weeks while she adjusts to raising her niece.”
“We don’t want to interfere with her life as a newlywed, but we would love to be near our granddaughter.” Sadness crept into Mrs. Hughes’s eyes, made visible by a tear. “When your mom offered us a place to stay as long as we wanted, well, we couldn’t say no.”
“I’m really sorry about Carrie.” He’d never met their other daughter—or Monica, for that matter—but he understood loss.
“Thank you for the card and donation to Emily’s college fund. You didn’t have to do that.” Mr. Hughes handed his wife a tissue.
How’d they find out about the donation? He thought he’d clicked on the anonymous button before sending. He gave a gruff nod of acknowledgement. “You’re welcome.”
Mrs. Hughes cleared her throat. “Let’s talk of happier times, especially since this is a day of Thanksgiving”
“I’m thankful for the meal my cousin is busy preparing.” Lucas grinned and tossed a wink to the back seat. “Also, for my brother finding Monica, and for spending Thanksgiving with my family for the first time since graduating.”
