“You’ve not been home since?” Mr. Hughes arched a brow.
“Not for holidays, except Christmas a time or two. I think Easter once.”
“I guess it’s hard to get away when you’re in the military.”
He didn’t negate Mrs. Hughes’s presumed explanation, but neither did he validate it. They didn’t need to be burdened with his story, even if he was inclined to share the sordid details—which he wasn’t. “What are you thankful for, Mrs. Hughes?”
“It’s Jane, please, and I’m thankful for today. I’ve dreaded this day for weeks, but it’s turning out more pleasant than I could have expected.”
“I agree with my wife,” Ron, who then also requested a first name basis, said. “I’m looking forward to meeting the rest of your family.”
“Jenna’s home from college, and she’s a trip.” Thinking about his not-so-baby-sister, he chuckled. “She’s not afraid to tell you like it is, but she’d stand to her death in defense of any one of us siblings.”
Jane’s forehead crinkled. “In our excitement to be near Monica and Emily, we didn’t think about everyone being home. Perhaps we should find a hotel, so we don’t cram your family.”
Lucas’s smile spread wide. “That’s not an option. Mom’s excited to have you, and don’t worry about crowding. There’s plenty of room, especially since I’ll be staying with Beau. He’s not expecting me for a few weeks, but it won’t be a problem to crash there early.”
Amiable conversation continued until they reached his mom’s house. He went first, saving the big surprise for last. After all the Hughes family had gone through this fall, Lucas couldn’t wait to see Monica’s face when she realized her parents would attend her wedding after all.
Under normal circumstances, he was sure Rex and Monica would have waited, but they’d been placed in an unusual situation. Matt, Emily’s father, had been unable to cope with the grief of losing his wife and left Emily in the care of Rex and Monica. In order to give the newborn some sense of familial normalcy and start their new adventure under the same roof, his brother and his fiancée decided to marry right away—thus the impromptu wedding.
He came to the stop sign where he’d have to decide which way to turn. “Would you like to drop your luggage at my mom’s first, or head straight to Lacey’s to eat.”
Ron flicked his wrist and looked at his watch. “The car ordeal took longer than expected. If you don’t mind, we’d really love to see Monica and Emily without delay.”
“I don’t mind at all.” He steered the car into a left turn and finished the drive to Lacey’s.
In an odd way, he found comfort in Thanksgiving dinner being hosted at his cousin’s home. For as long as he could remember, Mom had always been in charge. Even when he hadn’t been there, he would call home. No matter how deep Mom had been in preparation, she’d always taken time to talk to him.
Rex was getting married and taking on instant fatherhood. Lacey was renewing her vows and having a baby. Jenna was leaving after Christmas for a semester abroad. All the changes would keep the focus off his rare appearance and deflect probes into why he stayed away. Only Rex knew the truth, and Lucas hadn’t told him until earlier in the year.
He glanced in the rearview mirror in time to catch the look of awe on Ron and Jane’s faces when they pulled into Lacey’s horseshoe driveway. The impressive brick and stucco home stood tall behind a grand porch with white pillars.
Jane smoothed her blouse. “Maybe we should have changed first. I feel a tad underdressed.”
“You’re fine.” He crooked his neck and offered an assuring smile. “Lacey’s married to a senator’s son, but don’t let the position and house fool you. They’re down to earth and won’t be dressed any less casually than you are.”
Unconvinced, Jane pulled a compact from her purse and freshened her makeup and patted her hair. “Nevertheless, first impressions are lasting impressions.”
Ron unbuckled and leaned over, kissed his wife’s cheek. “You are beautiful, Jane. Stop fretting.”
Lucas grinned to himself as he stepped out of the car. Monica’s parents reminded him of his own, flirting and fussing with each other until the day Dad died. If, and that was a big if, he ever got married, he wouldn’t settle for anything less than what his parents had shared.
Before he could open a door for either passenger, Ron had jumped from his side and circled around to let his wife out. Lucas motioned for them to hide around the corner. They caught his meaning, and he was fairly certain he heard a giggle from Jane.
He knocked on the door, giddier than he’d been in years. Expecting Tom or Lacey, he had his own surprise when Rex opened the door.
Rex stared with wide eyes for a split second before breaking out in a broad grin. “I thought your leave wasn’t approved?”
“I wanted to surprise everyone, and Mom hinted I might try my best to be here.”
“Come see everyone. Monica and I have an announcement to make.” His brother urged him into the house, but Lucas pulled back.
“Wait, there’s someone else here. I ran into them at the airport.” Peering over Rex’s shoulder, Lucas looked inside. “Where’s Monica?”
“In the dining room. Why?” A peek of curiosity glistened in Rex’s dark eyes.
Ron and Jane circled the corner and made their appearance. “Surprise.”
