“Thomas, how are you? Enjoying life?”
I chuckled. “I’m good, and I’m keeping busy. How are you? How’s everything in Sacramento?”
“Fine, fine, I can’t complain. How do you like living in San Diego?” he asked.
“I’ve only been here a few months, but I’m happy. The weather is great. Is there something I can do for you, Sam?”
“It’s more about what I can do for you,” he replied. “A position has opened in the Los Angeles field office that you’d be perfect for.”
Los Angeles? It was only two hours away, but I was already whining about being ten minutes away from Mason. I sure didn’t want to be that far away. “I appreciate it, but?—”
“Hear me out, Thomas,” he said gently. “The vacancy is for the Chief. Not field work like you were doing. You’d be running the place, like you always wanted to.”
Running a hand over my face, my mouth suddenly felt dry. Being chief had been my dream job, but I wasn’t sure I wanted that anymore. An opportunity like this didn’t come along very often, so it made me pause. “I have another offer on the table, Sam.”
He chuckled. “That’s fine. I’d be surprised if you didn’t. I’m just offering you a meeting.” He paused. “The accident wasn’t your fault, Thomas.”
I ran a hand over my head, not wanting to think about that night. What he didn’t understand was that I would feel guilty about her death for the rest of my life. “I know, Sam. Let me think about it.”
“Alright. We’ve got some time. I’m coming down to the San Diego office soon if I can get this situation up here sorted. Come meet with me, and hear me out. That’s all I’m asking. Don’t say no yet. This isn’t Richmond.”
My gut churned. “Yeah. Okay. Give me a call when you come down, and I’ll see what I can do.”
“Good man. I’ll be in touch.”
I ended the call and placed my phone on the cabinet. Thankfully, Hudson was early, leaving me no time to think about the call. Striding to the door, I opened it to find him and Erin, along with my girls. Their excited barks and whining chased the silence from my life as quickly as they entered.
Squatting down, I allowed them to give their welcome home and I’ve missed you kisses as Hudson closed the door. “Hello, ladies. I missed you, too.” I unclipped their leashes and let them scamper through the house. Taking out my wallet, I pulled out the cash to pay Erin. “Here you go, young lady,” I said, handing her the money. “Thank you for taking care of them.”
Erin blinked at me. “I would take care of them for free. You don’t have to pay me.”
I smiled at her. “Erin, that’s the least I can do for someone who loves to take care of them while I was gone. I knew they were in good hands.”
“Take the man’s money, baby girl,” Hudson said. “You earned it.”
She looked up at her dad with a familiar smile. “Thanks, Daddy. I’ll go get their food from the car.”
Hudson nodded, then looked me over. “So, how was London?”
“Very successful,” I replied, keeping any emotion off my face. “There’s still a lot to unravel, but he met Axel and their mother.”
He folded his arms over his chest and gave me a smug look. “And what about the two of you?”
“We’re in a good place to move forward,“ I replied. The door opened before I could elaborate. Erin walked in with Mason, who was carrying the dog food. He wore a relaxed and happy smile as he held out his hand. “Hey, Hudson. How are you?”
Before he could reply, Mason’s eyes met mine. The boxer-melting, hungry smile he sent my way prompted one from me. He’d totally forgotten Hudson was there as he headed over to me. Taking my face between his hands, Mason kissed me reverently before turning to drape his arm casually over my shoulders.
Hudson grinned. “Well, that explains a lot. I guess you really did have a good trip.”
Mason grinned, but I could hear a hint of sadness in his tone. “Yeah, we did. I met my brother. Just got off the phone with him before I came over. Turns out we’re not adopted. It’s a complicated mess.”
Hudson’s expression softened. “We’re happy for you, Mason. I hope you get the answers you’ve been looking for.” He looked to me. “Thomas said you met your mother, too.”
He smiled. “Yeah. That’s a whole story too.”
When he didn’t elaborate, Hudson spoke. “I’m sure. If you’re up for it, we’re getting together this weekend at Lennox’s house before everyone heads off for one last vacation. Your friends are anxious to know how you’re doing.”
Mason’s eyes widened in surprise. He looked at me, and I nodded, giving him the okay to make plans. “Uh, okay. That would be great. But my sisters are coming in on Friday for a few days if you don’t mind them tagging along.”
