Naomi stepped back and studied her face. “You look beautiful, as always. But you also look exhausted.”
“It was a long drive.”
“I can’t believe you drove all the way across the country!”
Rowan shrugged. “Sometimes, a nice long road trip is good for the soul.”
“You always have liked your road trips.” Naomi glanced at the car behind her. “But a trip like that in an electric vehicle? That doesn’t sound fun.”
“It had its challenges, but I made it.”
“I can’t wait to call Mom and tell her you’re here! I know she’ll want to see you as soon as possible. Luke’s kids keep her busy, however.”
“I can’t wait to see Mom either.” Rowan knew her mom had helped take care of Luke’s three young children since his wife left him two years ago. Being a single dad and a business owner was a lot.
Footsteps sounded behind Naomi, quicker this time. Caleb stepped onto the porch—and stopped.
For a split second, he just looked at Rowan.
Then a grin broke across his face. “Well, look what the cat dragged in.”
Before Rowan could respond, he crossed the distance and pulled her into a hug, solid and familiar and a little tighter than she expected. “You’re really here. You finally decided to come home.”
Something in her chest loosened. “Don’t get used to it.”
He pulled back just enough to look at her. “Luke’s going to be disappointed he’s not here right now. Everyone knows he’s your favorite.”
Rowan huffed out a soft breath. “He’s only my favorite brother because you and Wyatt never passed up a chance to pick on me.”
Caleb’s smile softened. “Hey, it was all in love.”
For a second, the years fell away.
Then his gaze shifted past her, his expression sharpening at the figure behind her. “Wes?”
Wes’s posture eased again as he stepped around her. “Funny timing, huh?”
“I assure you, it’s a coincidence,” Caleb said.
Rowan turned to face Wes.
Up close, the differences in him were more obvious. He looked older, of course, but it was more than that. His steadinessfelt deeper and more grounded than she remembered, like he’d settled into himself in a manner she hadn’t quite managed.
Or maybe she had. Maybe she just didn’t feel it right now.
“He’s helping us with our security here,” Caleb explained.
“That makes sense.” Though she was an actress, her voice didn’t sound entirely convincing even to her own ears.
Movement near Wes’s truck caught her attention. A dog stepped into view, tall and solid. A Doberman pinscher.
The animal stood close to Wes, alert but calm, watching the group with quiet focus.
“Well, hello there,” Rowan murmured, taking a step closer before she could stop herself. “Can I pet him?”
“Absolutely,” Wes said. “He only looks intimidating, but he’s a softy. This is Remington.”
She glanced back at him. “He looks like he could take down a small army.”
