Ben is home. I sensed him before I heard him, and when I turned around he had filled the kitchen archway, bag still in hand, smile on his face that said maybe he missed me as much as I missed him, and I dropped the pot into the sink and ran.
I am in his arms off the ground before he has time to say hello and I wouldn't have it any other way. His absence is a familiar ache and I always loved it when he came back. Still do.
I didn't get a welcome like this from PJ.
He just doesn't want you to mess up his hair.
And I get a kiss. A Ben-kiss which is one of the best kind.
Tired?
Yeah. I didn't sleep. It was too quiet. There was too much space. I need my velcro friends.
You got them.
Okay, can we go to bed at maybe seven? I'm really wiped.
I can do that.
Lochlan?
He's next door dropping off some papers with Schuy. Brace yourself when he runs at you. He's been working out.
How so?
Trying to get past the others to punch Caleb.
That's a good workout for him.
Not really but sometimes he's stronger than they are if he's in the mood.
Where's Cale?
Church, I think.
Ooh. Alone?
Yeah. I've done it. YOU'Ve done it.
True.
He smiles with crinkled eyes and I put my hands on his cheeks. I'm so glad you're home.
Wow. I should go away more often to get a welcome like this. I figured you'd throw an Oh Hey over your shoulder and keep doing whatever.
You should NOT go away more often and I've never done that in my life.
Lies. You did it that one time I called Jake out and then went to Europe for three months. I've never felt so small.
Oh, you deserved that though. You were being an ASS.
I was. And I'm glad I'm not anymore.
Me too.
I am in his arms off the ground before he has time to say hello and I wouldn't have it any other way. His absence is a familiar ache and I always loved it when he came back. Still do.
I didn't get a welcome like this from PJ.
He just doesn't want you to mess up his hair.
And I get a kiss. A Ben-kiss which is one of the best kind.
Tired?
Yeah. I didn't sleep. It was too quiet. There was too much space. I need my velcro friends.
You got them.
Okay, can we go to bed at maybe seven? I'm really wiped.
I can do that.
Lochlan?
He's next door dropping off some papers with Schuy. Brace yourself when he runs at you. He's been working out.
How so?
Trying to get past the others to punch Caleb.
That's a good workout for him.
Not really but sometimes he's stronger than they are if he's in the mood.
Where's Cale?
Church, I think.
Ooh. Alone?
Yeah. I've done it. YOU'Ve done it.
True.
He smiles with crinkled eyes and I put my hands on his cheeks. I'm so glad you're home.
Wow. I should go away more often to get a welcome like this. I figured you'd throw an Oh Hey over your shoulder and keep doing whatever.
You should NOT go away more often and I've never done that in my life.
Lies. You did it that one time I called Jake out and then went to Europe for three months. I've never felt so small.
Oh, you deserved that though. You were being an ASS.
I was. And I'm glad I'm not anymore.
Me too.