She was curious to see Hunt again. Even though she remembered Marjorie and Parnell losing their first child at an early age, Hunt had, by order of birth, become the oldest child, the responsible child, the one Marjorie always depended on. And their daughter had always been enamored of the babysitter’s oldest son. But now Ava was all grown up and bringing him to dinner. Karen had suspicions, but she wasn’t going to get her hopes up until she saw them together. She’d know then if they were serious.

It was straight up six o’clock when their doorbell rang. Larry was still outside at the grill, so it was Karen who went to the door. There was a smile on her face as she opened it, and then her breath caught in the back of her throat.

Hunt Knox had turned into one very good-looking man. Even the too-long hair brushing the collar of his jacket fit his persona. He was a good four inches taller than he’d been at eighteen, and his blue eyes were hard and piercing now, until he looked at Ava. That was when she saw them melt, and she knew.

Thank you, Lord.

“Come in, the both of you!” Karen hugged her daughter, then gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. “We missed you so much when we were in Vegas,” she said.

Ava laughed. “Oh, Mom, you are so full of it. You and Dad didn’t miss me for one second.”

Karen giggled and gave Hunt a quick hug. “It’s wonderful to see you again. You grew up into a handsome young man. We’re so sorry about Marjorie. You know how much we thought of her.”

“Yes, ma’am,” Hunt said. “Thank you.”

“Where’s Dad?” Ava asked as they took off their coats and hung them in the hall closet.

“Out back grilling steaks. Follow me,” Karen said.

Ava reached for Hunt’s hand and held it all the way through the house and then out onto the patio.

“Larry, they’re here!” Karen said.

Larry Ridley was smiling as he turned around, and then he saw Hunt and blinked.

“Uh…”

Ava laughed. “Dad! If the mere sight of Hunt leaves you speechless, that means Mom’s gonna have the floor all night.”

Larry put down his tongs and shook Hunt’s hand.

“Well, we can’t have that,” he said. “Forgive me, Hunt, but you changed so much from the kid I remember that it took me aback. It’s good to see you again. I can’t wait to hear what you’ve been doing, but right now I need to know one thing from you.”

“Yes sir, and what would that be?” Hunt asked.

Larry grinned. “How do you like your steak?”

Hunt relaxed. “Anywhere between medium and medium rare.”