Colleen let go and kissed her cheek. “Maybe that’s why I didn’t tell you. I don’t want you to do anything.”

Sadie and Rosie bounced around like pogo sticks, wanting Colleen’s attention.

“Are you really home?” Hallie asked.

“It looks like it.” Colleen spread her arms wide, hugging the property, the river, the house and all its inhabitants.

“I was afraid you’d stay there. I was afraid you’d be just like Dad and not come back.”

“Ah, but Hallie, Dad did come back.”

“But not for a long time and only because of tragedy.” Hallie shook her head and smiled. “I’m so happy you’re here. We saved your bedroom for you.”

“There is so much to tell you.” Smiling at her sister and then her nieces, Colleen felt a fullness that could only be happiness. “But there’s plenty of time for that.”

The sound of a car made them both turn to see Shane’s Jeep rattle up the driveway and pull to a stop. Out of the driver’s side he emerged and from the passenger side stepped Beckett. She knew they’d become close friends while she was away and Beckett had brought Shane along, knowing he’d want to be part of the reunion.

Colleen didn’t know where to rest her eyes—on her brother or her friend—but they approached together and hugged her tightly between them. She laughed and pushed them both away. “You’re squashing me. Stop.”

Shane spoke first. “Lena,” he said and then paused. “Colleen, welcome home. I am so damn happy you’re here.”

“Lena is good with me,” she said and smiled at her brother, gently nudged his shoulder with hers. “I’m very happy to be home.”

She turned to Beckett and gave him her full attention. They’d been writing to each other and talking on the phone, long conversations. She’d found herself saving moments and thoughts of the day to share with him each evening. But no promises had been made, no plans solidified. He kissed her, softly and quickly with everyone watching. She touched his cheek. “Hi there, Beckett.”

“It’s mighty fine to see your face, Colleen Donohue. Mighty fine.”

“Yours, too.” She kissed him again.

Silence fell and into it Hallie asked the question they all might have asked. “Did you find out what home is?”