He’d stick close to home—that way he wouldn’t run into Kelly, which was good, because how do you tell someone you’re sincerely sorry after you’ve let this much time pass?

Seeing his parents after all this time would be hard enough, but family was family and he intended to do the right thing by them, even if he dreaded it a little.

He closed his eyes and took in a long breath, praying Dad wouldn’t be the one to answer the door, then pressed the doorbell and waited.

His heart ticked off the seconds, each one thrumming in his head.

Finally, he heard footsteps, and the door swung open. Relief flooded through him.

“Hi, Mom.” Andrew spread his arms out, and for a second he thought he might have to catch her.

She wobbled, blinked, and then screamed. “Andrew!” She clung to his neck, then pushed him away. “Let me look at you.”

“It’s so good to see you.” The warmth of her voice made all those fears of coming back home fade. She looked older, and a little tired, but then maybe she didn’t look any different at all. His memory had faded a bit over the past few years. One thing was the same. That look of approval in her eyes. He wished he hadn’t stayed away so long now.

“What are you doing here? Come in.” She took two quick steps inside and then turned around. “I was afraid you might never come back. I’m so happy to see you.” She slapped her thigh. “I can’t even believe it.”

Her blue eyes sparkled, wet with tears.

He followed her inside, closing the door behind him. The smell of cilantro and spices hung in the air, and the memories flooded back. “Taco Tuesday.”

“Of course.”

“I haven’t had tacos like yours in way too long.”

“Then you’re in for a treat. Nothing fancy like you’re used to now, though.”

“Nothing compares to your home cooking.”

“Good. You keep reminding yourself of that.” She stopped and turned, staring at him. “I can’t believe you’re really here. I know I keep saying it, but I just can’t believe it. Why didn’t you let me know you were coming?”

“I wanted to surprise you.” It was only a half lie. If he’d tacked this visit to the back end of his trip to New York, he’d been afraid it would look like an afterthought.

“I’m surprised.” She cocked her head. “Is everything okay? Oh my gosh! How long can you stay?” Tears fell to her cheeks. “I’m sorry. It doesn’t even matter. You’re here now.”

He comforted her with a hug. “I’m doing great. I have business up north next week. A friend of mine is opening a new restaurant there. I’ll be helping him with the grand opening.”

“How exciting!”