He could hear Mom rummaging through the refrigerator and cabinets. A comforting kind of ruckus that felt like home. He pulled up his father’s cell phone number.

The call went straight to voice mail. He could picture Dad pressing the button to silence the call when he saw his number.

His throat ached with defeat as he left a message. “Hi, Dad. It’s me. Andrew. I’m in Bailey’s Fork. I’d hoped to surprise you, but I guess the surprise is on me. I didn’t know you were traveling, but I’ll be here until Monday. I look forward to seeing you Sunday.” He hesitated, then said, “Love you, Dad.” He disconnected the call.

Mom came back in the room with a tray full of stuff. “Sweet tea, chips and salsa that I canned last summer, and some cookies from the church bake sale.”

“Sounds good.”

“We should invite everyone over. They’ll be so excited to catch up with you.”

“No.” He could see her wheels turning. “Let’s keep this visit low-key. I won’t be here that long and I want to spend time with you, not be pulled in ten directions. A nice, quiet visit with family. That’s all I want.” Besides, he only had a few more days to get his body on an east coast time clock before he had to do the best baking of his career. And baking wasn’t his real talent. He needed some quiet time to brainstorm and plenty of rest.

“Of course, dear,” she said, patting his leg. “Whatever you think.”

The front door slammed, and Dawn ran into the room. “You’re really here.” She hugged him and then punched him in the arm. “How dare you come back home and not even call first. Did you rent that Mustang?”

“Yeah.”

“Total waste of money. I could’ve picked you up.”

“It’s over an hour drive from RDU to here. You’re busy. Plus I needed a car. I’m heading to New York from here.”

“When?”

“I have to be there next Tuesday, so I’ll be leaving Monday at the latest.”

She gave him that what-for look, and he was ready for an earful, but instead she threw her hands in the air. “Well, you’re here now, and you look amazing. This whole chef thing is really working for you.”

“You look great too.” Her hair was longer, and a little darker than his now. “How’s Jeff doing?”

“He’s good. Cussing you when Dad gets on his nerves.”

He could only imagine. “I guess I owe him a beer…or two.”

“You might just want to buy a keg.” Dawn snickered. “Count on him collecting on that.”