Andrew was glad they’d surprised him. It was good to rekindle those old friendships. He felt whole and fulfilled in a way that he’d forgotten. All of his friends back in Paris were actually more of the work acquaintance variety. This was different. “I love you, Mom.” He hugged her, then stood next to her with his arm around her. “Thanks to both of you.”

“Yes. Thanks, girls,” the deep voice came from the other end of the barn.

“Dad!” Dawn spun around. “You did make it.”

Andrew turned to see his father standing there dressed in his usual flannel shirt and khakis. He seemed smaller than Andrew remembered.

“Tried to get here sooner,” he said as walked toward them. “Sorry I missed the party.”

Andrew pushed his hand toward him. Seven years rushed back to the day he’d called home to say he was staying in Paris to take advantage of the scholarship he’d been awarded. There hadn’t been a congratulations from his father. Instead, Dad had said he couldn’t believe after six months of playing “Suzy Easy Bake Oven,” he hadn’t wised up. Even after all this time the memory was as raw and painful as it had been that Christmas. A hard Christmas in more ways than one.

Dad shook his hand, then yanked him in for a hug. “Good to see you, son.”

Emotion swept through him. He’d been worried about the day they’d reunite. Unsure of how it would all turn out. Never expecting this.

“It’s great to see you too, Dad. Thanks for coming back early. I didn’t expect you to cut your trip short. I mean…I should have called first.”

“Jeff can cover that show,” Dad said. “I go every year. Not every year I see you anymore.”

“That was a long drive for you.” Andrew noticed how weary his father looked, or maybe it was just that his hair was completely gray now.

“Nine hours. Took eleven though. It was snowing to beat the band up there.”

“I’m glad you’re home safe,” Mom said, pushing her arm around his waist. “I was getting worried.”

Dad scoffed. “You know better than to worry about me.”

“I’m pooped,” Mom said. “I’ll clean the rest of this up tomorrow.”

“Don’t worry about it,” Dawn said. “I’ll come over after my yoga class tomorrow and clean up. There’s really not much left to do but gather up the trash. I’ll drive the truck and take it up to the dump for you.”

Andrew said, “I’ll help.”

“Deal.” She kissed him on the cheek. “Love you, brother.”

“I love you too. Thanks again.”

Dad cuffed his shoulder. “Okay if we wait until tomorrow to catch up?”

“Yes, sir. That sounds good.”

“I’m going to the shop, but maybe you could come by at lunch time.”