“Grant didn’t seem too thrilled.”

“So you saw him already?”

Adam nodded. “On the way over here. He’d just gotten up and looked all disheveled. That’s not like him.”

Linda frowned at that news. “I’ve been most concerned about him. Mac and Evan seem fine, but Grant… Something’s not right.”

Adam took an apple from a bowl on the counter and took a bite. “Did you talk to Stephanie about it?”

“Uh-huh. She agrees he seems off but chalked it up to the long day in the water. Did you know he saved Dan’s life?”

“I heard that. Maybe it was more traumatic than he led us to believe.”

“How could it not be traumatic? A whole day in freezing water trying to keep one of your best friends alive?” Linda shuddered. “I can’t even imagine. Dad has had nightmares about it, not that he admits to them, but he wakes up in a cold sweat just about every night.”

Adam hated to hear that but wasn’t surprised his softhearted father was suffering from the aftereffects of nearly losing three of his sons. “It’s going to take some time, but they’ll all be fine. I know it.”

“I hope you’re right, honey.” She hugged him again, even tighter than before. “It’s so good to have you here. Thank you for coming. I know how busy you are.”

At some point, he’d have to tell them about the business, but one telling of that story was enough for today. “I wouldn’t be anywhere else.”

Linda released him and checked her watch. “Damn, it’s later than I thought. I’m meeting Carolina for lunch in town. Do you want to use my car while you’re here?”

“Ah, thanks for that kind offer, but I’ll pass.”

“I don’t know why you boys disparage my little yellow bug the way you do,” she said, grabbing her purse as she clucked with dismay.

“Because it’s a chick car that none of us would be caught dead in. I’ll borrow Dad’s truck.” He pushed out his chest and flexed his biceps. “Much more manly.”

“Suit yourself. When you see you brothers, invite everyone to dinner. We’ll put some steaks on the grill.”

“With baked potatoes?” he asked with his most charming grin.

“Naturally,” she said, rolling her eyes at him as she kissed his cheek. “All your favorites.”

“Have you rented out my old room, or is it okay if I crash up there?”

“It’s more than okay. Make yourself comfortable. I’ll be back in a little while.”

“See you then.”

She stopped at the door and turned to him. “I love you so much, Adam, and I’m thrilled you’re home.”