too hard,” he said as she pressed her keyfob to unlock her doors.
“Same to you.” Her smile dropped as she added, “It’s bad enough that we have so many accidental fires set, but the arsonist is keeping us busy.”
Bill shrugged. “I always wanted to be a firefighter. Love putting out fires. So, I suppose for me, how they start isn’t as important as making sure to save the people and the structure.”
Not having anything to say to that, Harper gave him a quick hug. She climbed behind the steering wheel and lifted her left hand in an awkward wave as she drove down the street, glancing in the rearview mirror to see him still standing there, staring after her.
8
Sean drove down the familiar residential street, pulling into his parents’ driveway. It never failed that when he visited, he noted the King’s home next door and the memories of not only his and Brock’s childhood but all of the McBrides’ and Kings’ get-togethers.
His mom often related the tale of standing at her kitchen window when he was a toddler and yelling for his dad when she saw a family moving into the house next door. According to them, that was the day he met Brock. Both families stayed in the two large homes, and as more kids came along, they were all raised like siblings instead of just neighbors.
Sometimes he wondered where the McBrides ended and the Kings began. Six McBride kids and five King children. Cookouts, carpools, sports. And constellation nights. His dad and Brock’s dad, Chauncey, loved to drag out the telescopes into the back yards and show the stars to all the kids, pointing out the constellations.
Jerking out of his musings, he realized he had been sitting in the driveway for several minutes. He had no idea which family members would be here tonight. His mother loved trying to get them all together, but their schedules often conflicted. Going through the back door, he walked into the kitchen, seeing his mother pulling a ham out of the oven. The scent of meat, vegetables, and buttered rolls filled the air, and he groaned in appreciation.
Sharon looked up, her smile spreading wide across her face. “Sean!”
He skirted around the counter and bent to kiss her cheek. “Hey, Mom.”
She beamed up at him, her eyes roving over his face, studying carefully. “You look tired honey.”
“I’m good, Mom. And I’ll be even better after your good cooking.”
“Flatterer,” she accused, but preened nonetheless. “Your father’s in the den with Erin. Go call them and tell them that dinner is ready.”
“No one else here?”
Her face fell, and she sighed as her hands fluttered around. “Rory might come by. Tara’s at home with Colleen. Caitlyn has a school program to attend. And Kyle? Lord knows where he is or what he’s doing.”
He walked down the hall and entered the den, the large room filled with comfortable furniture. As he glanced at the room’s occupants, he could tell his father’s attention was on the game. Colm had been an investigator with the FBI, only retiring six months ago after suffering a mild heart attack. His surgery had been successful as had his recuperation, but Sharon was not taking any chances. He still served as a part-time consultant, causing Sharon to fret over the stress of Colm’s job. She had even retired from her job as a school secretary to take care of him. Now, they spent time volunteering with their church and other organizations when Colm was not consulting.
His sister Erin appeared lost in thought. She had had that same look on her face for most of the last few weeks since receiving her discharge from the Army. Whereas her twin Rory immediately jumped into being a volunteer firefighter while applying for paramedic training, Erin seemed to struggle with what to do with her life. Deciding that he would ask her to lunch sometime soon, he hoped he could get her to talk to him. If not him, then their sister, Tara. As a social worker and a mom, Tara was a perfect listener and sounding board. Maybe I should talk to Tara first.
Colm looked up, his smile spreading across his face as he spied his oldest. “Sean! Good to see you, Son.” He stood, and the two men shook hands before pulling each other into a hug.
Erin smiled, standing as well, and he wrapped his arms around her.
“Mom says dinner’s ready.”
Clapping his hands then rubbing them together, Colm boomed, “Then let’s eat!”