A loud whistle pierced the air, and then a solid form launched itself at me. I let out an oomph, but my arms immediately went around Hadley. “Hey, troublemaker.”
“I’m still not used to having you home. That we can just have lunch dates during the week. Or that you have to suffer through family dinners, too.”
I chuckled and pulled her tighter against me, still needing the assurance that she was alive and breathing after her close call a few months ago. “You’re stuck with me now.”
She wiggled free of my hold. “Never been happier to have a tagalong.”
I ruffled her hair. “Come on, let’s eat. If I’m late, Dolores will yell at me.”
“She’s like a drill sergeant, that one.”
“Keeps the ship running smoothly, though, even if I am scared of her.”
Hadley shook her head as she pulled open the door to Spoons. I didn’t think the little café had been around the last time I was home. Hadley waved to the woman behind the counter. “Hey, Jill. Got space for us?”
“You know it. Why don’t you grab that table by the window, and I’ll bring you waters and menus?”
“Thanks.” Hads led us towards one of the few empty tables. “This place is so good. They have my favorite egg salad and the most amazing whoopie pies for dessert.”
My stomach rumbled in response, and Hadley laughed. “What? I’m a growing boy. I need my food.”
Jill set down our waters and then handed us the menus. “Who’s this?” she asked Hadley, but her eyes were on me. There was a hint of appraisal in them as her gaze roamed my face.
“This is my oldest brother, Beckett. He’s home now and took over the practice from Doc.”
“Well, welcome back. I’m sure your family is thrilled.”
I grinned at my sister. “What do you think, Hads? Are you thrilled?”
She stuck out her tongue at me. “When he’s not being a pain in the butt, I am.”
“Who, me? Never.”
Jill chuckled. “I’ll leave you two with your menus and be back in a few to take your order. Unless you know what you want?”
I quickly scanned the menu, one item standing out. “I’ll do the egg salad BLT and a Coke.”
“Egg salad and an iced tea for me,” Hadley said.
“Coming right up.”
I leaned back i
n my chair and took my baby sister in. She was happier than I’d ever seen her. “How are the hooligans?”
“Running me ragged.”
“But you wouldn’t have it any other way.”
“No, I wouldn’t.” She unwrapped her silverware and set her napkin in her lap. “How are you settling in at Hayes’ place?”
“I don’t know how much settling it takes when you only have two duffle bags of stuff.”
Hadley rolled her eyes. “Well, do you need anything since you only have two duffle bags’ worth of belongings?”
“I can buy it if I need it.”
Jill appeared with a tray. She put down our drinks and then the food. “Hope you enjoy. Flag me down if you need anything else.”