“We didn’t want to bother you and Mom,” Drew said, resting his hand on Kacey’s shoulder.
She lifted her hand in a wave. “Hi, Mr.Murphy.”
“Kacey Williams,” he said. “It’s been a long time.”
She nodded. “Yes, it has.”
“Come inside and visit.”
“We should really be going,” Drew said.
“Nonsense. I insist,” his father said.
“Okay,” Drew said, sounding resigned.
While his father started up the hill toward the house, Drew took Kacey’s hand in his and motioned for her to slow her pace, putting some space between them and his father. “I’m sorry,” he muttered. “I was hoping we could sneak out of here without seeing my parents.”
“It’s totally fine.” Kacey smiled and gave his hand a squeeze.
Drew and Kacey followed his father up the deck stairs and into their enormous family room. She glanced around, spotting new furniture and a larger flat-screen television than she remembered from high school.
Mr.Murphy had also changed. His dark hair was mostly peppered with gray, and his dark eyes were rimmed with wrinkles. He also looked as if he’d gained at least twenty pounds, and Drew was now at least a few inches taller than he was.
“Marilyn,” Mr.Murphy called, “you’ll never guess who I found out on the pier.”
“Who is it, Randy?” Mrs.Murphy appeared in the doorway, and she smiled as she hurried into the family room. “Drew! Kacey! Oh my goodness. What a nice surprise.”
Although Drew had received his angular jaw and perfectly proportioned nose from his father, Kacey had always noticed that his gorgeous green eyes and sweet personality came from his mother.
Drew nodded and smiled. “Hi, Mom.”
“It’s nice to see you, Mrs.Murphy.” Kacey shook her warm hand.
“Call me Marilyn.” She motioned for them to follow her. “What on earth were you doing out on the pier in this cold weather?”
“We were taking a trip down memory lane,” Drew said.
And your son almost kissed me, but your husband interrupted!Kacey pinned a smile on her face as the recollection of that moment made her legs feel like cooked noodles.
Marilyn waved them over. “Come into the kitchen, and I’ll make some cocoa.”
Randy followed his wife out of the family room.
Drew turned to Kacey. “If you want to go home, we can leave. I’ll make up an excuse.”
“Hey, it’s okay.” Kacey took his hands in hers. “We can visit with them for a little bit. It will be fun.”
“Drew? Kacey?” Marilyn called.
Drew faced the doorway to the kitchen. “We’re coming, Mom.”
Kacey and Drew entered his parents’ enormous kitchen, and she felt as if she’d stepped back in time. The kitchen had the same pristine white cabinets, stainless steel appliances, gray tile, and the matching island in the center surrounded by white barstools with gray seats.
The white table and chairs still sat by the sliding glass doors that led out to the deck overlooking the beautiful lake.
“Have a seat,” Marilyn instructed.
Kacey sat beside Drew, and his father took a seat across from them.
