Page 6 of Breathe Me In

Charley was family and had been since he married my older sister, Lainey, a year after I graduated from high school. Lainey was ten years older, and they had plans to live in New York, but when the ranch fell on hard times, they decided to live with my parents to help save the property. I admired Charley for that. My sister told me he’d given up a corporate job for this.

“Nina,” he greeted Mom warmly as we walked into the house, “look who I found.” He stepped back, and I saw my mother’s face light up.

“Sweetheart, you’re really here!” She pulled me into a warm hug, then held me by my shoulders. “Gosh, look at you. You’re so beautiful.”

“Thanks, Mom.” I tried to push my guilt away. “Is that Grandma’s gingerbread I’m smelling?”

“Yes, three loaves, to be exact.” She moved toward the kitchen, and I followed as my stomach grumbled. “It’s a big hit with the guests.”

“It’s a hit with me too.” I took a seat on the high-back chair by the island, and she cut me a steaming slice and topped it with vanilla ice cream. “Christ, this is so good.” I moaned at the comforting feeling it brought me.

“So gingerbread is what it takes to get you home?” Lainey stood by the doorway with her arms crossed. She was a clone of Mom, with short, dark, wavy hair to her shoulders, a slim nose, and deep-brown eyes.

“Be nice.” Charley kissed her cheek. “She’s here now—that’s what matters.”

I leaned back and pulled a bag of her favorite cookies from my purse. They were from a famous bakery in the city that she loved. “I brought a peace offering.” I handed it to her.

“Oh, yum!” She snagged the bag and dug one out.

“See?” I shrugged at Mom. “I’m not the only one who can be bought with sweets.”

She hugged me again, a little longer this time, and planted a noisy kiss on my head. “Why don’t you get your things and get settled in your room? Once the trail ride is over and Patrick is back, we’ll have dinner.”

“Sounds good.” I washed my plate and headed out to get my belongings.

Dad had obviously beaten me to it and had loaded my suitcases into a wheelbarrow. It was parked at the bottom of the porch steps.

“You’re back,” he said from where he sat on the porch chair. His still-handsome face was weathered from the sun and hard work. His faded Weber-grill ball cap was pushed up like it often was when his day was nearing the end.

“I am.”

“For how long?”

“Few weeks.”

He nodded but made a point to look at the heap of luggage that had come with me this time. “Doesn’t look like a few weeks.”

I leaned my shoulder into a post and took in the gorgeous sunset that could be seen through the colorful trees. “Robert called me.”

“Oh yeah?” Dad sipped his coffee. “What does the good old captain have to say?”

“Guess there’s been a couple homicides in Sheffield. His boss is breathing down his neck about making things right, and he asked me to officially lend a hand.” Dad’s eyebrow arched as he took another sip and patted Finley, who was happily draped over his lap. I knew what he was thinking, but thankfully he didn’t go there.

“Doesn’t surprise me—you’re one of the best PIs in the state.” He shifted, and Finley jumped down. “You stay for as long as you want.” He stood up and kissed my cheek. “All I ask is no drinking in the loft.”

“Sure, Dad.”

I swung my legs over the end of the loft door and handed Patrick a cold beer, which he happily took. With a full stomach thanks to a delicious dinner, I felt it was time to check in with my twin. We sat there above the barn like we’d done as kids and looked out together at our property. There was a great view of the fields lined with fences, the lake, and the trees. I breathed deeply. I really loved this place, and I knew my brother did too.

“Where’s Maxine?” My brother had married my childhood best friend. It was a little strange at first, but Maxine was an amazing person, and after a love-filled summer I knew she was perfect for him.

“She picked up a shift at the hospital. I guess they were short staffed again, and we could use the overtime.”

I nodded. I knew Maxine was a hard worker, and if they were short staffed for nurses, she’d give up her day off to help out.

“You were quiet over dinner.” He twisted the cap and took a swig. “Must feel strange to be back after all these years.” His dig hit hard in the center of my chest. I deserved it.

“You could have visited,” I whispered.