CHAPTER 3
Brad’s mother was already crying before he pulled away from his first hug.
“It’s okay, Mom,” he told her. “I’m here. You can let me go now.”
“I’m just happy to have you back home.” She sobbed and chuckled at the same time.
“I know.” Was she trying to make him feel even guiltier for staying away so long? His job as a teacher at a home for troubled teens in Vermont kept him busy during the school year, but this was the first summer he’d be spending back in Orchard Grove. “I know,” he repeated and glanced around the room. Had they changed a single piece of furniture in the past decade?
“It’s going to mean so much to Grandma Lucy to find out you’ve come all this way just for her.” Her mom blew her nose loudly and stifled down another cry.
“Aw, come on.” He chuckled. “You don’t
