Page 59 of Capture My Heart

“Okay, so how did you end up with him?”

“I visited them every day the first week. He was so happy to see me. I bottle fed him at first. Then, when they put them up for adoption, I couldn’t let him go.” Visions of baby Stinky with his little paws gripping the bottle still tugged at his heart.

She lightly punched his arm. “You big softy.”

“What can I say, I’m a sucker for a lost soul.”

She nodded but remained silent.

They pulled up at her parent’s home. A colonial two-story with pillars on the front porch. It was a nice neighborhood similar to the one his parents living in.

Amy got out before he could come around the car to open her door. “Nice place.”

She cocked her head, as if looking at it for the first time. “Yeah, it is.”

The front door swung open and a short blonde woman with glasses stood in the doorway. She was slim and the spitting image of Amy if she was a couple decades older. “Right on time. Now if your brother would get here.”

“Hi Mom. This is Trey Fenley. Trey, my mother, Gail Larson.”

“It’s so nice to meet you. Amy doesn't bring men home that often.”

“Mom.” A pink flush crept to her cheeks. It was adorable.

“Thank you for the invitation. These are for you.” He handed her the flowers.

Her face lit with joy as she inhaled the fragrant blooms. “Thank you, I’ll put these in water. Amy, use your manners, offer the man a drink.”

She rolled her eyes when her mother left the room. “Would you like a drink? I’m sure she has some beer or red wine.”

“How about a Coke?” Drinking wouldn’t be wise. He needed to keep his brains tonight.

“I’m sure I can hunt one up.” She left him in the living room and headed to the back of the house.

Pictures of Amy and Tommy filled the mantle. A large family portrait hung over the red brick fireplace. The photos finished off the cozy family room. Not too styled, but well-kept and comfortable.

He felt a pinch behind his sternum. The Larson’s house reminded him of home.

He missed too many family dinners while he was stationed up north. He tried to make up for it now but can admit that he still missed far too many.

Amy came back into the room, two glasses in hand. “Your drink, sir.”

“Thanks.” He took a drink as the front door opened. Tommy walked in, followed by a bouncing redhead.

“Brie?” He choked out.

“Hey Trey.” She waved at him like this was no big deal. Except it was. He didn’t even know she knew Tommy. Had she told him he was a BCA agent.

“Surprise.” Tommy’s smile was ear-to-ear.

Amy turned white. He’s never seen her that pale.

“Awkward,” she mumbled as she raised her glass to her lips.

Gail’s voice drifted in from the kitchen. “Is that Tommy? Good, you can all come sit down.”

Trey snagged Brie's arm before she could follow Tommy into the dining room.

“Hey, what?” She frowned down at his hand.