Page 108 of Daybreak

“There comes my car,” Holly said, pointing to the white Chevy SUV pulling up.

“And mine’s right behind it,” Gunner said. “Do you need to gas up?”

“No, I did it before I got to the hotel last night,” she said.

“I’m good to go, too,” Gunner said. “Be careful. Love you,” he said.

“You’re the roadrunner. You be careful, and love you more,” she said.

They traded a hug and a kiss and then loaded up the bags, then drove away with Holly in the lead and Gunner tailing her up. Even if they got separated in traffic it wouldn’t matter. They knew the way home.

* * *

The drive turned out to be a combination of good weather and bad traffic, impeding the ETA Gunner and Holly had planned. But about ten minutes from home, Gunner got a call from his dad. “Just checking in on your progress,” Jacob said.

“We’re about ten minutes from home. There were a couple of traffic delays. See you soon,” Gunner said.

“Is Holly with you or—”

“She’s right behind me, driving her car and loaded for bear. I know she’s tired. We both are,” Gunner said.

“Garrett and Travis are here. I think one of them plans to drive her the rest of the way home,” Jacob said. “Make sure she knows it.”

“Good news, and thanks. I’ll see if they’ve already called to let her know,” Gunner said, disconnected, then called Holly. “Hey, darlin’, have you heard from your dad or Travis about meeting you at the Tumbleweed?”

She was laughing. “Travis just called me not a minute ago. I need a great big goodbye hug and kiss before we part company. There are going to be some lonesome nights for the both of us before that house is ready, but we’ll have the rest of our lives after to snore in each other’s ears.”

“I do not snore,” he said.

“Yeah, me either,” Holly said, and then they burst out laughing.

“Hug coming up in a very few minutes,” he said and disconnected.

Less than a quarter of a mile from Crossroads, they began seeing cars lined up on both sides of the highway and people standing beside them holding up big signs.

“What the hell?” Gunner muttered, then his phone rang. It was Holly.

“Gunner! What’s happening?”

“I don’t know. They’re holding up signs, and now I can hear horns honking and… I’ll be damned,” he whispered. “They’re for us, Holly. The signs are for us. Welcome home! Welcome home, Gunner and Holly! Prodigals return! I don’t get it!” he said, and then they began slowing down and turning into the parking lot at the Tumbleweed. Gunner was blocked from driving around back by the number of cars, and Holly had to pull in behind him just to get off the highway.

They emerged from their cars as both of their fathers came out of the bar. Pearl was beside them waving the Texas State flag, and Holly’s brother Travis was filming the whole thing with the camera on his phone.

Still confused by the unexpected welcome, they finally made their way to the top of the steps to where Jacob and Garrett were waiting.

At that moment, Pearl pulled out her bullhorn, gave it a blast, and the crowd went silent as Mayor Belker, who was also the owner of Belker’s supermarket, stepped out of the crowd and joined them on the steps.

“Gunner Kingston, welcome home! Chuck Norris has nothing on you. We understand you did suffer some injuries from that flying leap to catch a bad man, but that whole incident was amazing. Now to the reason for this welcome. Over the years, we have seen many young people grow up here, only to leave for further education or military service, or just a longing to see more of the world. And that’s how life usually goes. But never in the history of Crossroads have we had young people come back here to live, and we are elated that you have. We understand congratulations are in order for you and Holly, and that you are in the process of building your new home. Holly Dillon, welcome home! You are a beloved daughter of Crossroads, and I know you had a great job in real estate in a thriving company that you gave up to come back here to live. We all wanted you two to know how delighted we are. You two are the first prodigal children of Crossroads to return to the nest. Welcome home! Welcome home!”

The crowd echoed his words.

All Holly and Gunner could do was smile and wave.

It was Pearl who thought enough was enough and ushered them both inside the bar, which triggered those gathered to get back to their cars and go home. But the moment they got inside out of the noise, Gunner went straight to Holly’s dad.

“Garrett, I’m not asking for permission to marry your daughter, but I am asking for your blessing. I worship the ground she walks on. I will never let her down or betray her and would give my life to keep her safe.”

Garrett shook his head and gave Gunner a big hug. “You have my blessings a hundred times over. I don’t know what you two are going to do with yourselves here, or how you plan to make a living, but I’m behind you both, all the way.”