Chapter 1

1

On a late June evening, I entered my old generational home in Reign Oak, Michigan. I glanced around the antiquely furnished living room. Everything was left untouched since I’d last visited here for Christmas and New Year’s Eve, with Thanksgiving and the previous summer before that. The style was one my paternal great-grandparents from Puerto Rico had insisted on keeping before their deaths, and it was a living memory of them. Even the ceramic coqui with a miniature straw hat over its head remained on the same shelf with other ceramic and porcelain ornaments.

My eyes grew heavy at the faint aroma of spiced apples from my family’s favorite candle brand, causing my lips to curve with nostalgia. I flashed an even wider smile as soon as Dad rushed down the stairs with his arms ready to open widely.

My heart warmed at the sight of him even though I’d seen him just a few weeks ago on Graduation Day. He wrapped his arms around me for a big bear hug and a few hard pats on my back, groaning affectionately. Boarding school was finally over, and spending more time with him was a great way to play catch up. Still, what I’d give to hear my name called again just so I could have an excuse to walk across the stage a second time while being struck with that glorious rush. “Christopher Aponte,” the headmaster had said. Goose bumps covered my skin all over again.

Dad let out a chuckle as he squeezed me in return and let go with a sigh. “Look at you, Chip. Still feels like you were a kid only yesterday.”

I grinned. “Oh, please. I haven’t been a kid since I started middle school.”

“Technically, since you turned eighteen recently.” He winked.

I exhaled deeply with playfully rolled eyes. “Semantics, Dad.”

“I know, I know. So how’ve you been?”

I shrugged. “Tired from the flight. Just glad to be done with school. I can finally have a stress-free summer before I start college and hopefully find another decent job. At least the bookstore was nice while it lasted.”

“Well, maybe work as a professional cover designer on the side while you’re off in college? You’ve always been great at that.”

“We’ll see. Or even start my own company.”

“And with your high skills in Spanish, you have broader opportunities. Thanks to me, of course.” Dad winked.

“Yeah, who knowswhat I’ll find?”

He smiled and brushed his knuckles against the top of my head. “You’ll find something and stick to it. You’ve always been responsible like me.”

“I’m toomuch like you, artist and all.”

He laughed heartily. “So was your mother.”

“Yep, she was. The three musketeers.” I took a glimpse of the family portraits hanging above the sofa and sported a tighter smile at the one of Mom with elegance and radiance. So young with lots of life to live before the cancer had taken her away.

Dad’s eyes gleamed. He borrowed my tight smile and gave my shoulder a couple of hard squeezes. “I know you were just a toddler and will never remember a whole lot, but she would’ve been so proud of you right now. Just as proud as I am.”

I swallowed and blinked a few times to clear my teary vision. I’d seen a bunch of videos. It was generous enough to imagine her in full when compared to nothing. I’d inherited her thick, dark hair and brown eyes, as well as her sun-kissed tone. In fact, I looked just like her in many ways. “Thanks, Dad.”

“Anytime, son.” He perked up a bit and headed toward the kitchen. “Well! I hope you’re starving because we have company in a few minutes.” That explained the sudden scent of cheese and herbs I’d barely noticed.

I arched my eyebrows. “Oh? And yeah, I haven’t eaten since breakfast. So, who’s coming?”

The sound of plates rattling filled the room. “Your otherfavorite person. You haven’t hung out like you used to since you went to boarding school, but I hope that’ll change.”

I wrinkled my forehead. But I had several other favorites, mostly family. How would that make for an easy guess? Unless he meant the one and only—

The knocking at the door came in rapid thuds, but quieter than most knocks.

Dad set the plates and silverware on the kitchen table. “They’re here. Might want to get that.” He winked. Why was he acting so secretive all of a sudden?

Nevertheless, I walked toward the door and opened it. My eyes glared at the sight of theone and only, the very guy I’d never thought I’d see again, a more grown version standing alongside his mother with the sunrays peering through the doorway.