The Return Home

Chapter Four

His hands squeezed into fists as he stood, taking everything in. He couldn't stop thinking of his father as memories swirled in his mind. What did his father and his brothers do as kids? This looks like a great place to play hide-and-seek. There are so many hiding places in this gigantic estate. He was flooded with emotions hard to put into words.

It made him happy to be here, but also angry with his father for keeping this from him. He picked his brain, trying to remember the day his mother came to Harvard to inform him what happened to his dad. Feet sprinting down the hallway toward his classroom entered his memory. A faculty member burst into the door, out of breath.

She whispered in the professor's ear. He looked grimly at Colin. "You're needed in the dean's office right away." His mother was already there when he rushed in. He felt like releasing tears as she collapsed into his arms. Colin sensed she could not be there with good news. His tear ducts were blocked and he felt numb.

It felt strange being in the home his father grew up in. This huge ranch is home. It's very different from where he grew up. His father hid his true self for as long as he could remember. Nicholas lived life masking his feelings, and now Colin knew why. Madalyn gave unconditional love. Her two boys meant everything. Her beaming hazel eyes observed them with such pride and joy all her life.

Colin longed for signs of his father's love and approval. He had never felt it. Suddenly, he grieved for the man that hadn't enjoyed a close relationship with his own father. Because that man was now him. He clasped his hands behind his back, yawning as he walked over to the qwindow. He felt like he hadn't slept since this remarkable news flash.

He could make out stables with horses and cows grazing in the pastureland. There was a nearby hive with bees buzzing in and out. A small trickle of salty tears managed to escape his eyes and cascade down the sides of his face involuntarily. It was incredible to hear his uncles still loved their brother after all these years. He got choked up thinking of Grey's father wanting to find him and Shayne. They were determined. A knock at the bedroom door shook him from his grief-filled memories.

He unclenched his fists. "Come in?" He cleared his throat and quickly wiped the tears with the back of his hands. Hopefully my eyes aren't too red.

"How are you settling into your room, darlin'? I hope you're comfortable. This was Grey's old bedroom. It's the best room in the house." Aunt Ava searched his face so lovingly waiting for an answer.

She opened her arms wide. "You look like you need a hug." Like every mom, she knew what he needed. She was petite with the warmest blue eyes and so nurturing. He missed having that in his life. Ava even had on the familiar fragrance his mother wore.

"Everything is perfect. Thank you." He lowered his head and rested it on her shoulder. She patted his back with the comfort he needed.

"This is a special room. It has the best view of the ranch. I had it made ready for you. I'm happy you like it, sweetheart." She kept a steady rhythm patting his back as she conversed.

He couldn't help thinking this room had Grey written all over it. There was a desk that was used for drawing up architectural plans. It sat in front of the window. The view of the lush green landscape was phenomenal.

"Lunch is being served. Everyone is seated and waiting for our guest of honor in the dining room." She lifted her chin to look at him with a sparkle in her eyes.

"That sounds great, I'm famished. I haven't eaten all day." His stomach growled on cue. Colin wrapped his arm around her tiny waist and escorted his aunt downstairs.

Laughter and banter were heard coming down the hall as they approached the dining room. "Don't stop on my account." He raised a hand in greeting.

The cream-colored dining room was elegant. There were large palladium windows from the floor to the ceiling. The room was open and airy, with the sunlight filtering brightly through the windows. The sun's beaming rays made it feel like being outdoors. The table was set like a fine dining restaurant. Colin wasn't schooled on table etiquette—he hoped he didn't err too badly. He would put pride aside and ask his aunts for lessons.