Finally Home

Chapter 1

Kate Johnson disembarked the airplane from Frankfurt, Germany, and yawned so hard her jaw cracked. The flight was smooth and on time; plus, she’d slept almost the entire trip, but she needed coffee—or sugar—and lots of it. The time change was no joke, and she still had a long way to travel. She was hungry and heading to a place she knew she could wait out her layover. Shouldering her backpack, she trudged through the process of claiming her bags, processing through Customs, leaving the international gates, and entering the domestic side of the Atlanta Airport.

She’d spent several hours in the USO just over a year ago after her sister-in-law’s funeral. Blessing, the worker at the airport, had been a godsend. Blessing’s warmth and support caused her to look at things a bit differently, and by the time she’d made it back to her duty station, she’d known exactly what she was going to do. She was now on terminal leave from the Army. Kate chuckled at that. She’d joined the Army but had been stationed at Air Force bases her entire career. She specialized in military working dogs. As a vet, it was her job to keep the animals healthy. But that part of her life was over.

Her brother, Lawrence, needed her, and so did her niece and nephew. Lawrence’s late wife, Bridgette, had been the glue for that family, and it was obvious her brother was drifting on the tide without his wife. Was he making it? Yes, day to day, but he needed help on the ranch and with the kids. She chatted with her nephew Craig on social media and was worried Lawrence may have slipped into clinical depression.

Kate exited the secure gate area, hitched her backpack up, and made the trek upstairs to the USO. The chances that Blessing would be there again were slim to none, yet something inside her hoped the woman would be working. Blessing had a smile as wide as the South Dakota sky and as bright as the midday sun in July. Kate chuckled to herself. The woman had a way about her. Where she came from, people would have said Blessing had the sight. It was that special something or maybe intuition that foretold the future. Kate knew it was real, and while some people had it all the time, she firmly believed everyone had the sight occasionally. She could remember her mother telling her to be careful of the deer one night when she went to town to hang out with her friends. It was a weird warning. Her mom’s exact words were, “Don’t swerve, drive straight. Don’t go into the ditch.” She’d laughed it off.

Fifteen miles later, a buck had jumped out in front of her, and she’d locked her arms, driving straight ahead instead of swerving. She’d missed the animal, punched the brakes, and gasped for air when the old truck came to a stop. Looking to her right and left, she’d shuddered. The ditches were filled to the brim with water from melting snow. She’d likely have drowned if she’d swerved … or froze to death trying to get back home. Yeah, she believed in the sight, and she knew Blessing had it.

Kate signed in. There was no one about, so she headed into the USO. Glancing at the shadow boxes full of coins, she smiled at the one she’d given Blessing sitting right where the woman said she would place it last year. She turned the corner and almost toppled over someone on their hands and knees. “Oh, I’m so sorry!” Kate dropped her backpack and caught her balance.

“Kate? You’re early, aren’t you?” Blessing lifted off her hands and sat on her heels, smiling up at her.

“Early? No, the plane …” Kate cocked her head and switched subjects. “What are you doing on the floor?”

“I’m looking for …” Blessing pointed to a chair on the far side of the room. “Mister Bubbles.”

Kate dropped into a squat. “Is that a unicorn?”

“Yep. Could you grab it for me? The Sandersons will be back before long. Mary Ellen won’t make it through security without it.”

Kate walked across the room and plucked the white stuffed plushie out from under the chair. She stood up just as a woman jogged down the hall. “Blessing? You wouldn’t have happened to see …” The woman stopped and then smiled brightly. “Mr. Bubbles.” The newcomer gave Blessing a hand up, then came over to Kate. “Thank you so much.”

“It was all Blessing. She knew you’d be back for it.” Kate handed the toy to the woman.

The lady smiled and whispered, “She’s a little …” The woman’s eyes opened wide.

“Amazing is the word you’re looking for.” Kate winked at the woman, and they both laughed.

“That’s the truth. I have to get back, so we don’t have to jog down B concourse to get to the gate in time. Why are the planes always at the very end of the terminal?”

The woman power walked back to Blessing and kissed her cheek. “Thank you for everything.”

“Remember, let go and have fun,” Blessing called after her as she sprinted out of the USO.

Kate walked back over to Blessing, and they hugged. “I figured I’d see you sooner or later,” Blessing said as they drew apart. “Your personality is so strong. You remind me a little bit of myself at your age.”

“Well, I’ll take that as the best compliment I’ve had in years. But … you thought I was early. Is your foresight letting you down?” Kate let Blessing put her hand through the crook of her elbow and lead her into the kitchen area.

“Foresight?” Blessing asked, giving her that country-mile-wide smile.

“Yes, ma’am. Back home, we just call it the sight. I have no doubt you have it.” Kate sat down on one of the tall bar stools at the counter.

“You’re heading home, then?” Blessing asked as she opened the refrigerator and pulled out a fancy lunch box.

Kate smiled, knowing Blessing didn’t want to discuss her gift. She let it slide. “I am, but you knew that, didn’t you? I’m on terminal leave and heading home.”

“I have an extra sandwich and chips. Want to join me?” Blessing waved at the lunch bag. “Fresh mozzarella and tomato sandwich.”

“My favorite!” Kate laughed. “Did I tell you that last year?”

Blessing made a face as if thinking. “Maybe.” They both laughed, and Blessing got them each a bottle of water.

“It’s kind of quiet in here today,” Kate said as she took a bite of the sandwich. Making a soft moan of delight, she spoke around the bite in her mouth, “So good.”

Blessing swallowed her food and pointed at Kate. “Oh, don’t worry. It’s going to get busy soon. Give me the scoop on your brother. How’s he doing?”

“I’m not sure, but I’m concerned. I talk with Craig, my nephew, almost every day. His dad is going through the motions, but Craig said he rarely smiles and is angry a lot, which is way out of Lawrence’s character.”

“You’re going home at the right time, then. You should look into counseling for him.”

“In Hollister?” Kate snorted and shook her head. “I don’t think you realize how small that town is.” Kate had dashed home to go to Bridgette’s funeral, and she hadn’t ventured into town, although most of the town was at the graveside service. She was focused on the children and Lawrence and couldn’t tell you who was there and who wasn’t. She did speak to a few people afterward at Lawrence’s house. The ladies of the church put on a dinner for the family and people who went to the service. She spent most of the evening with Craig and Hailey while Lawrence walked like a zombie through the crowd, accepting hugs and handshakes.

“I bet it”s changed a bit since you were there last. It’s been quite a while, hasn’t it?” Blessing took a drink of water. “Check out the area. You might be surprised.”

Kate leveled a stare at Blessing. “No, probably not. I learned a lesson last year. You have the sight. If you say it’s changed, I’m believing you.” Kate held up a hand when Blessing moved to deny it. “I know what I know, and you have it. I won’t tell anyone if that helps, but between us, you get glimpses or maybe knowledge of what’s going to happen when you meet a person, don’t you?”

Blessing cocked her head and looked at Kate. “Perhaps. Perhaps before I meet them.”

Kate smiled. “Is it a blessing or a curse?”

Blessing smiled. “Always a blessing. Always.”

“What else do you have for me? You don’t need to beat around the bush or give me subtle hints.” She took another bite of her sandwich.

“There’s help in Hollister for your brother. Be firm with him, but he needs support, not a taskmaster.”

“Yeah, that’s Lawrence. He doesn’t take orders well.” Kate nodded.

“You’re going to revisit your past. Remember, not everyone is a people person. Some are animal persons. And if you want something, go for it. Don’t waste time.”

“Okay, that was cryptic.” Kate laughed.

“Not really. You’ll figure it out. Are you staying until your flight?”

“If you have room,” Kate said, taking another bite of her sandwich. “I can help, too, if you need some.”

“Actually, I would appreciate it if you took a few guys coming in under your wing. I need to give them a nudge, and …” Blessing shrugged.

“You don’t think they’ll like the woo-woo stuff.” Kate chuckled. “Then they’re fools.”

“No, just a bit lost, but none are too far off course.” Blessing cocked her head. “Do you have the sight?”

Kate laughed and shook her head. “No, but I firmly believe everyone can have it occasionally.” She told Blessing about her mom’s warning.

Blessing nodded. “You’re very intuitive. Most people go through life believing everything is chance and that there’s no divine guidance.”

Kate wiped her mouth with a paper napkin. “They’re wrong.”

Blessing slid off the stool and started gathering the trash from their meal. “Everyone has the right to believe what they will. I think my job is to nudge them toward happiness. Sometimes, they listen.”

“Have you ever had anyone not listen and end up in trouble?”

“Trouble? No, but they miss the opportunity to live a fuller life.” Blessing sighed. “It’s rather strange talking to someone about my gift.”

“Well, here.” Kate took out a piece of paper and a pen from her backpack. She wrote down two numbers. “This is my cell phone and the landline to my brother’s house. If you ever need to talk to someone who absolutely believes in who you are and what you do, or if you ever just want to visit, please call.”

Blessing took the paper, tore a piece off it, and gave Kate her number before hugging her. “You’re a remarkable woman. Keep your mind open. Horses are awesome animals.”

Kate blinked and then laughed. “I agree. I love horses, but I don’t think that’s what you meant, is it?”

Blessing laughed and pointed to a leather seating group behind a screen. “Off to the library with you. It should start filling up soon. Make sure you stop by and give me a hug before you leave.”

“I promise.” Kate slung her backpack over her shoulder and made her way into the library.

She sat in the corner of one of the couches and pulled out her notebook. She had her budget in front of her. Her savings account was healthy. She’d shared an apartment with an Air Force personnel officer, which saved her money. Every cent she could, she put into her account. She wanted to open a small animal clinic, but it would have to wait because it wouldn’t be in Hollister. There probably wasn’t enough business to keep a small clinic open, and she assumed the vet there now had the corner on the large animal market. She had to transfer her license to South Dakota, but that was just paperwork. She glanced at the folder in her backpack. Her military life was in that packet. Officer evaluations, her training, continuing education, discharge paperwork, household goods shipment, and contact information for just about every dog handler she’d ever worked with. It took a special breed of dog and handler to meld together as a strong team. She would miss the people and dogs, but she was ready to leave the military. The move was the right thing at the right time. Just as Blessing had told her it would be.

It wasn’t too long before Blessing was leading people into the inner sanctum of the USO. There were families and younger enlisted people who plopped down, happy to be out of the hustle and bustle of the airport. She glanced at her watch and decided to dash out to one of the stores down on the main level. She wanted to grab a new cord for her phone. Hers had finally given up the ghost, and the frayed edges she’d taped over three times had disintegrated.

Blessing was at the door with a guy who was obviously military. Kate knew the type. She waved to Blessing and mouthed, “Be right back.”

It took her twenty minutes to find a cord that would work, grab a bag of sour gummy bears, and buy both.

She hopped up the stairs and winked at Blessing, who was talking to another family. Kate headed back to the library and noticed the man Blessing had been talking to when she’d left was now in the big leather recliner. “Hey,” she said as she dropped into the corner of the couch she’d claimed.

“Hey, yourself.” The man put the chair’s footrest down. She noticed him lean a bit to one side as he stood. If he were an animal, she’d say he’d injured that leg. The man smiled easily and extended his hand. He was tall—a little over six feet, she’d wager. “I’m Oliver. Oliver Parker.”

She reached over and shook his hand. “Nice to meet you. I’m Kate Johnson. You en route to a new duty station?”

“Actually, I’ve punched my ticket.” The man sat down again. “I was injured in an accident, and after rehabbing for what seems like forever, I decided I could get paid more with safer conditions as a civilian.”

Kate chuckled a bit. “That seems to be the thought of the day. I’ve punched, too. Heading home to help out the family, then I’ll set up my own business.”

“What do you do?” Oliver asked, leaning forward intently.

“I’m a vet.”

His eyebrows shot up to his hairline. “Oh, dang, you work with MWD’s?”

“Yep, and at some bases, I saw family pets, but the MWD’s were my primary reason for being assigned to any base.”

“That’s really cool. Where’s home?” As he smiled again, she found herself relaxing.

“A small ranch just outside of Hollister, South Dakota. Where’s home for you?”

“California.”

“So, what are you going to get paid more for doing there?” She opened her sour gummies and offered him some.

“No, thanks. I’ll be working with my brother and sister-in-law at Lighthouse Security.”

“Oh, that’s interesting. So, a private investigator type of thing?” She popped a piece of candy into her mouth. The sour exploded on her tongue, and she made a pucker face. But the kick of sugar would keep her going. She’d grab another bag or two before getting on her plane later.

Oliver laughed. “Sort of, yes, and it”s home. After seventeen years as a Ranger, planting roots and staying in one spot sounds ridiculously fantastic about now.”

Kate nodded. “Don’t I know it? I’m sure I didn’t move around as much as you did, but yeah, the idea of staying in one place isn’t a bad thing. I want a house. A big one with the white picket fence.” She laughed at herself. “I’m a dork.”

Oliver shook his head, smiling at her. “No, you’re not. That’s something to set your sights on. Being grounded and owning a house is something I’ve been thinking about recently.”

Blessing came back in, talking to another man with a shade of copper hair she’d die to have. She’d seen women try for years to obtain those light gold highlights only nature could give. He was a looker; that was for sure. Kate smiled at the way Blessing tucked her arm through his. She wasn’t going to let the guy escape her words of wisdom. When they reached the library, Blessing turned to her and Oliver. “And this is Oliver and Kate. I know you’ll be comfortable here. Kate, Oliver, this is Matt O’Connell.”

The man gave a quick smile and nodded at them.

“I’ll leave you three to get acquainted,” Blessing said before departing.

After Oliver stood up and shook his hand, Kate waved and offered him a piece of candy. The guy blinked at her and shook his head. “No, thanks.”

“You don’t know what you’re missing,” Kate said and popped another into her mouth. She almost kept the pucker off her face that time but didn’t quite make it.

Matt pointed at her. “By the look on your face, I made the right decision.”

Oliver laughed. “Funny, that’s what I thought, too.”

Kate shrugged. “More sour goodness for me. Are you heading home, Matt, or changing bases?”

Kate could’ve sworn the easy smile on the guy”s lips hesitated for a moment. “Home, to Pine Ridge, Pennsylvania. You?”

“Home also. Hollister, South Dakota.” Kate pointed at Oliver.

“Also home. On the way to California.”

Matt looked back toward the front of the USO before asking, “Has anyone else noticed Blessing …”

“Is awesome in the most amazing way?” Kate asked. “Yep. Whatever she told you, take it to heart. This isn’t my first time through this place, and she’s always right. Don’t fight it. Just take the advice and run with it.”

“How did you know she gave me advice?” Matt cocked his head, and his gray eyes narrowed a bit.

Kate smiled. “She did, didn’t she?” She turned to Oliver. “To you, too.”

Oliver nodded. “Something like that.”

“Seems a bit … odd,” Matt said.

“Maybe, but in the best way possible.” Kate chuckled. She glanced out of the library and saw Blessing heading their way with another man. Kate’s eyes narrowed. The man’s gait was stiff and a bit slow. Blessing brought him into the library. “Well, Corey, this is the best place for you to rest a bit so you don’t mess up all the rehab you’ve been doing. This is Kate, Oliver, and Matt. They’re all heading home, but they’re getting out of the military.”

Kate took her backpack and plopped it on the loveseat. “Take the recliner and have a sour gummy.”

The man’s eyebrows shot up. “I’ll take the candy, but you can have your seat. I’m not that hard up.” He reached out, grabbed a piece of candy, and popped it into his mouth. He pointed to the backpack. “That’s in my seat, and these are wicked sour.”

Kate picked up her backpack and moved over to the couch where Matt was sitting, leaving the chair free.

Corey rolled his eyes and sat down carefully on the loveseat. Kate laughed and offered Corey another piece of candy, which he accepted. She asked him where home was as he dug in the bag. “Some place no one has ever heard of in upstate New York.”

“Blessing said you were rehabbing. What happened?” Oliver asked and leaned over to take a piece of candy.

Kate laughed, noting, “A sour gummy convert.”

“Maybe.” He tossed the gummy into his mouth, and his face contorted. “Or maybe not. Damn, these are not good.”

Kate pointed out of the library. “There’s a cooler with drinks over there.”

Oliver sprung up from the couch. “Thanks. Anyone want anything?”

“Water, please,” Corey said and fished around in his bag. He pulled out a brown bottle of medication.

“I’m good. Thanks.” Kate waved off the offer. She glanced at Matt before she repeated Oliver’s question. “What happened?”

“My FOB blew up.” The guy didn’t elaborate, and Kate wouldn’t push. She offered Corey another piece of candy, but he declined. By the time Oliver returned to the small library area, Blessing had another person in her grip. “Here you go. Oh, good, Kate must have told you where the refreshments were. I think I forgot to do that.” Blessing frowned for a second before her megawatt smile came back. “Anyway, this is Kai. Kai, the recliner is open and may be best for your back.”

Kai frowned and looked down at her. “I didn’t say I had a back injury.”

“Didn’t you?” Blessing blinked up at him. “How else would I have known it?” She patted him on the arm. “Just let Kate know if you need anything. She’s been here before and knows the lay of the land.”

Kate waited for the man to sit down before offering him a piece of candy.

“Don’t do it, man. That shit is a silent killer,” Oliver said from his chair.

Kate laughed and popped another one into her mouth after Kai shook his head. She asked Kai where he was heading.

“Tennessee. I have some things to do there.” Kai lifted the leg rest of the recliner and sighed in relief.

“Man, I feel that to my bones,” Corey said, tossing back his medicine. “Anti-inflammatory pills only go so far.”

Kai nodded. “Truth.”

* * *

Kate pickedup her backpack a couple of hours later. Kai was asleep in the recliner, and Corey was watching a movie on his phone while she, Matt, and Oliver had been playing spades. “Guys, it’s been great. I’ve got to get to my gate.” She stopped at the door after saying goodbye. “Just remember whatever Blessing told you today. Do it. Don’t second-guess her. It’ll make your life so much easier.” She tapped on the door and stared directly at Kai, who was awake and staring at her. “Do it,” she repeated before heading out the door.

She stopped by the front to hug Blessing. “You know a couple of those guys are really stubborn, right?”

Blessing laughed. “I think all five of the people in that area have a bit of willful rebellion.”

Kate splayed her hand over her chest and gasped. “If I had pearls, I’d clutch them!”

Blessing hugged her again. “Don’t forget to call me.”

“That goes both ways,” Kate said, hugging her friend just a bit closer. “I’ve got to go.”

“I know. Be safe.”

“Always,” Kate said and made her way back to the secure area of the terminal.