Rose and Leo pulled into the driveway at the cabin and got out of the car, and Melly came tearing across the Vaughns’ lawn toward them, her hair flying. Princess Google scampered behind, her plumed tail wagging furiously.
“Mom, Leo!” Melly called out, and Rose threw open her arms.
“Sweetie!” Rose hugged her close, breathing her in. “I missed you so much!”
“Ready for your surprise?”
“Sure.” Rose kissed her and set her down. They’d called on the way, and Melly had told her she’d had a surprise for them. “Let’s see.”
“It’s not here. We have to go somewhere else.”
“Okay, you’re the boss.” Rose smiled, petting Princess Google, who had climbed up on her leg, resting feathery paws on her knee. “Hi, Googie girl!”
“Leo!” Melly ran to Leo, who lifted her up and gave her a bear hug and a little grunt.
“Melly Belly! Where you been all my life?” Leo kissed her on the cheek, and Rose turned to see Mo coming out of the house, in his navy polo and jeans, followed by Gabriella, dressed the same, holding John.
“How’s my baby boy?” she said, hurrying toward him, and John burst into a smile, looking so natty in his white T-shirt, Mom jeans, and two whole teeth. “I missed you, buddy boy! I missed my baby!” She scooped him up, hugged him close, and kissed his head, then grinned at Gabriella. “Girl, do we owe you! How can I thank you? Dinner? A night on the town? A car?”
“Nonsense, we loved it.” Gabriella beamed. “You’re a celebrity. You’re all over the news.”
“Yes!” Mo came up from behind, grinning. “Why didn’t you tell us you were a crimefighter?”
“Ha!” Leo smiled. “She didn’t tell me, why would she tell you?”
“Let’s go, Mo!” Melly started jumping up and down, and Rose noticed she had on new brown shoes with her jeans and Harry Potter T-shirt.
“Where’d you get those shoes?”
“They’re boots! Come on, Mr. V.!” Melly ran to Mo, who checked his watch.
“You’re right. Can’t be late. Gotta go.”
“Where?” Rose smiled, mystified.
“Not far,” Gabriella answered. “You all go ahead. I’ll stay here with the dog and get lunch ready. Come here, Googie!”
Mo nodded. “Let’s hit the road. Rose, why don’t you and Leo follow us in your car?”
Melly bounded after Mo. “I’ll go with Mr. V.”
Rose blinked. She couldn’t remember Melly ever choosing not to ride with her. Mischief was afoot. She looked at Leo.
“Don’t ask me,” he said, with a happy shrug.