Sue stood staring into the hazel eyes that were so much like her own, watching the myriad of emotions filter through them; shock, sadness, caution, dawning hope, and undying, indistinguishable love. It was the steady flame of love that had her eyes filling with tears for the years that had been lost.
"Hi Daddy," she whispered before being engulfed in his strong, familiar arms. Finally she was home.
Jack watched through misty eyes as father and daughter reunited, two words having communicated a world of change. They clung to one another, neither wanting to let the other go. Emily shifted and lifted her eyes to his and he understood her impatience. "Go on in and find Mamaw. Tell her that Daddy and Papaw will be along soon," knowing that a message like that would bring the curious Carla Thomas to the front door.
Emily hesitated. "Are Papaw and Mommy glad to see each other?"
Jack nodded.
"Then why are they crying?"
"They are crying happy tears, Honey. Mommy hasn't seen Papaw in a long time."
"Are your tears happy tears, Daddy?" she wanted to know.
Jack wiped his face and tried to give his daughter a reassuring smile. "Yes, Honey, Daddy is happy that Mommy's mom and dad get to finally see her."
Sufficiently satisfied, Emily scampered off to find her grandmother and the rest of the family. Jack returned his attention to his wife and father-in-law, his heart tightening as he noticed the way Sue was burrowing into her dad. Emily did that to him when she was frightened or needing reassuring, knowing that he would provide her a place of unconditional acceptance and love. Is that the way Sue felt now? He didn't have long to ponder the question as he heard his mother-in-law approaching.
"Peter, Jack, what on earth are you still doing on the porch? Peter, let the man in," she fussed as she walked out the door, removing her apron and hugging Jack warmly. "It's good to see you, Jack. You're looking good and Emily has grown a foot I do believe. I can't believe how much she has changed in just a couple of months!" She was rambling and hadn't even glanced in her husband's direction so intent was she in greeting her son-in-law. Her attention was grabbed, however, by her husband's ragged voice.
"Carla, Honey, we have another guest."
Jack saw her eyes jump to his fearfully, and briefly wondered at the look, before she schooled her features and turned, her hand flying to her mouth as she settled her gaze on her daughter. Mother and daughter stood staring for several long seconds before Carla reached out and hesitantly touched Sue's cheek, her hand cupping it gently, a sob breaking forth as Sue's hand reached up and covered it, holding it close. Sue stepped away from her dad and enveloped her mom in a hug.
"Hi, Momma," she whispered, again washing away five years of pain with two simple words.
Peter Thomas joined the hug several minutes later, wrapping his arms around his wife and daughter, his eyes finding Jack's over Sue's head. "How?" he wanted to know. "When?"
"Just a few days ago," Jack replied quietly. "A lot has happened in between. I'm sorry I didn't call, but there just wasn't a good time and then I wanted to surprise you."
"It's a marvelous surprise," Carla agreed, stepping back and taking Sue's face in her hands. "Your brothers and their families are all inside. I can't wait until they see you! Come on, let's get in there and knock them speechless," she laughed, giving Sue one more quick hug.
Sue nodded and took a deep, shuddering breath, and attempted to wipe the tears from her eyes, only to have them immediately replaced by others. Jack stepped closer and silently handed her a handkerchief, which she took gratefully.
"THANK YOU," she signed before she was ushered into the house by her mom and dad, leaving Jack to follow, wondering if this trip was going to change his life and praying that it wouldn't.
