Chapter 20

“Sam, the town gave you an unhappy surprise, so I’d rather we not do the same, even though this surprise should be a good one. When you get up tomorrow, after you sleep from your shift, we’re going to the airport to pick up your parents. The original plan was for me and Randy to go, and surprise you when you got up, but I’d really hate to piss you off.”

I looked over at both brothers. “Mom never mentioned a visit when we spoke this morning. She was in on your conspiracy, too?”

“Yep, Mike helped us arrange it, but I felt bad keeping something from you, even though it should be a good thing. We all want you to stay and figured we’d do whatever we had to, even if it meant bringing your parents here, to make it happen.” Brett looked at me and shrugged. “I really like you a lot. More than I’ve ever liked anyone before. I’d miss you terribly if you go. I didn’t plan this on my own, but those of us who did, only did it because we really care for you.”