All the Way Home

By Jenyfer Matthews

Maggie Dean and Sam Callahan grew up in the same town, knew each other in school, admired each other from afar, but never dated. She was just a little too straight and narrow for this bad boy.

Now they’re all grown up and back in their hometown - she to deal with a family crisis, he to prove that he’s changed his ways.
After enduring her parents’ loveless marriage and coming home to help her sister pick up the pieces of her broken one, Maggie isn’t interested in relationships. Sam Callahan is not only still gorgeous, but he’s still available. Neither Maggie nor Sam can deny their attraction but they’re still at odds. Maggie’s down on family life - can Sam be the one to convince her to settle down?

Includes excerpt of Separation Anxiety.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jenyfer Matthews
• Release date: Feb 3, 2011
• ISBN: 9781458184993

Jenyfer Matthews

Nature or nurture – one way or another Jenyfer was born with a touch of wanderlust, having moved states twice and houses four times before the age of five. The second child of two displaced Midwesterners, Jenyfer grew up in southern Louisiana and spent most of her childhood summers in northern Minnesota, further contributing to her regional identity crisis. She escaped back to the milder climes of the Midwest at the first opportunity by accepting a graduate assistantship at Kent State University, renting an apartment over the phone, and moving to Ohio sight unseen. She cemented her reputation as a daring individualist (or an impulsive flake, depending on your perspective) by eloping with her ex-husband after only ten months – and introducing her family later.The move to Ohio was only the first of several long distance moves for Jenyfer. After a few years in Ohio, she and her husband moved to North Carolina for a job – and then on to the United Arab Emirates where they resided for six years and started a family. Traveling has become something of a passion for Jenyfer who has since visited Greece, Turkey, Germany, Italy, India, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Oman, and Qatar. Jenyfer and her family lived in Cairo, Egypt for six years before moving back to the US. Jenyfer currently lives in Michigan.Over the years Jenyfer has been a retail clerk, a department store model, a receptionist, a teacher, a freelance newspaper columnist, a librarian, a quilter, and a full-time mother and sports mom / taxi. She’s a Capricorn, a wine lover (but not a snob), and loves to people-watch.Praise for Jenyfer MatthewsJenyfer Matthews is a skillful writer. She has crafted a tale of romantic affection within a superb suspense story. Recommended.”The Romance Studio, on Here To StayMs. Matthews has delivered a laugh out loud novel full of twists and turns and enough sexual heat to balance the tale perfectly. One Crazy Summer is a sweet sexy read that will have you wanting to read it again and again.”Romance Junkies, on One Crazy SummerMs. Jenyfer Matthews’ novel All the Way Home is a touching and poignant tale of healing and rediscovery. {...} Well written and riddled with emotions, sisterly bonds and a deeply moving romance, All the Way Home has secured a permanent place in my heart and on my keeper shelf.Romance Junkies, on All the Way HomeSeparation Anxiety is a beautiful story, beautifully told. Jenyfer Matthews crafts a perfect blend of humor and heart that will leave you longing for more.Gemma Halliday, author of the High Heel Mystery series

Book preview

Praise for Jenyfer Matthews

Ms. Jenyfer Matthews’ novel All the Way Home is a touching and poignant tale of healing and rediscovery. {…} Well written and riddled with emotions, sisterly bonds and a deeply moving romance, All the Way Home has secured a permanent place in my heart and on my keeper shelf.

Romance Junkies, on All the Way Home

Jenyfer Matthews is a skillful writer. She has crafted a tale of romantic affection within a superb suspense story. Recommended."

The Romance Studio, on Here To Stay

Ms. Matthews has delivered a laugh out loud novel full of twists and turns and enough sexual heat to balance the tale perfectly. One Crazy Summer is a sweet sexy read that will have you wanting to read it again and again."

Romance Junkies, on One Crazy Summer

Separation Anxiety is a beautiful story, beautifully told. Jenyfer Matthews crafts a perfect blend of humor and heart that will leave you longing for more.

Gemma Halliday, author of the High Heel Mystery series

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All The Way Home

Jenyfer Matthews

Smashwords Edition

Copyright 2011 Jenyfer Matthews

Cover Art by Croco Designs

All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the above publisher of this book. With the exception of quotes used in reviews, this book may not be reproduced or used in whole or in part by any means existing without written permission from the author.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.

Warning: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000. (http://www.fbi.gov/ipr/)

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person. If you are reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

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Dedication

For my best friend since high school—don’t worry so much, be happy!

For my best virtual-friend, Susan—thank you for all the support, feedback, and technical advice you’ve given me over the years. You’re the best friend a girl’s never met!

For my wonderful husband—without whose love, faith and day job I couldn’t pursue my dream. Thank you.

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Prologue

Maggie stopped her car on the crest of a low hill as she drove into town.

The late afternoon sun bathed the fields below in a soft golden light. When she climbed out of her car she inhaled deeply as the sweet smell of freshly cut grass reached her nose. She’d been driving all day, but she needed a few moments to collect herself before she returned to the scene of the crime.

That’s how she always thought of her childhood home.

She sighed. She knew she was being melodramatic but she didn’t look back on her childhood fondly. She hadn’t been back to her home town except for the funerals of her parents. First, her father’s nearly two years ago and then her mother’s just three months ago. She wasn’t entirely happy to be back now either but she couldn’t—wouldn’t—let Melanie down.

Besides, what did she have left in New York?

The June afternoon was alive with colors and sounds and scents. The fields were covered with a blanket of wildflowers, the sky above was a vivid blue. The air was filled with the sound of birds singing and bugs chirping in the trees. A warm breeze lifted and played with a lock of dark hair that had escaped her ponytail.

Maggie hugged herself as she stood on the side of the road. She had grown up here, but it still surprised her how beautiful it was. She had missed it, she realized as she gazed around. Why had she ever left?

Her nostalgic moment was interrupted by a powerful sneeze. Followed closely by three more.

Ah yes, now she remembered, she thought as she sniffled. Allergies. It wasn’t the only reason she’d felt the need to escape but she didn’t want to think about the rest just now.

She turned to her car to look for a tissue and thought she heard a whimper. She hesitated and listened. There it was again.

She walked around the rear of her car. There was a small, scruffy white dog crouched low in the long grass at the shoulder of the road. The dog watched her carefully, the cornflowers, pink thistles, and Queen Anne’s lace swaying as the dog began to wag its tail hopefully.

Hey there, Maggie said, crouching down. She held out her hand, palm down. The dog scooted forward, its belly low, for a tentative sniff. What are you doing out here? Are you lost?

The dog must have decided that Maggie smelled okay because she was rewarded by an enthusiastic lick. The dog’s butt began to quiver.

Maggie rubbed the dog’s ear and was immediately presented with a belly to scratch. She smiled and laughed. You’re a friendly one, aren’t you?

She sat back on her heels and thought about what to do. She couldn’t just leave the dog out here, it might get hit by a car. Better to bring it into town and see if she could find its owner.

The dog jumped up as she rose to her feet. Only then did she notice that it was holding one leg up, close to its body, as if injured. Any doubt in her mind vanished. She couldn’t leave a lost and injured dog out alone on the highway.

She walked to the car and opened the passenger door. Okay, sweetie, hop in. You’re coming home with me.

The dog scampered to the car and then paused at the open door. It looked up at Maggie and cocked its head. Maggie smiled, scooped it up, and deposited it on the seat where it immediately made itself comfortable. Maggie swore she could see the dog smiling at her.

She shook her head as she sniffled again and shut the car door. She was such a soft touch.

Chapter One

Maggie drove her car up the drive of her old home, gravel popping beneath her tires. Just as she was coming to a stop, the screen door on the side of the house flew open with a crash and her sister Melanie ran out to greet her.

Maggie! It’s so good to see you! Melanie said as she stopped near the car. She leaned over the door and gave Maggie a hug. And you’re still driving this old thing too.

Of course I still have Betty. I’ve had her since college—after all the time I spent moving her from street to street in search of free parking in the city, we’re practically married now, Maggie replied as she opened the door to her old silvery-blue Volkswagen bug. She’s a keeper.

I would have thought you would have gotten yourself something a little fancier—more professorial.

I’m not a professor yet.

Melanie smiled. You have your PhD—close enough for me, Doc.

A degree is pretty meaningless without a job, Maggie answered. And anyway, I’m not getting rid of Betty. She’s classic. Hip even.

Uh-huh, Melanie said, raising a brow. Well, at least it’s a convertible. Hey, who have you got with you? I didn’t know you had a dog.

The dog hopped out of the car behind Maggie and began to sniff a nearby tree. I don’t. I found this guy on the side of the road on my way into town. I couldn’t just leave him there.

Maggie to the rescue again, Melanie murmured.

Maggie laid a hand on Melanie’s shoulder. How are you doing anyway, Mel?

Melanie gave her a wobbly smile. Well, let’s see, first my husband loses his job, then he panics and leaves when he finds out I’m pregnant. I’m just peachy. How ’bout you?

Didn’t Adam have any job prospects?

He was pretty depressed about being laid off. His supervisor over at the GM plant said that it was probably just temporary, until production picked up again, but he didn’t stick around to find out.

Maggie squeezed Melanie’s shoulder. It’ll be all right, it will be. I’m sure that Adam will come back soon. He’s probably just scared. Finding out that you were pregnant probably just freaked him out a little. You know, what with needing to support a family. He’ll be back.

Melanie shrugged and wiped at her eyes. Yeah, whatever. He was gone for more than a week before he finally called his mom to tell her not to worry. I was out of my mind and he says not to worry. And he hasn’t been in touch again. Can you believe it?

Doesn’t really sound like him, Maggie ventured.

He didn’t even call me and I’m his wife, Melanie huffed. But I’ve told you all this before. I suppose things could be worse. At least I have a roof over my head, right? So, are you ready to get settled in?

I guess. Maggie looked up at the house she’d grown up in. That was one decent thing Mom did for you, leaving you the house.

I have a surprise for you, Melanie said. She leaned over and grabbed Maggie’s bag from the back seat. Follow me. What the heck is in here anyway?

Hey, give me that. You shouldn’t be carrying that, Maggie said, scrambling to catch Melanie as she strode up the drive to the back of the house.

I’m pregnant, not an invalid, Melanie replied. You can wait until I’m further along to pamper me. She smiled over her shoulder. In fact, I’ll insist on it.

Deal.

Maggie followed Melanie up the stairs to the apartment above the garage which had always been used as a storage room. You don’t have to put me out here. I’ll behave, I promise.

Melanie didn’t reply. She merely opened the door and stepped aside to let Maggie enter first.

Any flippant remarks died on her lips as she looked around. The room had been transformed into a warm and cozy studio apartment. She stepped into a large room with hardwood floors and a dormer ceiling. A small, basic kitchen was tucked into one end, with yellow gingham curtains at the window. A quilt-covered brass daybed was arranged against the opposite wall. In between there was a comfortable-looking armchair and a reading lamp across from a small TV set on a crate. A bouquet of wildflowers arranged in a mason jar on the kitchen table completed the homey picture.

Maggie looked around in wonder. It’s perfect. I love it. How did you do all this? When?

Melanie beamed with pleasure. I’ve always wanted to fix this place up so I had already started on it when you said you were coming home. I thought that Adam and I could stay out here until we got back on our feet but…well, then Mom died and suddenly we had the house to ourselves. I thought that you’d like a place of your own to get away. You always did. Are you sure it’s okay? I didn’t have the time to finish the other room—it’s still full of junk— but at least there’s a small bathroom. We can do the rest of the renovations together so you can have a proper bedroom.

It’s perfect. Thank you, Mel. Maggie grabbed her bag and hoisted it on to the chair. I have a little surprise for you too.

Melanie clapped her hands. Oh goody! A present for me!

Maggie handed her a shopping bag. Sorry I didn’t have time to wrap it.

That’s okay. Wow, this is heavy. What the heck did you get? Melanie peeked inside. Oh. Books. Thanks.

Maggie folded her arms and hugged herself. Not just any books. Baby books. Books on how to take care of yourself now and the baby later.

Melanie glanced up at her.

Well, Maggie faltered, I figured that neither one of us has any experience with babies. She stepped forward when she saw Melanie’s eyes fill with tears.

Hey, Mellie, what’s wrong? If you don’t like them, we can take them back and get something else. Little sleepers or a teddy bear or something. Don’t cry!

Melanie dropped the bag of books and hugged Maggie hard. It’s not that. It’s just— so sweet!

Maggie returned her hug and patted her back. Don’t worry, Mel, we’ll get through this together.

Melanie stepped back and swiped at her eyes and laughed to see that Maggie’s eyes were wet too. Don’t you go getting weepy on me. I can blame mine on hormones at least.

I’m not crying, Maggie answered, wiping at her eyes. It’s my damned allergies. I haven’t been back two hours yet and I’m already sneezing.

Melanie smiled. Welcome home, Maggie.

Before Maggie could reply, they heard the tick-tick of dog nails coming up the stairs. The white mutt went directly to the bed and hopped up. It looked over to where Maggie and Melanie stood and rested its head on its paws.

Melanie laughed. You may not have a dog but it looks like a dog has you.

Maggie put her hands on her hips. Just what am I going to do with you anyway?

Why don’t you take it by the veterinary hospital in the morning? They might know who it belongs to, Melanie suggested. People are always posting lost and found notices there.

Maggie nodded. Good idea. Now, on to more important matters. Do you have anything to eat around here?

* * * * *

Maggie shuffled around her room in her bathrobe the next morning, going through the cupboards in the kitchen desperately looking for coffee. She nearly cried when she finally spotted the jar of instant tucked in the back behind a box of cereal. She snatched it with one hand and got a mug with the other. It wasn’t exactly gourmet but at this point any caffeine was good caffeine.

She closed her eyes as she swallowed the first tepid sip. It was weak and bitter but she imagined she could already feel her blood moving just a little faster.

She leaned against the counter and opened her eyes, spotting the dog across the room. He was sitting in her reading chair worrying his paw. He kept licking it over and over again.

He definitely needed to go to the vet.

Maggie looked at her watch. It was after eight. She could take a quick shower and take the dog over to the vet by nine. Maybe she’d beat the rush.

She’d stop at the grocery store for some decent coffee on the way home.

After her shower, Maggie pulled on a pair of faded jeans, a white t-shirt and dabbed a little gel in her damp curls. She made a face at her reflection. She looked like she’d been caught in a rainstorm, with her dark hair hanging limply around her shoulders, but it would take too long to dry. She shrugged and grabbed her purse. She was just going to the vet, after all. She’d leave the top down in the car. Maybe that would help.

The town looked the same. That was all she could think as she drove toward the animal hospital. It was as if nothing had changed in the ten years she’d been gone. The traffic light she now waited on was still the only one in town.

Small town Ohio, the heart of it all. A far cry from New York, where she’d spent the last six years.

The credit union still stood on the corner of Main and Chestnut. And most of the businesses were familiar ones—the bakery, the donut shop and the feed store. The hardware store had changed names at some point but the window display looked the same as ever to Maggie’s unschooled eye. Nothing had changed at all, Maggie thought with wonder. Okay, the tattoo and piercing parlor was new.

It was sort of comforting to know that some things had moved with the times.

The dog looked quite content as Maggie drove along, hanging his head over the door, a doggy grin pasted on his face as his tongue flopped in the wind. He barked happily as she passed an Amish buggy.

Buddy, you’d better be glad you’re safe in here with me or that horse would stomp you flat, Maggie said with a laugh.

The parking lot in front of the animal hospital was so quiet that Maggie was afraid that she had not only beaten the rush but the veterinarian as well. She pulled up in front of the door and saw that they were indeed open.

Okay, pooch, let’s go and see if we can find where you live. She didn’t have a leash so Maggie picked the dog up, not trusting him to follow her into the office. The last thing she wanted right now was a game of chase.

The waiting area was deserted and smelled of disinfectant. In the back she could hear the yelps and howls of the in-house patients. The dog in her arms started to tremble the moment they walked in the door.

Maggie patted him and wandered over to the bulletin board to see if anyone had posted a notice that fit his description.

Can I help you?

Maggie turned to see a young woman with a long ponytail and braces standing behind the counter. She looked like a fourteen-year-old wearing a lab coat.

I hope so, Maggie answered, walking back toward the reception counter. I found this little guy on the road yesterday and was hoping that maybe someone had posted a notice for a lost dog. I think he needs to be looked at too, his foot—paw—seems to be bothering him.

The girl reached out to pat the dog. I haven’t seen any notices for a dog like this up anywhere. But you can see the doctor now if you like. Just wait in here.

Maggie followed her into a small examination room off the waiting area. There was a stainless steel table in the middle of the room but Maggie continued to hold the dog. His trembling had increased when the receptionist closed the door behind them.

Ssh, it’s okay, Maggie murmured as she scratched the dog’s ears. Have a little doctor phobia, don’t you?

To calm the dog and pass the time, Maggie walked around the room. There were posters of different breeds of dogs and cats behind the door—from what she could tell her new friend was a mutt. Tacked up on the paneling was a graphic depiction of what heart worms can do to a pet. Maggie passed that one quickly and glanced at the diploma that was displayed near the medical equipment cabinet: Arthur Samuel Callahan.

She didn’t immediately recognize the name but something was tickling the back of her mind. Her own mother had never allowed them to have any pets, saying that they were too messy and too much trouble, so she had never had any dealings with the local veterinarian. She wasn’t able to match the name with a face.

Until he came through the door a moment later, that is.

Good morning, I’m Dr. Callahan. So, what seems to be the problem this morning?

Maggie stared in disbelief. It was Sam Callahan, the coolest, cutest and most dangerous guy in twelfth grade.

Only they weren’t in high school anymore.

His sandy hair was much the same and so was his smile. He still had the little chip in his front tooth that he got in a fight with Johnnie Hasselback behind the gym after school one day. But the boyish body she remembered had filled out over the years. Instead of lean and lanky, now he looked solid and toned. There were laugh lines at the corners of his eyes and his skin was golden from