I half expected to land in the empty plane right then and there, wind knocked out of me in a deep exhale of relief as Max delivered us into the basement of my house. Not that I wasn't up for the challenge or anything-sure, Syd, keep telling yourself so-the sight of Mom standing there, waiting for me, was almost enough to bring me to tears.

Almost? Okay, so a few were involved, but I hid them in her hair when I stepped forward and into her arms.

She held me a long ...