With a laugh, Rose threw herself into my arms. I caught her in a bear hug that lifted her off her feet.

"I can't believe you're here," she squealed.

When I set her down again, she drew away and a shadow passed across her eyes. But the next instant, it vanished.

She shot out a fist and sucker-punched me right in the gut. "Took you long enough."

The sting of her words hurt much worse than the dig of her knuckles. I deserved it, too, much ...