Observing the idyllic scene filled Zandra with a poignant sense of homecoming.
The Brands’ summer barbecues had been one of the few highlights of her childhood. She’d looked forward to them the way most kids looked forward to Christmas. They were always held on a Saturday afternoon, the day after Royce Senior received his bonus from the steel mill where he worked. Though money had been tight, he’d always set aside funds to buy plenty of meat for grilling.
On the day of the cookouts, Zandra would rush through her chores, then race down the street to Remy’s house. The outside may have appeared as old and rickety as her own, but unlike her home, the Brand residence was filled with love, laughter and warmth. It had truly been a home.
Sometimes Zandra’s mother had accompanied her to the cookouts. Her father rarely came, and for that she’d been grateful. His surly presence would have ruined her enjoyment of the festivities, and he’d always seemed intimidated by Royce and Desmond Brand, a sense of inadequacy he would later take out on Zandra’s mother.
Whenever she’d gone on vacation with the Brands, she’d liked to pretend that she was a member of their family, that Remy and his siblings were her brothers and sisters. And as much as she’d loved and adored her mother, she’d often wished—secretly—that Royce and Bernadette were her parents. She knew Royce would never lay a hand on his wife or children, would never cause them to dread the very sound of his voice.
The Brands had always been there for Zandra, cheering her on at every important event, giving her the strength and courage to believe that she could transcend the horrors of her home life. If Racquel’s high school graduation hadn’t coincided with Zandra’s college commencement ceremony, the Brands would have found a way to make it to England to show their support.
Zandra’s mother and grandmother were gone, but they hadn’t left her without a family.
The Brands were her family. Always had been. Always would be.
When she appeared on the patio, they greeted her with such affectionate enthusiasm, she almost forgot that they’d recently vacationed together in the Caribbean. After she kissed Remy’s parents and grandparents, she sauntered over to the grill and laughed as Royce caught her, lifted her off the ground and swung her around before setting her back on her feet.
“Hey, baby girl.” He playfully tweaked her nose. “You’re just in time to be served the first burger, hot off the grill.”
“Oh, no,” Zandra protested, patting her stomach. “After the way I stuffed myself at the Taste, I couldn’t possibly eat another thing.”
Royce guffawed. “When has Za-Za ever turned down food?”
She grinned sheepishly as everyone laughed. Her huge appetite had been a running joke in the family for as long as she could remember. She loved to eat, and even now she couldn’t deny that her mouth was watering at the aroma of steaks, burgers and hot dogs sizzling on the grill.
Royce grabbed a paper plate. “Let me hook you up with a burger.”
She surrendered with a sigh. “Okay. If you insist.” She paused. “While you’re at it, add two of those beef kabobs.”
Royce laughed uproariously. “That’s my girl.”
Edging closer, River hummed appreciatively. “I don’t know where you’re putting all that food, Za,” he drawled, slowly looking her over, “but it sure ends up in all the right places.”
Remy scowled and slapped the back of his brother’s head, drawing another round of laughter from everyone.