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She hugged him close. He’d forgotten what it was like to be hugged by Ava. To be engulfed in a circle of acceptance and affection. She held on as if she would never let go, as if she would always be there. She hugged like a mom who genuinely loved all kids and wanted you to know. When he was a kid, Ava had been something of a revelation. The marshals had done their best to give him a stable home, but they’d been employees on the clock. Ava had been his best friend’s mom. She’d made him cookies and talked to him about going to college. Just as if he was a regular kid.

“I was nervous about seeing you,” he admitted, speaking softly so only she could hear.

She squeezed tighter, then released him. “I have good days and bad days.” She tilted her head.

He followed her gaze and saw the wheelchair folded up in the corner of what was clearly her home office.

“This is a very good day,” she told him, still holding his gaze. “We were so worried about you.”

“I know. I’m sorry. I would have told you if I could have.”