32 Home Sweet Home

“Mom, you can stop hugging me now.” Sarah murmured to her mother who had been holding her close for minutes now. Although it was a bit embarrassing, Sarah had missed her mother's warm embrace the most in London. Only slightly more than her Dad’s clumsy one. It's so nice to be back home. She thought, sighing contentedly. Her dismay at Eric’s lack of excitement was momentarily forgotten but not completely erased from her heart. She knew it was a long shot but hope is a killer sometimes. Michelle and Michael were both back home for Thanksgiving from their respective colleges and also to see her over the holidays. All of them had a mighty dinner that her mother had painstakingly prepared. The food was fantastic and so was the decor, not to mention the big Welcome Home banner that hung from the stairs. They were just finishing their puddings when the front door slammed open and Hannah ran inside, completely out of breath. “Sarah Stone, as I live and breathe. I thought I wouldn