Leave The City (Book 8 of Adopted by the Josephs)

94. Samantha

The flight home from LA was uneventful but the luggage area sure wasn't. While Dylan and I were waiting for our luggage, some guy from our flight suddenly collapsed. Someone called 911 and as soon as I saw paramedics I texted Dad, knowing he was outside waiting for us and not wanting him to think we were repeating my trip when I was 15 and had a seizure coming back from California.

"Once our luggage is all off, I'm going to go to my dad," I said to Dylan.  "Even with the text, I know he's going to be worried."

"That's fine. I'll bring the cart out," Dylan smiled.

Dylan was going to OSU in the fall so he'd come with me both because he's my boyfriend and Mom and Dad invited him, and because he wanted to come to my grad here, too. Plus, he wants to check out the campus before the fall. Mom and Dad said they'd take him for a visit.

As soon as our last bag came off the belt, I put my backpack on top of the bags on the trolley and ran through the doors to make sure Dad wasn't freaking out.

As soon as I ran through the doors I took a quick look around the arrivals area and saw Uncle Josh talking to Dad, who had his back to the doors.

"Dad!" I called out as I ran towards him and Uncle Josh.

He wrapped me in a tight hug, telling me how worried he'd been when he saw the paramedics.

"I know," I said. "I know. That's why I texted you and came straight out here."

I hadn't let go of him yet. My dad gives the best hugs, and I knew he'd need a little extra proof that I'm okay.

"Where's Dylan?" He asked just as Dylan came up to us with the luggage trolley and handed me my backpack.

I'm going to UCLA in the fall, so I didn't bring everything home from LA, since I'd need it next year. I just brought enough stuff for the summer. I'd be going back with more, again.

I'll be staying with Uncle Brendon and Aunt Sarah again because Dad basically said if I want to go to UCLA,  he wants to know I'm taken care of if I need it.  Like if I get sick, get in an accident, have a seizure, have trouble with my diabetes, stuff like that. He said it was the only way he'd be okay with me going there. So I acquiesced. And why wouldn't I? I love my aunt and uncle. I love living with them.

I said hi to Uncle Josh, and then we headed to the car. Dad loaded our luggage into the back of his truck and we got into the car. He kept checking in the rear view mirror the whole way home, as if he expected Dylan and I to, what? Like, really?  But it was sweet. Dad loves Dylan, too. But he keeps reminding me that I'm still his kid and he's always going to worry over me.

As soon as we turned into our driveway I saw a whole lot of cars. I recognized my aunts and uncles and grandparents' cars.

"Daaaad," I groaned. "Why is literally everyone here?" I asked.

He said the family wanted to come and see me since I'd been away all year. But I didn't think it was fair to dump the entire family on Dylan the first time he came to Ohio with me.

But, it worked out fine. Dylan kept insisting it was fine with him and that he didn't mind. I don't know if he's telling the truth, but he's so sweet either way.

My sisters came tearing out of the house as soon as we got out of the car and wrapped themselves around my legs and Mom followed them with Tommy in her arms. He's getting so big! And he has the most adorable laugh.

Inside I said hello to my aunts and uncles and cousins, my grandparents and Aunt Debby. We sat and talked, I introduced them all to Dylan, who was so amazing, talking to my cousins, answering questions from family members, and being so present.