The early morning sky over Heden was still cloaked in the soft blue of dawn when Tom's designated driver pulled the car to a stop in front of the house.
The journey from the airstrip to the house had been mostly quiet but filled with the anticipation of a surprise.
"Are you really sure it's a good idea to disturb them so early in the morning?" Tom asked, not making any move to get out of the car
"Both our parents are early risers. Don't worry. They will be happy to see us even if we show up at two in the morning," Lucas assured Tom as he opened the door.
While Tom and Lucas got the bags out of the car, Lucy led Amy to the doorstep and rang the doorbell, the chime resonating through the stillness of the morning.
It was only a moment before the door swung open, revealing Janet. Her eyes widened in surprise when she saw them. "Lucy! Lucas!" she shrieked happily, her voice carrying through the house.