He stands at the bottom of the staircase, the plane shut down and its door locked, his pack slung over his left shoulder next to the bag with the boxed egg and the wrapped painting tucked under his right arm, and just watches her take in the world around them.

When Sharon turns to him, he walks forward and cups the back of her neck with his left hand, gently, and bends down to kiss her.

"Welcome home, angel."