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“It’s good to be free.”
And that’s the truth. Every step so far has been like a prison. I haven’t felt like I’m allowed to do anything, and for a free spirit like me, that’s soul destroying.
“Hi.” Aria walks toward me with a bouncing baby in her arms. She’s so tiny and dainty. “Welcome to the mad house.”
“Hi. Is this Sharlynn?”
“It is.”
Sharlynn instantly locks her eyes on Clay and Caleb. Clay pushes Caleb’s hands away from taking his daughter and reaches for his niece. She practically bounces into his arms. I can’t take my eyes off Clay and the baby; they’re adorable. I reach out to take the little one’s hand in mine.
“She has everyone wrapped around her little finger.” Aria rolls her eyes. “Come and get a seat.”
I’m glad Aria said that. I would never say I needed to sit down first.
Clay’s mom walks out of what I believe is the kitchen, with oven gloves in her hand. “Shay, welcome home, darling.” She kisses my cheek softly and holds my face in her hands to look at me. “I can’t believe everything you’ve been through, but you’ve got us all on your side now. I know my boys will do everything they can to help you.”
“They already are, Mrs. Shawland.”
“Please, call me, Mom. You’re as good as family now. Sit down and I’ll get you a hot drink and some freshly baked muffins.”
“I could get used to this.”
“Clay said you like chocolate, so I’m afraid I’ve gone a little OTT with chocolate muffins, chocolate cookies, chocolate cake.” She shakes her head at herself and laughs.
“Oh, wow! I’m going to need Chris’s personal training sooner rather than later at this rate.”
Clay catches my arm. “Short stuff, this is Amber and Mike, two of our employees that are helping with your case.”
“Nice to put a face to the names. I’ve heard so much about you guys.”
“Likewise. Welcome home, soldier.” Mike salutes me.
I feel my heart melt. I never expected everyone to be so kind and welcoming.
“Mike and Amber are ex forces too,” Clay explains.
I nod. “Once in the forces, always in the forces,” I mumble, more to myself than anyone.
I sit down on the couch and Clay sits beside me with Sharlynn still in his arms. She’s pulling the hood on his jacket as we speak.
“Can I?” I hold my hands out for the baby.
“Sure.” Clay hands her over to me and she comes willingly. I’m glad she isn’t a strange little girl. I guess I’m not surprised with the big family she’s a part of.
“Hi, gorgeous. You look just like your mommy.”
I’ve heard all about Aria’s story. I think we’ve got more in common than we probably realize. It’s just good to see that Aria, Caleb, and Sharlynn have got a happy ever after. I hope I can have that one day.
I look around the room, and everyone’s eyes are on me and Sharlynn. I can see the love and pride. They might never have given up looking for me, but right here, I can see that they thought they’d never see this moment. I don’t blame them, because I never thought I’d be here either.
***
Later that night, all wiped out after an exhausting day, I finally snuggle down into bed with a Kindle Aria left for me. Clay must have told her that I love books, because this Kindle is loaded with lots of goodness. It will keep my mind occupied when I’ve got nothing else to do.
A soft knock on the door has me looking up from my Kindle to see Clay leaning against the doorframe. He has a cheeky smile on his face. A smile I’ve never forgotten.
“Can I get you anything before I call it a night?” asks Clay.
