Page 175 of Trapped Truth

On my left, I recognise Ripley first. She’s standing next to Warner, grinning ear-to-ear. Her guys hover a few feet back but shout just as enthusiastically. In the last couple of months, we’ve been hanging out more. They’re fast becoming good friends.

With Gunnar lingering far from the crowd, Willow kindly keeps him company, clapping hard to join in the festivities. She has Luke at her side, though he soon makes a dash for his dad, quickly swept up into Hyland’s brawny arms.

All my family.

The entire motley bunch.

To think I once thought I had no one. In the depths of the cartel’s evil, I wondered if Tom even thought about me still. Never did I imagine that one day, I’d have an entire house full of people to love and cherish. It’s something I’ll never take for granted.

“What is this?” I gawp in shock.

“You’re leaving us.” Hudson shrugs. “Figured we should mark the occasion.”

“I still have a few more weeks of work!”

“Let us celebrate you, Ember.” Warner strides towards me to wrap his arms around my waist. “I heard you kicked the hell out of your opponent today.”

“I won.” I twist to accept his kiss. “Shame you couldn’t be there.”

“Someone had to keep this rabble in line.”

“I don’t envy you that task.”

“Well, surprise. This is all for you, love.”

With everyone here to eat, drink and celebrate, our garden is nearly packed to bursting. I can’t help smiling at the sight of Axel and Gunnar tending to the barbecue, trading jokes over beers. Seeing them hang out more and more is an incredible thing.

After another kiss, I wriggle free from Warner’s embrace to mingle. Ripley is the first to hug me while Raine gives a little wave and Lennox grants me a fist bump. I share a nod with Xander who slyly grins back. I love that psychopath so dang much.

“How was the match?” Jude asks, depositing Logan on his feet to run off.

“It was really great.”

“Any problems?”

“No, I kept in control. Not even a flash of her.”

“Well done, Em.” He claps my shoulder. “You’ve come so far.”

“Not without your help. Well, you and Doctor Richards. Just don’t tell him that.”

“Hah, I wouldn’t dare. At his age, he doesn’t need any more incentive to continue working.”

After hugging him tightly, I move to Willow next. She left the kids at home in Briar Valley with her guys, and it’s been so nice to have her here. I know Hyland’s enjoyed having her around for a while too.

“You kept this quiet.” I kiss the side of her head.

She shakes with a laugh. “It was all Tom’s idea.”

“Really? He couldn’t plan a party to save his life.”

“I think his partner had something to do with it, Warner too. Truthfully, all I did was make a salad.”

“Thank you for being here, Willow. It means a lot.”

She leans back to look into my eyes. “I’m so proud of you, Ember. Seeing you here, your home… this wonderful family… I wish I could go back in time to tell the person I met where she’d end up.”

“I’m glad you can’t.” A dull ache twists behind my breastbone.