Page 172 of Us Defiant Few

Winnie entered the house, wearing a new blue dress she’d made with tiny yellow stars speckled all over. Her white hair was pulled into a bun, and when she saw spotted Khalani holding Elise, she burst with joy, dancing toward them.

“How’s Winnie’s beautiful grandbaby doing today?” Winnie carefully lifted Elise into her arms, snuggling her face as Elise made adorable baby sounds.

“She finally slept through the night for once.” Khalani smiled as Winnie bounced Elise on her hip. “How’s the writing coming?”

After the battle, they’d returned to Braderhelm Prison to retrieve Winnie’s typewriter and the rest of the books from her library.

Just like Khalani had promised.

“Winnie’s nearly finished with the book!” she exclaimed. “She’s still thinking of a good title, though. What do you think of Falling Up?”

“Falling up?” Serene echoed.

“Yes! She wants it to be about humanity’s lingering hope after collapsing underground. How we rose past the lies and crawled back to the surface. Falling Up.”

“I like it,” Khalani stated.

“That makes Winnie so happy,” she squealed. “How’s your brother doing, Serene?”

“Still in Vegas helping the Aces build their casino. But I think there’s a girl he likes.”

“Bright and handsome young man he is.” Winnie winked.

“Don’t let him hear you say that. Goes straight to his head.” Serene mimed shooting her brain.

“Is that a poopy diaper Winnie smells?” Winnie sniffed Elise’s butt, and her nose wrinkled as Elise smiled coyly. “Oh, yes, it is. Let’s get you all cleaned up.”

“I can do it, Winnie,” Khalani said.

“Nonsense! Grandma Winnie is on duty. That’s right,” Winnie sang in a high-pitched voice as she took Elise to the bedroom.

Moments later, the back door opened.

Brock, Derek, and Takeshi stepped inside. Their T-shirts and sweatpants were stained with black dirt from the mysterious work they’d been doing for the past few months.

Khalani immediately ran to her husband, who lifted her into his arms, kissing her without a care who was watching.

“All right, all right. You guys don’t have to be so cute all the time,” Serene grumbled.

“You’re one to talk.” Brock pulled Serene into his arms and kissed her soundly on the mouth, shutting her right up. But from the blush on Serene’s cheeks, she loved every second of it.

“God, I’m so single,” Derek grumbled.

“What about that new mechanic from Apollo?” Khalani asked as Takeshi reluctantly put her down, his arm still banded around her waist.

“Sam? I don’t think he likes me.” Derek rubbed his head, shifting his weight nervously.

“No way!” Serene said when Brock finally let her breathe. “I saw him giving you the dewy eyes the other day. You should definitely talk to him.”

“You really think so?”

“Won’t know unless you try,” Brock added, most of his attention still fixed on Serene.

Derek pursed his lips, nodding slowly. “I’ll think about it. Anyway, I gotta go help Penny with the new farms. Same time for family dinner tomorrow?”

They nodded, and after hugging everyone and saying goodbye, Derek left for his white one-story house in their cul-de-sac.

“We’re gonna head out too,” Brock said, clasping forearms with Takeshi.