Page 103 of Fighting for Family

“I imagine a few years in Siberia will do that to ya,” Leo said. “Cole needs a kennel cleaner. It’s not a fun job, but someone’s gotta do it,” he said before walking over to Kit Kat and taking the baby from her.

The adults sat down at the long table with Leo at the head. He never asked for the honor, but it seemed he earned his place at the table, too.

He tapped his glass to quiet everyone as he made a toast. He glanced around at the table of the people who loved and supported him when he least expected it. He swallowed hard. Leo began his speech.

“Today, I know you put this together for me. But I’d like us to celebrate each other. Serenity Mountain has given us a second chance. As I gaze around this table, I see the people who show up when I call. They supported my wife and kids when she needed them the most.”

Catherine took his hand, giving him the courage to continue.

“My absence has made us all aware how easily a life can end and how another begins. Patch and Claire, will you please stand up?”

The couple stood, bewildered by his request.

“It’s my understanding Patch and Claire went to the courthouse and got married. They did this because Patch stayed to rescue me. It’s with great honor, I congratulate you two. The facility will pay for your official wedding because you’re part of our family, and we want to see you take your vows to one another. The grans have offered to plan everything, Claire.”

“Thank you, Leo,” Patch said as they sat down.

“Will Patch and Knight rise?” Leo requested. “You’ve shown extraordinary bravery and courage by searching for me. Then you proved your stupidity when you returned after your children were born.”

The crowded barn roared in laughter.

“I’m honored both of you named your children after me. I hope to always live up to the example you’ve set for me.”

Leo turned to his wife. “Kit Kat, will you stand?”

Catherine rose from her seat. “You showed courage under fire. I don’t have a prize to give you or a gift to tell you how much you mean to me. Tomorrow morning, we’re leaving for a week’s vacation. I’m taking you someplace warm, and I didn’t make the plans this time.”

The table erupted in laughter as they recalled their trip from hell.

“I’ve made all the arrangements for the kids, and we’ll do a family vacation in Russia.”

Kit Kat smiled, and yet he could tell she didn’t believe him.

“Doc’s meeting us at the facility at 0900 to take us to the jet.”

She still didn’t appear convinced. Soon, she’d see he meant every word.

He raised his glass and the adults raised theirs. Seeing their smiling faces made his chest burst with emotion. Because of them, he built something far more valuable than money and things. He built it for love of friends, his brothers in arms, and his kids. An unbreakable bond to last forever. “May we all remember what’s important in life and never take it for granted. To my family, the one worth fighting for.”

EPILOGUE

Leo closed the last suitcase, and Saint carried it to the car.

“Kit Kat we need to leave,” he called, knowing she worried about leaving the kids. “Mom and Dad will be here to watch, and their aunts and uncles promised to relieve them. They’re sending pictures daily,” he assured her.

“Did the wedding planner get all the details I requested?” he whispered to Saint.

Yes. Samantha packed the dress and accessories, and they’re already on the plane,” Saint informed him.

Kit Kat entered the room. “What about your PT? What if Melody needs us?”

His daughter still needed daily reassurance. Something he planned to fix when he returned with individual daddy-and-daughter dates for his girls and quality time with his sons.

“We’re calling them every day for half an hour,” he said, settling the argument. “Doc assured me a week off won’t hurt.”

“All right,” she said, still disbelieving his plans. He noticed by her half-packed suitcase. Whatever she didn’t bring, they’d buy.

This was about proving he was putting her first.