Page 17 of Fighting for Family

“No. Kassie’s packages have helped a lot. We appreciate the goodies you all send. It gives us a piece of home,” Shadow said, sobering. “I love you, Avie.”

“I love you,” she murmured.

“Ty?” Sparky called.

“I’m here, sweetheart. Mom says hello and sends her love,” Ty said, staring at his wife.

“Shadow put me in a garbage dump. No steaks for him for at least a month,” she quipped.

“You got it, babe,” Ty agreed.

“Whatever happened to what happens with the team stays with the team?” Shadow argued, giving Sparky a little nudge.

“It will when you stop taking my lotion. Get some from Taco. Tess sent him a year’s supply,” Sparky teased.

“How do you know it’s me?” Shadow insisted.

“You’re the only man who washes up and smells like lavender,” she laughed.

“It keeps the bugs away,” he muttered. “Taco’s attracts them.”

“I’ll send you both a bottle,” Ty said, grinning. “I love and miss you, beautiful.”

Kassie walked to the bedroom door. “Who wants to say hello to the team?”

The kids ran into the bedroom, creating pandemonium.

“Hi, Daddy,” Miya exclaimed.

“Dad,” Deni said, tearing up at seeing Shadow.

The team grinned as the children asked questions.

“What time is it there? Mrs. Smith says it’s daytime there when it’s nighttime here. Have you seen a camel? Did you ride one? Did you get my picture?” They all asked at once.

Melody hung along the back, holding Emma’s hand. When they finished asking questions, the young group parted, letting her come forward.

“Mom said you didn’t find Dad. Does this mean he’s still alive?” she asked hopefully.

Kassie knelt beside her. “As much as we wish otherwise, the evidence says differently. Remember when your mama talked to you about it?”

“I know,” Melody insisted. “You won’t stop searching for him, will you?” she asked, searching the team’s faces.

“No,” Saint vowed. “Your dad never stopped searching for Whiskey or Ragu. We won’t give up on him.”

Melody nodded. “Be careful, and I love you. I know you’re working hard. Mom says we must support you like Dad did. I can send you pictures or write letters.”

“You know, I’d really like a picture instead of having to stare at Taco’s ugly mug,” Shadow informed her.

“Do you think I can get one?” Patch asked.

“I’ll draw you a picture of your pink house. Dad says he’ll never let you live it down,” Melody replied. “Don’t worry, Uncle Taco, I’ll draw you without your ugly beard.”

Patch grunted.

“Hey,” Taco exclaimed. “You wait until I get a hold of you. I’m gonna tickle you until you tell everyone I’m your favorite.”

“You’re all my favorites,” Melody said. “I love you.”