Page 94 of Fighting for Family

Dude took her hand and said, “I’m sorry, Catherine. Leo came through for us when we needed him. We’ll never forget it. We’ll always be at your service.”

“I appreciate it,” she murmured as the crowd became stifling.

A local shopkeeper approached her. “Catherine, it was a wonderful service. I know they said to meet at the community center, but I knew I needed to tell you something. Leo came in before he left. He ordered you a new rocking chair for the baby. He said he didn’t give you a break and the old one needed replacing. I’ll have it delivered tomorrow.”

Catherine nodded. “If you’ll excuse me for a minute.” She pushed her way through the horde of guests and entered her bedroom. She placed her back against the door, unable to breathe. They’d only said goodbye an hour ago, and Leo forced her to replace her memories with new ones. She wasn’t ready. Anger boiled up inside of her. Leo didn’t get to decide when she moved on. He left her there with four children to raise and a broken heart.

CHAPTER 31

Doc knelt beside Leo. “We’re landing in an hour. I’ll help you dress. How do you feel?”

“Like I got shot and it fucking hurt,” Leo said, struggling to speak.

Chase chuckled. “We’ll run some tests and see what we can fix once we get back home.”

“Take me to Catherine,” Leo said, reaching for her lock of hair, Melody’s picture, Derrick’s pacifier, and Gracie’s rattle. He spent months lying on a wooden board, praying he’d get a second chance to spend time with his family. The fights over his work hours clicked into place, and he saw Catherine’s point of view. Instead of lip service, he needed to put his family first. If it meant fewer jobs or allowing teams to go without him, he’d make it work. Leo needed a second chance.

“They’re at your house. Kassie keeps calling and texting, asking when we’ll be there. I can’t answer the phone without telling her. We’re doing this your way. If it were me, I’d want to see my wife and kids first, too.”

Taking a hot washcloth, Doc scrubbed the months of grime from his face. He shaved off the haggard beard and helped him bathe. Amena did her best to keep him clean with the village water and the slivers of soap she cut to make enough for everyone. By the time Doc finished, he felt like a new man.

Taking out a pair of camo pants and a T-shirt, Doc laid them on the cot. He unbuckled his belt and handed it to Leo. “This will at least keep your pants from falling off as we walk.”

“You know me. I always make a grand entrance,” he quipped. This time he noticed Doc didn’t smile. He saw the months of agony weighing heavily on his friend’s heart, as it did on his teammates’.

Saint held him as Doc pulled the pants up and buckled the belt around his waist. It felt good to wear regular clothes.

“Do you want to sit in the seats for a bit before we land? I have the SUVS waiting. Ivan messaged ahead and requested his men bring them. We’ll head straight to your cabin.”

“Yeah,” he said, holding his throat. Doc handed him his first half cup of hot coffee.

“Let it cool a bit,” he advised. “Amena told me about your difficulty swallowing.”

“Do you think Catherine will be pleased I can’t talk as much?” he forced out.

Doc grinned. “I’m sure at some point it might cross her mind.”

Saint helped him to his seat and started to walk away when Leo touched his arm. “Sit with me.”

Sitting beside him, Saint waited for him to speak.

“I owe you my life. Taco and Shadow said you refused to give up. What do you say about entering a partnership with Whiskey and me? I’m thinking you need to own a stake in the company.”

“I didn’t do this for a reward. You’re my brother,” Saint argued.

“Yes,” Leo nodded. “But I have plans. I’ll need someone to share the burden of the responsibilities. I can’t wait to see what Whiskey created, but I’m stepping back to focus on my family.”

“One thing I learned is we don’t always get second chances,” Saint said quietly. “We’ll talk about it once you’re feeling better. Right now, let’s be grateful you’re here and celebrate it.”

“I love you, Saint. You stuck by my side from the very beginning. I’m honored to have you as my brother,” Leo said, his eyes turning glassy. “You, Taco, Shadow, Whiskey, and Ragu have followed me on this journey. I’m a grateful man.”

“I love you, too,” Saint said firmly. “Let’s find your wife.”

“Make sure she doesn’t have any guns or knives. I might’ve pushed her over the edge with this one,” Leo admitted.

“You’ve got a point. We’ll cover your ass,” he said, lightly punching him.

The plane touched down, and Leo’s heart raced as everyone deboarded the plane. A few minutes later, the second half of his team landed. Leo refused to leave until they all arrived.