Page 95 of Fighting for Family

“I will go with Rayven,” Amena offered. “Can someone take me to your hospital?”

“Ivan asked Ahmed to come alone. He’ll escort you there and care for her. He’ll give you a cabin to rest. I will give you a phone to call me if you need anything,” Whiskey informed her.

“I wish you the best, my friend,” Amena said as Ahmed approached Doc and Leo.

Ahmed stared at Amena as Doc introduced them.

“Ahmed, meet Amena. She saved Leo’s life along with Rayven’s. Can you get her settled into a cabin? She’s a doctor who returned to Afghanistan, like you,” Doc said.

The two gazed at one another, and Ahmed took her hand. “You’ll love it here. The men will transfer your friend, and you can give me a report while I drive you to our hospital. We have an excellent staff. Once we get her stable, we can grab dinner, and I will take you to a cabin for some rest.”

Leo shot Doc a grin. “I see Ahmed has come out of his shell.”

“I have a feeling they’ll be getting along,” Doc said, shaking his head.

The team gathered around him. “Doc called Kassie,” he announced. “Our loved ones are still at my home. What do you say about turning this funeral into a welcome home party?”

“Right behind you, boss,” Shadow said, getting into the second SUV.

Saint turned to the others. “Get your asses in the vehicles. We’re going home.”

As if a heavy weight lifted from their shoulders, the men hustled to the vehicles, and the team turned toward Serenity Mountain to greet their loved ones.

* * *

A soft knock on the door made Catherine turn around from the window, where she stared at the mountain.

“Come in,” she called.

Kassie entered and handed her a cup of tea. She stared out the window at the majestic scene before her.

“The guests have all left except for our family,” she said quietly. “Shall I have them start packing the food?”

“Why didn’t they come?” Catherine asked the question which bothered her all day.

“They’re on their way here,” Kassie told her. “They got caught in a delay.”

“Why didn’t they leave earlier?” she demanded. “Do you know how many dinners we ate alone because Leo stayed behind to do something for them? They sent someone else to honor their brother, as if they tossed him aside. He was more than their leader. He loved them like brothers. They didn’t show up for him when his family needed them most,” she sobbed.

“Oh, honey. I don’t know what happened. But if they got delayed, it must be important. I’m sure they feel awful. We can hold a private service with them.”

“It’s not the point. Leo gave everything to his men. They didn’t show up for him,” she cried.

“I’m sure they had a good reason. You know they loved Leo,” Kassie comforted her.

“I do,” she agreed. “I’m angry he was taken from me. It hurts to see my daughter in pain. I don’t know how to breathe without him, Kassie. It hurts so bad,” she cried.

“I know. I wish I could take this away,” Kassie sobbed. “It’s not fair.”

They clung to each other as Kassie comforted her friend. They never heard the door open.

“Kit Kat,” a voice broke through their grief, and Catherine pulled away from Kassie, confused, thinking she heard Leo’s ghost. A movement from the corner of her eye caught her attention, and she turned.

Kassie gasped as Catherine gripped her hand tightly. She blinked as he said her name again, “Kit Kat.”

He limped toward her with Doc’s help. “Leo?” she whispered, afraid to believe he truly stood there in the flesh. Her heart raced, her face drained of color, and she struggled to breathe as she let go of Kassie to run straight into the arms of the man she loved. Her arms closed around his neck as she sobbed uncontrollably.

Leo stroked her hair as he crooned to her. “Shhh, I’m here. I’m finally home.”