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My throat tightens with emotion as I watch my little doll throw his head back in laughter at something Paige says. He ducks behind his hair, flushing awkwardly when the other security guards glance his way. A shy smile crosses his lips before he turns back to his sister, and my breath catches.

He’s beautiful. Bit by bit, he’s coming out of his shell.

“Oh yes,” I murmur. “Very real. And very worth it.”

Olivia chuckles beside me. “Once he graduates, let me know. I’d love to have him join my team.”

“You’re poaching my workforce now?” I throw her an annoyed glance, and she grins back.

“He’s not technically yours anymore, right? You no longer work here.”

Well, that’s just ridiculous. “He’ll always be mine.”

Always.

Paige’s cell goes off, blaring the Bee Gee’s once again before she answers. Her expression falls when she glances up, catching sight of the three of us standing there. She says something into the phone, her tone clipped as she rounds the desk to approach us, and Shilo’s eyes light up when he notices me. He follows his sister curiously.

“I’m so sorry about this,“ Paige groans with a grimace. “The big guy upstairs just called to ensure I escort you three out.”

Declan scoffs, incredulous. “Wow. I shouldn’t even be surprised.”

He really shouldn’t, and neither should I, but it stings all the same.

“What happened?” Shilo asks, searching my face with a frown, and I lean down to kiss him—just because I can.

He gasps in surprise before chasing my mouth when I pull away, his wide eyes locked on mine. I swipe my thumb over his lip, unable to stop the smile tugging at the corners of my mouth.

“I’ll tell you at home over dinner.”

Home. Where Shilo will sit beside me on the couch, curled up in my arms. Where he’ll sleep next to me in bed. Where he belongs.

“Okay.”

We map each other’s features in silence, neither of us willing to break the connection, until an irritated sigh interrupts the moment.

“Stop defiling my baby brother and get out,” Paige growls, her nostrils flaring.

My lips twitch as I fight the urge to smirk. She hasn’t warmed up to the idea of Shilo and me, not since he admitted I was the guy he picked up in August. I’m sure she thinks her brother deserves better, and she’s probably right. But I’ll spend the rest of my days proving her wrong.

With one last heated glance at my little doll, I brush my fingers over his as Paige ushers us toward the front doors. She plants a quick kiss on Declan’s cheek before waving us on our way.

Once we reach my car, I turn to my brother and pull him into a sudden hug, catching him off guard.

“Thank you, Dec, for standing by me. For helping. I know you’ve always offered it, but… I’ve been a stubborn ass.”

Declan laughs, returning my hug tightly. “You are a stubborn ass, and it’s about time you noticed.“ He pulls back, studying me with a severe but affectionate look. “I know things were rough between us starting out, but I’ll always stand by you, Ry. I’m sorry there was ever a time when I didn’t.”

Emotion clogs my throat, and I clear it with a rough cough, clapping his shoulders before stepping back. “I’ll give you a call if I hear anything from Dad.”

We say our goodbyes, and as I settle into the driver’s seat, I take a moment to assess my mental state.

I feel… surprisingly optimistic for someone who’s just been fired. Almost giddy, even. It’s a strange, foreign feeling, but not an unwelcome one.

“So, you said to give Ronin a week.” Olivia’s voice breaks my thoughts as she pulls a tablet from her bag, her fingers flying across the screen. “What will you do in the meantime?”

“Good question.”

For the first time in years, there’s no work waiting for me. No reports to write, no conference calls to attend, no endless deadlines to meet. My week is wide open—my entire life, actually.