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Rose is talking animatedly to Enzo and Kai, who just nod along, encouraging her.
“Much better, now you don’t look all icky anymore,” Rose says as we sit on either side of her.
I yawn.
“I think it’s time for us all to sleep,” Langston says, giving Rose a stare that warns her from arguing with him.
She yawns. “Okay, fine.”
“Is it okay if Liesel sleeps with us too?” he asks.
Rose nods. “She saved me. I don’t want her to be afraid if she sleeps alone.”
Langston motions for us all to stand, and he converts the couch into a small bed. Kai gathers some blankets and pillows for us.
“We’re going to sleep up front,” Kai says, and then she and Enzo leave.
Langston climbs into the bed in his fluffy robe. Rose climbs in next. I’m slow to move, too busy watching the beautiful sight.
“Liesel, get in the bed. I’m cold, and your robe will keep me warm,” Rose says.
I climb into bed and snuggle up next to Rose. Langston’s arm wraps around us both. My eyes grow heavy, but I fight sleep as long as I can, wanting to memorize this incredible moment forever. I can’t wait to have this moment with all of my children.
17
Langston
The plane lands with Rose and Liesel snuggled up against me. We slept the entire flight, and it still doesn’t seem like enough. I feel like I could sleep a month, and it wouldn’t satisfy me. That’s why we are all going to my private island—to rest, recover, and end our enemies once and for all.
Snuggling with my two girls was amazing, but my heart isn’t full. It won’t be until Atlas and Declan are both here.
We have a lot to figure out. How do we introduce Liesel to the kids? What do we tell them about Phoenix? How do we ensure the Browns and the rest of our enemies don’t come after us? What are we going to do about the treasure?
None of that matters right now, though. In a few short hours, we are all going to be together. And once we are together, nothing will rip us apart again.
Kai walks into our section of the cabin, carrying a pile of clothes. “I found these for you guys to wear.”
“Thanks,” I say before waking Liesel with a kiss on the forehead. I can’t bear to wake up Rose.
Liesel stirs and takes the clothes wordlessly back to the bathroom to change while Rose sleeps.
I put on the T-shirt and then slip into my pants while Rose continues to sleep. Carefully, I shift my arms under her body and then carry her off the plane to one of the waiting cars my staff drove over.
Rose murmurs something but stays asleep as I lay her in the backseat of the car. Liesel is right behind me. I motion for her to climb into the front seat as I jump into the driver’s seat.
Enzo and Kai ride in another car with the staff behind us.
We don’t speak as I drive us to my house. But I know we are both thinking about the last time we were here—me taking her, making her hike through the forest, threatening her life.
“I’m sorry,” I say, knowing it’s not enough.
“Me too,” Liesel says back.
“You have nothing to be sorry for,” I say.
She smiles thinly at me and then looks out the window, not responding.
As soon as we stop in front of the house, a switch flips in Rose, and she pops her head up.
