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Langston’s eyes go big. “You're Enzo’s brother? How many brothers do you have, Enzo?”
Enzo frowns. “Four half-brothers. One biological brother. Two friends who I count as brothers. Probably more I’m not aware of. So a lot,” he tries to laugh it off, but it is ridiculous how many men in his life are related to him.
Langston studies Beckett.
“He’s one of the good guys, trust me,” I say.
Langston smiles gently at Beckett. “If she trusts you, that’s good enough for me.”
“Would you like to meet the babies?” I ask, hoping he says yes, since the reason we brought him here is to take care of them and be their guardian if the three of us were to perish.
“Yes,” he says, his face lighting up. But I can see what Enzo warned me about. Langston’s eyes are tired, like he hasn’t slept in months. His hair is longer than I’ve ever seen it. His usually clean-shaven face is scruffy. And although he has a nice tan from being out in the sun, he doesn’t look healthy. He looks worn down and exhausted. I’ve never seen him like this.
But it doesn’t make me doubt he’s the right man for the job. If anything, the babies will help him heal faster.
We all walk into the small nursery I set up for the babies. It contains two cribs, a dresser, and a rocking chair.
I pick up our son and hand him to Langston. He takes him a little awkwardly in his arms at first, not sure exactly how to cradle his head, but after a moment he seems more at ease.
“This is Finn Beckett Black,” I say.
He smiles at him and then registers the name. He looks at Enzo. “Finn? Really?”
Enzo nods proudly. “I named him after you and Zeke.”
Langston tries to blink back his tears, but one escapes and slips down his cheek, landing on Finn’s chubby cheek.
“Finn Black, nice to meet you,” Langston says, now rocking him a little, seeming more natural as he holds my son.
“Would you like to meet our daughter?” I ask.
Langston nods.
I pick up Ellie, and Enzo takes Finn from Langston. I hand Ellie to Langston.
“Meet Ellie Liesel Black.”
Langston closes his eyes in pain as I say her name, and I realize my mistake. Langston still thinks Liesel is dead. He doesn’t know the truth. That Felix has her and is using her as ransom to get me and Enzo to finish the game.
“It’s the perfect name,” Langston says, staring down at her, already in love with our daughter as much as we are.
After rocking her a minute in his arms, he looks up. “Is Liesel…” he can’t ask if Liesel is dead.
I open my mouth to speak, but Enzo jumps in.
“I’m sorry,” is all he offers.
Langston nods, turning his attention back to Ellie.
I frown as I look at Enzo. Why didn’t you tell him Liesel is alive?
Enzo looks me in the eyes. I understand his intentions. Langston needs to stay and take care of the babies. He’s not fit enough to try and rescue Liesel. He would get himself killed. And if we aren’t successful in saving Liesel, he won’t survive learning she died all over again. This is for the best.
I bite my lip, not sure if my husband is right or not. Langston deserves to know Liesel is alive. But I trust him to know how Langston feels right now more than I do. And besides, if things work out, we will be bringing Liesel home with us.
“So we have something to ask you,” I say to Langston.
Langston takes a deep breath looking from Ellie to Finn, then up to me. “I will protect these babies with my life.”
