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If I didn’t think my best friend was hiding her true feelings for Major, I’d encourage her to go after Max.
“In case you didn’t know, Ace and Major are surly and temperamental bitches already. But if you’re advising us to have thick skin, no worries,” Jewls responds causally.
“I’ve grown up surrounded by law enforcement. The good, the bad, the devastating—I’ve known it all. At sixteen, the bad boy with the raging temper stole my heart. Now he’s a tattooed, fiercely protective, badass that carries a badge and serves his country. When he comes home, I promise I can handle anything.”
Both their faces mask with approval. Presley pats my thigh. “Of course, you can.”
Max’s phone beeps and I sit forward. He scans the message, Finn reading over his shoulder.
“My source is reporting Ace and Major are in surgery.”
“Where?” I ask anxiously.
“Don’t know, but this is good. It means they are likely in friendly territory.”
“Thank God.”
My phone rings, Cindy Powers’ name on the display. I dislodge from between Jewls and Presley, standing to take the call.
“Hey, Mrs. Powers.”
“Harley dear, are you okay?”
“Yes, are you?”
“Oh, honey, a mother is never alright in these circumstances. Every time Major is out on these missions, I barely breathe right. But we just received some promising news. Jim is calling the others now. I wanted to share with you personally.”
“What news?” All eyes swing at me.
“The men are in a Costa Rican hospital. They took Major and Ace to surgery.”
I slump against the wall in relief, relaying the news out loud. “They’re in Costa Rica.”
The guys give chin jerks in acknowledgment. My phone beeps with an incoming call. When I catch who’s calling, a fiery pain pierces my chest.
“Sandy’s calling.”
“Take her call. We’ll be in touch if we hear anything.”
“Thanks, Cindy, same here.”
When I click over, Sandy’s sniffles fill the line.
“Sandy—”
“Harley, are you alright?” Her teary voice is hoarse and broken. The pain in my chest intensifies.
My eyes go to Max, remembering earlier, and I pull myself together. She needs my strength right now.
“I’m okay, terrified out of my mind, but keeping up hope. These guys are pretty invincible.”
“You’re right. Are you really okay? I hate to think about you being alone.”
“I’m not alone. Friends are here with me.”
The security alerts us to my parents driving up. Finn and Max go to greet them. The next few minutes are a blur. I finish my call with Sandy, promising to call if we get any information. Then my parents pounce as soon as they get in the door. When they’re assured that I’m far from a breakdown, they give me some space.
Mom immediately turns on the Christmas lights around the rooms, giving the house a brightness that shifts the intensity in the air.
“I don’t care about the time. This old man needs a drink.” Dad lobbies to the liquor cabinet. “Anyone else?”
“Yeah,” Finn and Max reply together.
“Harley?”
“No thanks, Jewls sauced my tea.”
“That sounds wonderful! Jewls, whip me up one of those hot toddies,” Mom orders as if she’s here for cocktail hour.
Jewls grins, hopping over the back of the couch, Presley following her to the kitchen.
“Guys,” I try to gain the attention of the area. “I appreciate all your support and love, but it’s late. You don’t have to stay with me.”
Finn and Max are identical in stature, staring at me over the synchronized slugs of their scotch. Neither says a thing, turning back to my dad.
It may have been a silent scorn, but it was a scorn nonetheless. They aren’t leaving.
Then it hits me. This is my life.
My future.
I’ve been practically living with Achilles, Major, Talon, and Ford for months. Their bond is impenetrable. They have become a part of me.
But more importantly, I’m a part of them. Which means I’m part of this. It doesn’t matter if they just met Finn, Robbie, and Max. There’s a bond.
My throat tickles, and my mom catches my eye. She’s watching close and easy to read.
Get ready.
When it’s time, Dad will make a call. And then we will be swarmed with police and other members of law enforcement who know and respect my guys.
It won’t matter that it’s Christmas. This is family.
As it sinks in, I think of what we can do to keep busy. I may not be a great cook, but I can bake.
“Mom, want to make some cookies?”
“Do you have what we need?”
I gesture to the pantry.
She smiles wide, a slight shimmer in her gaze. “That’s perfect.”
“Jesus, all these sweets, and I’ll be diabetic when this trip is over,” Max grouses.
“You love it!” Presley calls.
“I’ll make you an oatmeal cookie,” I shoot him a sarcastic reply, “with raisins.”
“Turn those raisins into chocolate chips, we’re golden.” He pats his firm stomach.
The next hour flies by as we work side-by side, Presley keeping the conversation flowing. I force my mind to stay in the present, trying not to remember the reason we’re all gathered in the middle of the night.
