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“It’s lovely to meet you, Harlow,” said Doug, kissing her cheek. She smiled at him, nodding.
“Harlow, welcome to the family,” said Miguel. “You’re stunning. Well done, Nate.”
“Hello, little one. You are safe here. That’s all you need to know,” said Trak. He could feel the fear coming from her body and gripped her hands. “You have nothing to fear here. No one will harm you. No one will come near you here unless they’re family.” Nine, Miller, Gaspar, Ghost, and Ian walked up, and Harlow stared at the men, taking a half step backward.
“They are friends, little one. They are the founders of what you see here,” said Trak with a concerned expression.
“I’ve met you all before,” she whispered, staring at Trak and then the other older men.
“I don’t think that’s possible,” said Nine. There was a sudden realization passing across Harlow’s face, and she covered her mouth. “Harlow? Are you alright?”
“You’re right. We’ve never met, but I saw a photo of you.”
“A photo?” frowned Gaspar. “Where did you see a photo of him.”
“Not just him. All of you,” she said, waving her hand at the group. “There were a few other men that looked like you and this very large black man.”
“Where, honey?” asked Nate. “Where did you see a photo?”
“My father had it. It was on his desk in a folder with a bunch of other photos. I didn’t see the others. I only saw that one. You were all walking down the steps of a courthouse building.”
“Do you think he still has these photos?” asked Nate.
“I would think so. My father never got rid of anything. Even files that they were supposed to shred from the justice, he would bring home and keep in a separate office file room. It was like a safe room with this huge steel door. It’s behind the wall of one of the bookshelves in his library.”
“That’s illegal,” frowned Katrina.
“I know, and when I mentioned it to my father, it earned me a solid backhand.” She blushed, turning away, and Trak touched her cheek.
“You hold no shame in your parents’ actions. No man will ever hit you again. None.” He stared at his grandson, giving a silent warning even though he knew Nate would never harm the girl.
“She’s safe, Grandpa. I promise.”
“Let’s get up to the cafeteria,” said Gaspar. “The others are waiting to welcome Harlow over some breakfast.”
Nate held her hand as Fritz stayed at her heels. The walk toward the cafeteria was beautiful, with gorgeous plants, trees, and pathways.
“Nate? Why would my father have photos of those men?”
“I’m not sure, honey, but I’m pretty sure it’s not good.”
If Harlow thought she was overwhelmed by the people when she got off the helicopter, she was almost speechless as they entered the cafeteria. More than two hundred people surrounded her, telling her she was safe.
“Harlow, please take a seat,” smiled Dylan. “You must be starving after that flight.”
“I’m hungry and a little tired,” she smiled. “But whatever you’re cooking smells divine.”
“It’s one of my favorites. Spinach and mushroom quiche with spicy sausage. I’ve got candied bacon, fruit, warm breads, and much more.”
“The fruit seems misplaced here,” smirked Harlow. Dylan laughed.
“I have to try, Harlow. I have to try. Enjoy, and let me know if you need anything at all. I’m always happy to make something special if you like.”
“How are you doing with all this?” smirked Nate.
“Honestly? I’m completely overwhelmed, breathless, and so grateful I’m not sure where to begin, Nate. Are you sure this is something you want to take on? That I’m something you want to take on?”
“Listen to me, babe. I knew you were the woman for me even when I thought you were too young. I made you leave Quinn’s party quickly because I didn’t want to do something stupid. That was when I thought you were a kid. When I learned that you were a woman, a full-grown, legal, intelligent woman, my entire fucking world was rocked.”
