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But he’d also testified against Sebold in a closed statement and helped put the man behind bars, so...
“Yes,” said Hunter, and he squeezed Kemar’s shoulder.“Kemar has a clean slate.”
Kemar wiped his eyes.Smiled, although it was shaky.“We’re going to be adopted.”He swallowed, then his eyes filled again and he smiled up at Hunter.
Oh.And now Declan’s throat tightened a little.
Yes, this was what it felt like to be wanted.
“We’re going to miss you,” Declan said, and held out his hand to Kemar.
The boy shook it.“Thank you, Mr.Stone.”
Declan tousled Jamal’s hair.“You guys ready to go?”
“They’re packed,” said Tia.“Mo is on his way to pick them up, so we should head back to Hope House to say goodbye, huh?”
Declan turned to Hunter.“When are the proceedings in America?”
“Not for a few months.But it’s just a formality,” Hunter said.
“We’re a family now.”Elise pulled Jamal close.He put his arms around her waist, and she kissed the top of his curly-haired head.
“You coming with us to the Keys?”Hunter said as Kemar, Jamal, and Elise followed Doyle and Tia to the oversized golf cart.
Declan’s mouth made a grim line, and he stuck his hands in his pockets.“There’s still so much to do here, and?—”
“And you don’t have to be in charge of it all.Trust your people.Trust the Lord.”Hunter put a hand on his shoulder.“Sure, you’re needed here.But you get to live happily ever after too, Dec.”He squeezed his shoulder, then walked over to the cart.
Declan watched them go, driving into the hills toward the orphanage overlooking the village.
The sound of machinery hummed down the street, along with the jangle of bicycles andbrrof golf carts.The tangy smell of street food and the scent of the ocean hung in the air.
“Grace, son.And mercy.We don’t realize it, but they surround us every day.”
Yes, they did.Time to start living like it.
* * *
Music spilled from the back of the small, almost rustic cottage, the sun dipping into the ocean behind it, the seashell path lit up with welcoming solar lights.Even from the driveway, the string lights lit up the backyard firepit area, and the scent of grilling burgers, brats, and shrimp seasoned the air.
Go.In.
Austen sat in her open Jeep, parked at the end of the drive, hands gripping the wheel.
Don’t.Run.
“So.What’s it going to be?”
She looked at Hawkeye in the passenger seat.Dark hair in tangles from today’s wind, a tan, whiskers on his chin, he wore the required tie-dye shirt, one of Margo’s originals.Austen had dug one out too—a crop shirt that tied in the front.She’d added a pair of green cargo pants that had survived the looting of theFancy Free, and a coral necklace.
“You didn’t have to come with me.”
“And have Steinbeck hunt me down?”He held up a hand.“No, thanks.He’s scary.”
She laughed, then sighed.Closed her eyes.
“Sorry, sis.I want to stay, but I need to find her.I know, in my gut, she’s in trouble.”