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Of course she’d say that.

And I’m not mad at her, because that’s one of the things I like about her. Those girls come first. Every time.

I admire that about you. The way you take care of them.

I appreciate that. It means a lot.

A pause.

Good night, Julian

Good night Sable

I stare up at the ceiling. I lowkey feel like I’m floating a little bit.

I’m glad you’re here.

Me too

In the darkness, I smile, but just for a second. I let the phone fall onto my chest, my fingers still curled loosely around it.

I feel a strange sensation. Something I don’t feel too often.

Peace.

I close my eyes and surrender, letting it pull me under.

27

Julian

I wake up tosunlight streaming through the windows. And to my surprise, the peace that lulled me to sleep last night still lingers.

But I can’t lay around basking in it. I have shit to do.

I shower quickly, throw on a T-shirt and sweatpants, and head downstairs barefoot. The hardwood is cold the way I like it. The air around me is still. For a moment, I’m unsettled by how quiet the house is. I was expecting a zoo. And lowkey looking forward to it. But there’s no chatter. No footsteps. No giggles or screams.

My stomach clenches.

The living room and kitchen are both empty. My heart thuds hard, the kind of thud that used to mean ambush when I was in the field. I move faster now, checking doors and corners.

“Sable?” I call out. No answer.

Fuck.

I’m halfway to my gun safe when I spot movement through the back window.

I freeze.

Outside on my patio, Sable and the girls are on yoga mats. Moving in rhythm.

Rae falls out of a pose and giggles. Sable bends over her, gently correcting her arms, laughing with her. Kelice is concentrating, trying to get her pose just right. Sable whispers something to her, and whatever it is, it makes her beam with pride.

I exhale slowly, letting the tightness melt out of me.

They’re here. And they’re safe.

I step into my slides and make my way outside. The air is fresh and clean. A breeze plays through Sable’s hair, lifting it off her shoulders. She looks up and catches me watching.