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His mom appeared by his side. “Ronan’s girl, Fleur, is sweet.”
He nodded. “She’s real, Mom. I saw the conditions she lived in for years. When the operators were gathering evidence, they found each of the emails she sent imploring someone, anyone, to pay attentionto the plight of the IDPs. She’s got a heart of gold.”
“Your dad told me.” She lifted her wine glass with two ice cubes floating in her red wine. “Ronan is going to come work at the mountain. Eventually.”
“He has some issues to take care of first. Wolf is trying to come back, but if he can’t, taking on a new member will be on Talon.”
“I heard. I can’t believe he’s old enough to take over a team. I can remember when he was born.”
“He’s a couple of years younger than we were, but he’s ready.”
“Ronan was talking to Dad about working with the teams, like Jacob.” She turned to him. “He wanted to ensure there was enough room for both of you to work with the teams. That was an absurd worry. This isyourorganization. Your father built it for all four of you. You can manage it any way you want.”
Deacon smiled. “I know, Mom.”
“You don’t have to stay in the field.” She took a sip of her wine. “Just my annual reminder that I’d like you home more.”
“Oh, and who’s going to keep you home?”
He laughed when she lifted her wine glass and said, “Touché.”
He dropped his arm over his mom’s shoulder. “I can’t help feeling like something is out there for me.”
“Like?” She looked up at him.
He stared out at the vast Colorado Rockies and shook his head. “I don’t know, Mom, but somehow, I think my destiny is out there, not here.”
“Then you follow that feeling, but make sure you come home to us when you find whatever is out there for you.”
He smiled and looked down at his mom, who was laughing at Con as he backed up from Gabby's horse as if it would bite him.
He laughed, too, and enjoyed the moment. Yes, his mom had aged. Her hair was mostly gray now, and there were fine lines and wrinkles on her face, but she was still the woman who raised them—the person who ensured they grew up grounded and not spoiled rich kids. She kept the family together when Charley was abducted and made sure his dad didn’t work himself to death. She was a force of nature; someday, if he were lucky, he’d find a woman like her. Someone strong enough to put up with his bullshit and deal with his love of being in the field with his team.
Until then, he’d listen to that small voice that kept him searching for his destiny.