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For five hours, the men said nothing on the plane. They tried to sleep, tried to read, tried to distract their minds. When Luke and Hex called for an update, Major said he’d explain when they landed. Except he couldn’t explain it. There was nothing to explain.
As they stepped onto Belle Fleur land, their hearts and minds seemed less heavy. Seeing their families, seeing those they fought for and loved, was what they truly needed.
Claudette and Mama Irene smiled at their boys.
“Come on now,” said Claudette, “we have a feast of all your favorite things. It’s time we celebrate.”
“What are we celebrating?” asked Sebastian.
“What else,” smirked Claudette. “Love.”
The men just laughed, Sebastian finding Em, Major happy to see his pregnant wife, and Forrest holding Maddie close.
“I didn’t know you were coming home,” he smiled at Maddie.
“Something said I needed to. And if I’m being honest, I needed to touch you, Forrest. I just needed to be near you.” He kissed her sweetly, smiling down at her.
“Same, baby. Same.”
“How is Daphne?” Major asked Elena.
“She’s pretty beat up, but she’ll heal. I think she’s glad she’s here. Her parents have called non-stop, demanding that she come home. Of course, she refuses, and Brix won’t hear of it. Secretly, I’m happy he’s standing up for her. She needed that.”
“Well, I need you,” he whispered in her ear.
“Me too,” she smiled up at him. “Can we skip the meal?”
“Oh, hell no,” he said with a strict face. “I am eating, and so are you. Besides, we have some things to discuss.”
As the teams moved toward the cafeteria. Claudette kissed her mother’s cheek, patting her arm.
“I’ve got ‘em, Mama.”
“I know, honey.” Matthew walked toward her, and her heart lightened. “There you are. I was starting to worry for you, and I never worry for you. Did you have a good trip? Is everything okay?”
“Here I am, and yes, everything is okay. It’s better than okay, and you knew it would be,” he said, kissing his wife.
“Is it secured?” she asked.
“It’s in the most secure place possible, my love. All is well.”
“I knew it would be, Matthew. I knew it would be.”