Page 114

Even the foster kids, Karson, Carlos, and Andrew, were here and ready to jump in.
Naya gave instructions for the setup, and within an hour they had everything finished. She stood in the entryway and assessed the display. “This looks great, guys. Now for the last step.” Naya walked over to her purse and pulled out markers and cards. “I thought it would be fun for everyone to write down something they admire about Zack.”
“With all due respect,” Izan held up his hands, “you’re basically asking us to throw away our man cards.”
“A man card?” Karson puffed out his chest. “I want one of those.” He took a card from the stack and sat at the table.
“Me too.” Andrew snagged a marker and paper. “Real men share their feelings. That’s what Zack does with us.”
The crew chuckled and their faces softened. “I suppose I’ll take one.” Izan walked over to sit next to the teens. This was what Naya wanted Zack to witness. The admiration and respect everyone had for him. Not only did he make an impact each day, but he was part of this family.
Ten minutes later, the front entrance chimed.
“Places, everyone,” Naya whispered and waved her hand.
Zack stepped into the room.
“Surprise!” everyone shouted. A few whistled.
“What’s all this?” Zack glanced around.
Eddie crossed the room first. “You’re an essential part of this team, man. We’re glad you’re back.” He slapped Zack on the shoulder and guided him over to the table.
“Does this mean we can dig into those desserts now?” Ridge darted past the rest of the crew.
Amelia swatted at his hand. “Not so fast.”
“There’s something else we want to give you.” Bryce stepped up and handed Zack a frame. “Congratulations.”
Zack scanned the words and his eyes widened. “Really? I passed my hazmat training?”
“You completed all your training hours. And you certainly applied what you learned with your quick action to get yourself and Naya out of Ethos with that butane rocket.” Bryce slapped Zack on the back. “There’s no one else I’d want on my crew overseeing the hazmat unit. You’re officially the team leader.”
Karson, Andrew, and Carlos walked over to Zack and handed him a patch. “This makes it legit too.” Andrew slapped his own chest. “For your uniform.”
“I don’t know what to say.” Zack’s Adam’s apple bobbed.
“Say we can celebrate with dessert,” Ridge piped up.
Zack laughed. “Go for it, dude.”
Amelia gave Ridge a side-eye, but he shrugged. “You heard the man.” Ridge picked up a cupcake.
“Let’s bring it in.” Eddie waved people over. The guys and girls circled around Zack and wrapped their arms around each other. Ridge laughed at something that was said, and Eddie smiled.
Naya stepped back to give everyone space. Zack had found his place among the team, and she couldn’t be happier. He deserved this. After all the loss, he’d found his home.
A few seconds passed, then Zack separated from the group and headed in Naya’s direction.
His eyes locked with hers, and even in the midst of a crowded room, he still managed to make her palms sweaty. Everything dulled to a hum around her, and Naya held her breath.
“Who do I have to thank for this surprise?” A smile tugged on his lips, and the new stubble along his jawline added an extra dimension Naya liked.
Naya couldn’t take all the credit. “It was a joint effort.”
“Thank you, Nay.” The way her nickname rolled off his tongue made her mind go blank. She cleared her throat. “I, uh, have a card for you. Although,” she winced, “I was told those are a serious offense to one’s man card.”
Zack laughed, then his face grew serious. “Looks like I’m about to take a hit then.”