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“Grab a plate, y’all!” Spring announced.
As they lined up buffet-style, Darcy gave Colonel Darrington’s arm a reassuring squeeze. He met her gaze, gratitude shining in his eyes. This woman who had accepted him so fully, who made him feel whole.
They filled their plates and found seats in the immense living room. Laughter and chatter continued as they ate. For now, the darkness and dangers of their work seemed far away. Here, they were just friends, celebrating a new life and new joy.
When the food had been devoured, Carter raised his glass. “To Mallory and Monroe, and their precious baby on the way. We’re so happy for you both.”
“Hear, hear!” came the chorus of replies as glasses clinked.
Mallory dabbed at her eyes. “We’re just so lucky to have you all. Our family.”
Smiles abounded, along with a few more damp eyes. After everything they’d endured, this camaraderie and love meant everything.
As the evening wound down, talk turned to plans. The nursery to finish, security upgrades to install, contingency plans to craft. Though threats remained, they would do everything to keep their family safe.
Spring found Florent on the back deck, gazing out into the night. She joined him at the railing, studying his sharp profile.
“Some party, huh?” she said.
He huffed a laugh. “Mallory and Monroe deserve all this joy.”
“Yeah.” She shuffled her feet. “So, I was thinking...”
Florent turned, one brow quirked. Waiting.
Spring’s pulse quickened. “Maybe you’d want to grab dinner sometime? When things settle down?”
His expression softened. “I’d like that.” He brushed his fingers over hers where they gripped the railing.
Anticipation blossomed in her chest. There would be time to explore this spark between them. For now, it was enough to stand together under the velvet sky.
They rejoined the others as the party wound down. Laughter echoed around the room as Carter told an animated story. Kaden and Ivy curled together on the couch, his hand resting on her belly.
Tomorrow the work would begin again. But tonight, there was friendship, family, love. The things that made it all worthwhile.
Spring met Florent’s gaze, a new warmth in his eyes. Yes, they would be okay. As long as they stood together, they could weather any storm.
Finley stepped out into the night, taking a deep breath of the cool air. So much had happened, so much revealed. But they had come through the darkness, together.
She headed for her car, keys in hand, looking forward to a hot shower and her bed. But she paused as she noticed a figure leaning against the driver’s side door. Levi.
“Hey,” he said softly. “Thought you could use some company on the ride home.”
Warmth bloomed in her chest. After everything, he was still here, still had her back.
“Yeah. I’d like that.”
They climbed into the car, a comfortable silence settling between them. Finley asked where Cash was. “Right behind you, darlin’. As Levi pulled onto the road, Cash reached over, covering her hand with his own.
“You good?” His voice was gravelly, laced with unspoken emotion.
She threaded their fingers together, squeezing once. “Yeah. I’m good.” Levi placed his hand on her thigh as he drove.
And she was. They all were. Not perfect, not unbroken. But here. Together. And their futures looked bright. And for now, that was more than enough.
THE END