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Across the room, Tenaya rose on tiptoe to kiss Graham's weathered cheek. "I'm so happy we reconnected, Dad."
The gruff ex-drill sergeant turned away, but not before Mason caught the glimmer of tears in his eyes. He engulfed his daughter in a bear hug, holding on until she laughed and pushed at his chest.
"Dad, you're going to crack my ribs!"
Tires crunched on gravel outside, and the room fell silent. The front door burst open, and Kellen catapulted into the house, Bridger and Jane on his heels. Jane swiped at her damp cheeks, her smile wobbly but blinding.
Kellen skidded to a halt and fumbled for the light switch. The moment the room flooded with brightness, the team erupted in cheers. "Congratulations!"
The boy stood frozen, eyes wide and mouth agape. He blinked once, twice, then a grin split his face. He wrapped his slender arms around himself and bounced on his toes, a bubble of laughter escaping him. “No way! I’ve never had a surprise party before.”
Mason's vision blurred, hot tears spilling down his cheeks. He felt Avery's arm slide around his shoulders, and he leaned into her solid warmth, accepting the comfort she offered.
He wasn’t the only one. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house. Tai had his big, old arms wrapped around Tenaya. Graham stood next to them, trying to look serious, but totally failing. Paige and Paul hovered next to the punch bowl, both swiping at tears. He even saw Fenn reach for Kate’s hand. For once, she didn’t inch away.
Bridger and Jane appeared in the doorway, arms linked and faces aglow. Bridger raised a hand, and the raucous cheering faded.
"Ladies and gentlemen," he began, voice thick with emotion, "I'd like to introduce Mr. Kellen Jason North."
Kel danced in place, his small body vibrating with energy and emotion. The room exploded in fresh applause and whistles. Mason whooped and clapped until his palms stung.
Leaning close to Avery, he said, "He took his uncle's name. Cool."
The team swarmed forward, engulfing the new family in hugs and congratulations. Mason hung back with Avery, sensing her hesitation.
She tipped her head toward the joyful knot of people. "You're truly blessed."
"More than I deserve," he agreed, watching his friends - his brothers and sisters - celebrate. But not, he realized, more than he wanted. Having Avery here was a start, but he wanted more.
He wanted a future with her in it.
Avery's elbow nudged his ribs. "They look like they've been a family forever."
Mason nodded slowly. "In God's eyes, I think they have been. No matter what they went through to get here, this was ordained."
"I hope so." Avery turned to face him fully, her gaze searching his. "If that's ordained, then maybe this is, too."
For a breathless moment, Mason struggled to pull air into his lungs. He was no stranger to the power of dark emotions, but the sheer force of this joy, this rightness, brought him to his knees.
He twined his fingers with Avery's, the rest of the room fading into the background. "Count on it."
Then, before his courage could desert him, he hauled her into his arms and kissed her, pouring every ounce of hope and promise into the press of his lips on hers.
This, right here, was exactly where he was meant to be.