Page 119 of Boomer

Boomer rose and walked over to the bookcase. Ansel’s final piece was…exquisite, masterful for a boy of seven. The glazing gave it a shiny quality, bringing out the variegation in the clay. Emil’s face was beautiful, rapt with joy, the detail made his throat tight. “You did your father justice, Ansel. This is a masterpiece.”

The boy blinked quickly, then burst into tears. He buried his face in Boomer’s leg. Boomer knelt down and gathered him into his arms and just held him. He left with the kid walking beside him and they entered the living room together. Ansel went over to Taylor and climbed up next to her on the sofa, snuggling against her.

“Hey, mate,” Bash said from a chair next to Mr. Hoffman.

Boomer nodded, smiled. “Bash.”

“Carter,” Alaric said. “Thank you for coming.”

“Of course.”

“We wanted to say to you both in person that we’re so grateful to you and Bash for what you did for our family. If it wasn’t for your help…”

Boomer took in a hard breath, clasping Alaric’s offered hand in a tight grip. “You’re welcome.” He looked at Taylor, her eyes shining. “I’m just grateful we all came out of it in one piece.”

“Yes,” his mother said. “Since you have two good hands, it’s time you gave us a taste of your Oma’s cooking through her grandson.”

He looked at Taylor and laughed softly, “Only if I’m assisted by two amazing cooks. We’ll make something together.”

Once in the kitchen, Boomer turned to Taylor’s mom. “Mrs. Hoff?—”

“Gretchen,” she said firmly.

His heart jumped. “Gretchen, I’m sorry that you had to see that violence in your home and see me as the one creating it.”

She shook her head. “You didn’t create it, you ended it, and I’m thankful that you are the man you are. You’re a hero to us, nothing less, Carter. Your Oma was a proud woman, I’m sure.”

Later after the meal, Bash came up to him as he was washing the dishes. He picked up a towel and started to dry. “You're in love with her.”

Boomer looked at him, he would wait and give those words to Taylor first.

“You don’t have to say it. I see it.” His voice dropped low, regret clear. “I’ve been where you are, mate. Thought I’d have time. Thought I could wait.” He looked over his shoulder at Taylor. “I was wrong.” His jaw clenched, his voice going gruff. “Don’t be me. Tell her, Carter.”

Boomer nodded. “In my own time. I will. Thank you, Benedict.”

He set down the towel. “I’m heading out in a couple of hours. I’m sure we’ll cross paths again, and when we do, it’ll be an honor to operate with you again, you Yankee Doodle bastard.”

With a bark of laughter, Boomer turned to him. “Hoo-Yah,” he said, then they hugged tight and hard.

He watched as Bash said his goodbyes, knowing that it was long past time to go home and face his demons.

The air was still,the way it only got in Arlington, like even the wind knew to hold its breath.

Boomer crouched low, brushing a scatter of leaves from the marble headstone with slow, reverent fingers. The name carvedinto white stone still looked too sharp. Too fresh. Like grief itself had etched it in his chest.

His heart was a knot of wire, tight and tangled. He’d spent years learning to breathe around it. Now… he was ready to undo it.

“Take your time, Carter,” Skull said behind him, voice soft as moss.

“Do him justice,” Iceman murmured.

Boomer looked back at them, his brothers, the ones who never let go even when he had. His throat worked, but no sound came at first. “Hey man,” he rasped, “it’s been a while.” His fingers curled against the cool stone. “The last time I came, I was wasted. Lost. Broken. I didn’t even know what to say to you.” The silence stretched. In it, he could almost hear Mike’s voice, steady, wry, alive in memory.Tell me, man. I didn’t save your life just to have you tank it.

Boomer huffed out a breath that was half-laugh, half-sob. “I know. I know, brother. I’m sorry you died. Sorry you didn’t get to live the life we talked about. That tore me up…and I couldn’t even look the guys in the eye. They didn’t blame me, never that, but they reminded me of what I lost every damn day.”

Breakneck stepped closer, set a firm hand on his shoulder. “You carried all of us, Boom. We never expected you to carryhim, too.”

Boomer nodded, chin trembling.