Page 27

Jude

“ S o, Jude,” Oliver said, a sly grin tugging at his mouth. “You’re the woman who finally got our boy here to stop pretending he’s married to the job.”

The others chuckled.

Cyclone groaned and rubbed his hands over his face.

“She’s been here thirty minutes, and you’re already trying to embarrass me.”

I smiled, feeling a warmth in my chest that had nothing to do with the fire.

“I’m just glad to be here,” I said honestly.

Well, we will see you around, Oliver said, and they all got up and started putting their paper plates in the garbage.

“You don’t have to rush off because I’m here,” I said, hoping they would leave anyway.

Cyclone leaned over and pressed a soft kiss to my temple.

“You’re safe now,” he whispered.

And for the first time in a long time, I believed him.

I let myself relax, sinking deeper into the warmth of the fire, the laughter, the feeling of belonging, as the guys headed out.

For a long time, Cyclone and I just sat there. Peace washed over me. I told him everything I had done since I last saw him.

The ocean kept whispering, the fire kept burning, and for the first time in what felt like a lifetime...

I let myself dream about a future that didn’t hurt to imagine.

Maybe healing didn’t come all at once.

Maybe it came in small moments like this.

A touch.

A laugh.

A home you didn’t know you were missing until you walked through the door.

I leaned against Cyclone’s shoulder and closed my eyes, breathing him in.

Yeah, I was finally home.