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With a wardrobe that a supermodel would have been proud of, Jenna felt ready to head to Paris. She had no idea what to expect from her biological mother and not a clue as to what to expect from the ball.

“Where are we going?” she asked as they headed toward the runway in the large caravan of ATVs.

“We have a private airport for our planes,” smiled Nash.

“Planes? As in plural?”

“Yes,” he laughed. “Again, our technology here is superior to just about anyone on the planet. We have helicopters, airplanes, and hybrids of helicopters and planes that no one has seen. They’re equipped with safety and communications equipment that will protect anyone on board.”

“This is amazing,” she said, gasping as the plane came into view. “It looks like a commercial jet but sleeker, if that makes sense.” Nash nodded, agreeing with her summation.

“I know what you mean. I was shocked when I saw all of this initially, as well. Come on. Let’s get boarded.”

“What about our luggage?” she asked.

“The luggage will be put on board, don’t worry.” He took her hand and boarded with the other couples, happy that Jenna was comfortable enough that she happily sat with the other women, laughing and talking.

“This is my first time anywhere other than here and Arizona,” she grinned. “I can’t believe I’m going to France. I’m excited but nervous, too.”

“It’s okay to be nervous,” said Erin. “Maybe this can help you to finally get some answers that you really need and want.”

“I hope so,” she nodded. “I’m not even sure what answers I want. I guess I’ll start with why she gave up so quickly in finding me. I’m not a mom, but I can definitely say that if any child I knew were kidnapped, I wouldn’t give up.

“I remember one of the girls that had run from the Flaming Skulls was very young, only fifteen. She just wanted to go home, but I couldn’t find her family. I called all the numbers she had, asked police to visit their home, everything I could think of.”

“What happened?” asked Alexandra.

“They’d moved. They packed up everything and left their town, moving to another state without leaving any forwarding information. Police actually thought they had something to do with the disappearance of their daughter.

“When we finally found them, I thought it would be this tearful, loving reunion, but it wasn’t. They looked at her and called her ‘soiled.’ Can you believe that? Who would look at their child and call them soiled?”

“You’d be surprised,” said Lauren. “We’ve had to deal with a lot of young women and young men who were trafficked, abused, kidnapped, all of it. Sometimes parents just can’t get past what happened to them.”

“That’s true,” said Faith. “And unfortunately, sometimes, some people weren’t meant to be parents. They don’t care what happens to their children, and when something does happen, it’s almost a relief for them. It’s horribly sad.

“When Kelsey disappeared, I was so distraught I could barely think for myself. Ian knew right away that something was wrong and sent Noa to find her. It was the best decision of our lives. Noa, that huge, massive, big-hearted Hawaiian cared for her in a way I might not have been able to at the time.”

“Why not?”

“Honey, I was so distressed I don’t think I could have focused on what was important. Noa, all of these men have this ability to care for the human but also protect from evil. It’s a wonderful thing to possess.”

“I’ve seen that with all of these men. Especially with Nash, obviously. He’s been so protective of me. It’s funny that we spent all those years together as kids, and nothing transpired. Both of us were so shy, so careful to not ruin our friendship, we nearly missed the chance to have more.”

“But you didn’t,” smiled Grace. “You didn’t miss your chance. We’re all very proud of you for taking the steps you have, for claiming him as yours.”

“Claiming? Is that the right thing to say?” she frowned.

“I think it’s the perfect thing to say,” laughed Alexandra. “I’m going to share some old-guard, old-girl advice with you. Advice that Erin gave to all of us and that helped me personally.

“These men, these men protect so fiercely, so devoutly it’s all-consuming.

And they love the same way. All-consuming.

It’s remarkable to watch and a blessing to be a part of it.

If you want my advice, don’t question anything.

Just let yourself feel. These are special men, and if you don’t mind me saying so, it will sound a bit conceited on my, on our part, but it takes special women to be with them. ”

“Special,” she whispered. “No one has ever called me special. Never. I was an exceptional student, great grades all through school, and yet not one teacher called me exceptional or special. In fact, my seventh-grade English teacher once said I was a good student, but I would never go far if I didn’t learn better hygiene. ”

“That’s terrible!” cried the women in unison. Jenna nodded.

“Yes. But I understand now why she said it. I didn’t understand back then that my clothes weren’t very clean.

They were washed but still smelled because my parents couldn’t afford laundry soap.

They just washed them in water. Also, I was becoming a young lady, and it wasn’t explained to me that I had to be extra clean because of that. ”

“Oh, honey, that’s terrible,” said Grace. “Listen, if you have any questions at all, we know it’s probably too late, but please don’t hesitate to speak to any of us. We’re all very open about our lives and about being women.”

“I’ve waited so long for something like this,” said Jenna, shaking her head in awe.

“When I was at the convent, speaking about things like this was forbidden. I mean, obviously, we didn’t speak about men or sex, but even talking about periods or menopause was frowned upon.

We were supposed to ignore and suffer in silence. ”

“Forget that!” laughed Lena. “We celebrate being women and all the aches, pains, horrible, terrible shit that we have to go through. We talk about everything, and I do mean everything. Don’t be afraid to talk to us, Jenna. About anything.”

“Thank you all. It was really helpful to have Charlies’ books,” she blushed. “That woman definitely knows how to write about sex. It helped me more than can I ever express to her.”

“I’m sure she’d be thrilled to know that.” Lissa stood and walked toward the galley, walking back with a tray of glasses filled with champagne.

“Well, we’re going to France, we’re celebrating Jenna. I think we should toast to women.”

“Here, here,” smiled Erin. “To Jenna. The newest member of our crazy girl troupe.”

“And we’re thrilled to have you,” smiled Aislinn. “Cheers!”

“Cheers!”