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G abby woke to the sound of sirens blaring as the ambulance raced her to the hospital. “My baby?” she whispered as the paramedic leaned over her.

“It’s moving and has a strong heartbeat,” the medic assured her. “Can you tell me if you hurt anywhere?”

Gabby took inventory of her body. “My arm and chest hurt,” she answered.

“When you decided to go flying, it appears you broke your arm. We’ll let them know about your chest. You took a heavy hit, even with the airbags. You’re lucky you drive an expensive car with many safety features.”

Gabby swallowed and nodded as they pulled up to the ER. They transferred her to another gurney and whisked her back into a cubicle. Nurses surrounded her, cutting away her clothing and doctors shouted orders. One peered into her eyes while another raised her shirt and searched for her baby’s vitals.

They whisked her down the hall for tests as she held back the tears. Her arm throbbed and her head began to pound as the people whirled around her. She whimpered in fear as much as in pain.

Three hours later, she lay in a room in the maternity ward. The nurse’s station faced her room and the bright light hurt her eyes. She raised her hand to ward off the light when the silhouette of the man she missed every night appeared in the doorway.

It must be the drugs. Marcus doesn’t care what happens to me. She thought before she closed her eyes.

Knight sat around the table with the men of Serenity Securities. Saint invited him to meet the team. The men greeted him and then entered the pool area filled with kids. Children came out of the dressing room and took turns jumping into the water. His sister sat to the side with a group of women surrounding her. Bryanna appeared happy as she sat holding her belly and helping Nugget with her hair.

Saint approached him and smiled at his wife and child. “I’m sorry we didn’t tell you. Everything happened fast. Rest assured, Bryanna and our kids will always be my first priority.”

Knight turned and shook his hand. “Don’t worry. I’ll hold you to it.”

Saint chuckled as he glanced around the room. “It’s probably not what you expected to see when you walked in the doors. We brought the kids to let them work out their energy.” A minute later, Taco gave a hoot and cannonballed into the pool, making the kids shout and laugh in glee. He pretended to act like a shark, chasing them, scattering the kids around the pool, shrieking to keep from getting bit by Uncle Taco.

Knight shook his head. “Nope, not in my wildest dreams.”

“The school closed today because a pipe burst and they needed to get it fixed. Kassie sent down the construction crew to work on it. Plus, it gives all the mamas a bit of a break from restless kids.”

Knight scanned the area. Bryanna and Samantha seemed further along than the others. Kassie pulled her hair into a messy bun with tendrils running down and she caressed the protruding bump. Catherine sat beside her with her hand on her friend’s belly, smiling.

“Did you guys decide to build your own little platoon?” he asked. “Taco Shadow and Patch will need to catch up.”

Saint laughed. “The more the merrier. Lizzy and Michael will arrive any minute. They took in a foster child and Tyler fits right in. I won’t be surprised when they announce he’s become a Harris. We’ll help with the kids before getting down to business.”

Two hours later, the men helped wrestle the children into the dressing rooms while the women set out lunch. Tess, who stayed at the community center, sent along a feast. His sister brought dessert, and the other women brought paper plates, napkins, and drinks.

Leo watched his daughter Melody run from the dressing room. “June Bug, what’s our rule?”

Melody slowed to a walk as she approached. “No running, Daddy. I need Mama.”

Leo pulled the little girl into his arms as he scanned her face. “What’s the matter?”

Melody hesitated as she peered at the group of men. “I got water inside my ear, but it hurt before we started swimming and now it feels really bad.”

Leo pressed his hand to her head. “You feel warm. Why didn’t you tell us before we came swimming?”

“Cause I didn’t want to stay home and not come with my friends,” she informed him honestly.

Instead of getting upset with the little girl, Leo pulled his daughter onto his lap. “When our bodies tell us something isn’t right, we must listen. It can make things worse when we don’t.” Leo turned to Michael. “Did you bring your bag?”

Michael shook his head. “No, I left mine in my car but it didn’t start. We brought Lizzy’s to save time.”

“Mine’s in the back of my truck,” Doc offered.

“I’ll grab it,” A young man volunteered as he rose from the table.

“Thanks, Squid,” Doc responded. As the young man exited the pool area, Doc turned to Knight. “José’s training to become a SEAL. He’s taking a test for his GED and working with us.”

Leo worked on towel-drying Melody’s hair. Catherine rose, noticing her daughter holding her ear.

“What’s the matter?”

“Melody’s got an earache. Squid’s grabbing Doc’s bag to check it out. She said it hurt before she went swimming. Michael will take a peek and ensure everything’s okay. Did you need something else to drink? I have everything handled over here. I’ll give you the verdict when he’s done,” Leo assured his wife.

“I’m fine. Come see me after Uncle Michael checks out your ear and I’ll untangle your hair,” she ruffled her daughter’s bangs and kissed her head before returning to the women.

José returned with Doc’s bag. Doc pulled out the otoscope and handed it to Michael. “Can I peek in your ear, June bug, and see if a gremlin might be hiding there?”

Melody clung to Leo and he whispered into her ear, reassuring her. She nodded, slid from his lap and walked to her uncle.

Michael leaned in and inspected the area of concern. “Yep, it appears a gremlin crawled in your ear and made a cozy home. Shall I check the other one to make sure he didn’t bring any friends?” Melody turned and he checked the other ear. “How does your throat feel?” he asked gently.

“It’s scratchy but not like when I got sick last time,” she explained.

“Oh, I don’t think you have strep. It appears your ears are infected. We’ll get some special ear drops and you’ll have to take some medicine but it tastes like bubblegum.”

“Really?” Melody’s eyes widened as she glanced toward Leo. “Uncle Michael’s giving me bubble gum medicine to get the gremlin out of my ear,” she informed her father.

“Will it get worse since she played in the pool?” Leo asked.

“No. I’ll call in a prescription for ear drops to help with the pain and an antibiotic.” Michael turned to the little girl. “When you come to my office, remind me to let you pick two prizes from the treasure box.”

“Thank you, Uncle Michael.” Melody wrapped her arms around his neck and hugged him.

Leo rose and scooped Melody in his arms. “I’ll run down and grab the meds. Let me tell Catherine.”

“Call it in at the hospital and he can pick it up there,” Doc suggested. “It’ll save him time and a trip off the mountain.”

Michael pulled out his phoneand called the pharmacy. Leo knelt beside Catherine as she pulled her daughter into her arms, kissing and soothing her while Leo explained the ear infection to his wife.

Knight peered around the pool as Kassie brushed Emma’s hair while the baby beside her slept peacefully despite the noise. Saint rose and helped Bryanna up as she called for Nugget to bring her swimsuit. Lizzy dried Caleb and Tyler off. LJ impatiently waited, holding a helicopter until Aunt Lizzy finished. The men chatted while watching over their kiddos and women. The was the type of life he wanted with Gabby and he felt like an outsider trespassing on their lives. Everyone seemed happy and they worked together as one huge family.

Doc helped Samantha up while Whiskey gathered the towels. Then he helped his wife. She smiled as if he meant the world to her. He gazed at her like a man besotted. The familiar knot in his stomach tightened at the reminder of Gabby and he brushed it away.

The men loaded the women in their trucks and Doc took his wife home. He didn’t know the story there, but no one thought anything of him taking her when she drove herself.

“Hey,” Saint broke Knight from his thoughts and motioned for him to follow him back to the kitchen. The men sat at the kitchen table. Taco and Shadow gave each other shit while Leo laughed and shook his head.

“Take a seat, Knight. Since you last visited Serenity, we’ve welcomed two more to our team. Ragu returned to us not long ago. Patch recently joined as a corpsman. He and Whiskey help at the hospital when needed,” Leo informed him. “Guys, meet Bryanna’s brother, Marcus ‘Knight’ Hutchins. He recently moved from California.”

Knight respected how the leader didn’t share his history with the others.

Each man gave him a chin nod as they got to work.

“It appears we cut the head off the snake when Shadow killed Rahimi. Three more want to take his place. Julio confirmed his second in command Marghai’s death.”

Marcus kept his face passive, not giving away how the man died.

“We’ve tracked down his number three man. He showed up in Chicago, flew to Miami and Corpus Christi. Julio Hernandez greased some wheels and gave us a trusted contact in Seattle. He’ll keep us in the loop. They’ve got a tail on him and a team in place. For now, we’re on stand-by. We still have the port here and a vested interest in shutting it down. Matthew’s chomping at the bit to leave for Texas, but we need him here. I need someone to lead the team there.”

“Where’s Matthew?” Saint asked. “Why didn’t he show?”

“We’ll discuss it later.” Leo turned his attention to Knight. “Saint says you might be interested in a position on the team.”

“I recently retired and moved here. I’m feeling out my options.” Even as Knight said the words, it felt like a lie. He detested sitting at the condo and staring at the walls. Wishing he allowed Gabby to take the bed she requested because he imagined her in it every time he saw it. He missed the feel of her smooth legs as he ran his hand ran up them to untie the silk wrap she wore after showering.

“Knight?” Leo asked.

“Ugh, sorry. I’m keeping my options open. Saint mentioned you might be searching for men for a new team,” Knight explained.

Leo clasped his fingers and leaned forward. “Do you have a problem working with women?” His eyes narrowed at the same time the team sent him damning glances.

“No.” Knight shook his head emphatically. Now he looked like an ass. “As long as someone can get the job done, gender doesn’t matter.”

Leo nodded before sitting back.

“When you decide what you want to do, come talk to us. You’ll require a background check, we’ll go over a contract, and you’ll train with us before we decide to take you on. I heard of your sniper abilities. But I’m aware of your issues with the last team.” Leo’s chin firmed at Knight’s surprised expression. “I have friends,” Leo explained. “Your ability to work on a team matters. We all butt heads now and then, but in the end, we watch each other’s six. I won’t bring on someone who can’t work with my men.”

“Understood,” Knight replied.

“Patch, Whiskey asked you to meet him at Claire’s office. I expect you’re ready to take Doc’s place from here on out. Doc will continue as a backup for the team. I doubt we’ll use him for a bit with PITA carrying two. Tomorrow PT starts at0600.” Leo dismissed the men.

Saint walked him to his truck. “You wanted this interview and now you’re feeling out options. Did something else come up?”

“No. Man, I’m sorry. I feel like a shithead. Between the move, getting settled and dealing with the divorce, my head seems everywhere. I need to get some things handled before I commit to a team,” Knight vented.

“You saw how we work today. We’re more than a team; we’re family. Whatever affects one affects the others. For example, Chase and Kassie went through a ton of shit to grow their family. They adopted Tori and discovered her pregnant with twins. It killed us when we announced our wonderful news, not knowing if they would ever get the opportunity.”

“Yeah. You all seem close. I’m glad my sister found a place among you. She always wanted a real family,” Knight confided.

“No. You’re her family. Her heart’s big enough to include everyone, and she wants you to join this one. Bryanna agreed not to pressure you. I want you to give it some time if you’re unsure.”

“Thanks.” He shook Saint’s hand. “I appreciate the meeting and the family time.”

“Anytime.” Saint walked back inside as Knight got into his truck. The phone rang with an unidentified number. He sent it to voicemail. Turning onto the mountain road, he headed toward Seattle when his phone rang showing the same number. Annoyed, he answered the call.

“Hello,” he answered sharply.

“Hello. May I speak with Marcus Hutchins, please?” the woman on the line asked.

“Speaking. What can I do for you?” he asked bluntly.

“I’m Jennifer, calling from Seattle Health. You’re listed as Gabrielle Hutchins’ emergency contact. I’m calling to inform you she was involved in an accident.”

His gut wrenched as his heart jumped in his throat. Gabby was here . “What happened? Why didn’t she call me?” he demanded.

“They’re running a few tests on her now. Come to the ER desk when you arrive and we can direct you where to go.”

“Wait a minute. Wait a minute. How is she?” he asked desperately.

“I’m afraid I’m unable to give out information on the phone. When you arrive, someone will update you.”

“Thanks.” He hung up the phone and pressed the gas harder, racing toward Seattle. His heart pounded as he ran the call through his head. They refused to tell him about her condition. Did she die? No. Not dead or they would have used police to notify. Did she get gravely injured? He winced at thinking of seeing her in pain as he sped to her. Why didn’t she tell him she came to Seattle? Did she not want him to know?

Questions flooded his system as he entered Seattle and navigated his way to the hospital. He jumped out of his truck and ran inside. He only prayed it wasn’t too late.