Page 59 of Sanctuary

They hugged, and Ori blinked back tears as they slowly let go of each other.

“I’ll see you tomorrow,” Holland said again. “Or tonight, if you’re up to it.”

“Thank you,” Ori said. He waited in the doorway to watch Holland walk away, down the path and back toward the gate.

“You okay?” Patton said quietly behind him.

“Yeah,” Ori said, turning to smile at him.

Patton reached out one finger and touched Ori’s cheek. “You’re crying.”

Ori shook his head. “Just happy.” He moved into the circle of Patton’s arms. “So very, very happy.”

Patton chuckled softly. “Yeah, me too.” He tickled the baby’s cheek. “Welcome home, Willie Rose.” And then he leaned over to kiss Ori, in the doorway of their new house, in their new pack.

Their sanctuary.