Page 133 of Fly's Path

It shouldn’t be funny, but it is. I’d be terrified if he asked me if I did it. “I mean, I’d tell that man the truth.”

“Nah. I’d totally lie just for the fun of it.” Mindy grins. “But it helps that I’m not afraid of him.”

“Wait, there are people who are afraid of Dahlia’s husband?” Savie stops knitting and stares at us, dumbfounded. “How? That man is such a sweet teddy bear.”

“Exawee,” Dahlia says around the sweet treats before swallowing. “He’s just misunderstood. People see a big man without a classically beautiful face, and they think he’s amonster. That man is the sweetest man ever.” She’s so in love with that man she can’t see straight.

The rumble of motorcycles silences the group.

They’re back.

They’re back.

Tears fill my eyes. He’s alive. Fly’s alive. Bruised a bit, but alive.

The door opens, and everyone in the room stops breathing as we wait to see who steps in.

“Rogue!” Dylan is up and running straight into his arms.

Greer untangles her legs and tries pushing herself up, but fails the first time. “This baby has made me so awkward.”

“I’ve got you.” Havoc rushes over to lift her up. His hair is wet like he just showered.

So is Rogue’s.

Bram steps in behind them, and Bishop closes the massive door.

Where’s Fly?

Why isn’t he here?

Isn’t there ano brother left behindrule? I want to ask, but my throat is paralyzed with fear.

Savie stands up, tucking her project into the bag she always has with her, and walks over to Bram. They don’t say a word. They just walk out of the room, staring at each other.

The painful beauty of that moment strikes me hard.

There’s a quiet strength in the two of them.

“Why aren’t you in bed?” Havoc doesn’t set Greer down. “Our son needs his rest.”

“He’s moody tonight. Kicking me nonstop. I think he was as worried about you as I was.” She runs a hand across his face.

I turn away, not wanting to infringe on their moment, but wishing with all of my being that Fly was here.

Fiona lets out a loud sigh. “He’s alive.”

What? “How do you know that?”

“Because not one of those men would be here. Or at least not like that. They’d be taking one of us to our man if he was hurt or killed. So you don’t have to worry anymore.”

That doesn’t stop me from staring at the door, waiting for Fly to step in.

One by one, men trickle in until our three men are the only ones missing…I think. I don’t know all of Winnie’s security guys.

The sun is up, and the house is going to start waking up soon. Fiona says, “There are two more cars. That’s got to be them.”

He’s here.