Page 123 of Twilight Tactics

“I bet you’d be kissing on the porch before breakfast. Maya said you’d wait until after.” Ollie’s eyes sparkled. “Easy money.”

Sully chuckled. “Glad we could contribute to your college fund.”

“Speaking of college—which is in the future,” Ollie said, bouncing in her seat, “guess what?”

“What?” Elena and Sully said in unison.

“It’s official! The state approved my placement here permanently. Maya and Gideon are my legal guardians now!” She jumped up and threw her arms around both of them in an awkward three-way hug. “I get to stay. Forever!”

More tears pricked Elena’s eyes. “That’s wonderful, kiddo.”

“And Felicity’s letting me help train Copper—that’s my medical alert dog. He’s a German shepherd mix and he’s super smart and he can already detect when my cortisol levels drop and—”

“Breathe, Ollie,” Sully said, laughing.

“Sorry. I’m just so happy I could burst.” Ollie stepped back, wiping her own eyes. “I never thought I’d have a real family. And now I have like, ten families all on the same ranch.”

“You deserve every bit of happiness,” Elena said.

“So do you guys. Which is why I’m going to leave you alone to be gross and mushy.” Ollie headed for the steps, then turned back. “Oh, and Elena? Your dad wants to know if you’ll have lunch with him today. He’s been practicing makinggrilled cheese on the stove. I might have heard him mutter something about cooking over a campfire was way easier.”

Tears threatened. After fourteen years apart, the simple act of sharing a meal still felt miraculous. “Tell him yes. And that I’ll bring the tomato soup.”

“Cool! Oh! And look...” Ollie dug into the pocket of her jeans. “He gave me this.”

Elena gasped and took the fragile wooden bird. “It’s a sparrow.”

“I know. And I love it. Okay, I’m gone now. Back to kissing.” She skipped down the steps, vibrating with energy.

Once she disappeared around the corner of the barn, Sully pulled Elena closer on the swing.

“She’s going to be okay,” he said.

“More than okay. She was amazing at the trial, wasn’t she?”

“Beyond amazing. Bellini will die in prison, along with all of his underlings. But Ollie? She’s going to thrive here. Like you did.”

Elena considered that. “I survived here. But I think I’m just starting to thrive.”

“Because?”

“Because for the first time in my life, I don’t feel like I’m running from something. I feel like I’m running toward something instead.”

Sully’s smile was soft. “What are you running toward?”

“You. This place. A family that chooses to love each other instead of being forced together by fear.” Elena leaned into his warmth. “A future where I get to help other people find their way home too.”

“Speaking of home,” Sully said, “I’ve been thinking.”

“Dangerous habit.”

“I want to build us a house. Here on the ranch. Something that’s ours from the ground up. We may not get to live hereyear-round depending on my job, but it’ll be our little sanctuary. Our retreat. What do you say?”

Elena’s heart skipped. “You want to build a house?”

“I want to build a life. The house is just where we’ll live it.” He twisted to face her fully. “I’ve already cleared it with Maya and Gideon. So, what do you say? Ready to put down some real roots?”

Elena looked out over the rolling hills, the rebuilt barn, the horses grazing peacefully in the pasture. This place had sheltered her when she was broken. Given her purpose when she felt lost. Brought her love when she least expected it. “I can’t think of anywhere I’d rather grow old with you.”