Gage (THE GOLDEN TEAM #3)

24. Lori

24

Lori

I was busy working on my piece about former military personnel who had transitioned into high-security bodyguards, using their skills to rescue people worldwide. Listening to their experiences fascinated me—this was their way of continuing to serve, of doing what they did best: keeping people safe.

Today, I was on my way to interview River and Kat, and I was grateful they had agreed to speak with me. I wanted to hear about the time Kat was kidnapped, locked inside a massive crate aboard a ship bound for foreign shores, and how she survived adrift in the middle of the dark ocean on nothing but a small raft.

What surprised me most was that they even knew who I was. When I arrived at the gate, I sent Kat a quick text, and almost immediately, it swung open. As I pulled up and parked, a woman stood waiting for me, smiling. She was stunning, and I knew instantly—this had to be Kat.

At her feet sat three German Shepherds, their sharp eyes locked onto me.

“Hello,” I said as I stepped out of my vehicle.

“Hi! I’m so happy to finally meet you,” Kat said warmly. “I’ve heard so much about you from everyone, but mostly from Gage. I know you’re perfect for him.” She gestured toward one of the dogs. “This is Rex—he’s Gage’s. And these two are Penny and Sissy; they belong to us.”

“They’re beautiful,” I said, smiling. “And I’m happy to meet you, too.”

Kat nodded toward the house. “Come on in. I should let you know—River won’t be here. He had to leave on a mission, but you can ask me anything you’d like. The babies are down for a nap, so we won’t be interrupted. I made us lunch, so let’s eat first.”

“Thank you. I’d love that. I didn’t realize how hungry I was until now,” I chuckled.

Kat laughed with me, and within minutes, we were seated, chatting easily as we ate. An hour had passed before a soft knock sounded at the back door. When Kat opened it, I saw a woman standing there, holding a baby.

“I’m sorry to intrude,” she said with a smile. “I just wanted to meet you. I’m Laney—Gideon’s wife. Gage has told us so much about you.” She stepped inside, shifting the baby in her arms. “I’m also really sorry about everything you went through when you were kidnapped. We actually got to visit with your dad when he was here, and I took him fishing on the beach.”

Lori’s face lit up. “He told me all about that. Thank you both for making him feel welcome.”

“Are you kidding?” Laney laughed. “He’s the sweetest man in the world. And he can cook! He made us fudge-like, actual homemade fudge. We loved having him here.” She hesitated, then added, “I’m so glad they caught those brothers. You don’t have to worry about them anymore.”

A weight seemed to lift from Kat’s shoulders. “I can’t even explain how relieved I am that they’re locked up. I just hope they stay there.”

“They have to,” Laney said, frowning. “They admitted to wanting to kill you.”

“You know,” she added after a pause, “Gage’s house is sitting empty. Why don’t you stay there instead of at your dad’s place?”

Kat nodded. “It’s right next door to us.”

I shook my head. “I appreciate it, but I need to be at my dad’s house. There’s so much to take care of, and I don’t like leaving him alone. My sister, Sammy, and her girls are staying at my place.”

Kat grinned. “Oliver adores those girls. He said he’d kill anyone who dared to lay a hand on them. We could tell he liked your sister too, but he didn’t talk much about her, so we didn’t pry.” She laughed. “I should probably get back to work before I start sounding like one of those gossiping housewives who go door to door just to chat.”

I laughed along with her. Somehow, I didn’t think she had to worry about that.

Laney checked the time and sighed. “I have to go pick up my daughter from school. But it was great meeting you.”

After she left, I turned back to Kat, eager to hear her story. As she spoke about the terrifying ordeal of her kidnapping, I caught the slight hitch in her voice, the way certain memories still haunted her. I could feel the weight of what she had endured.

After we finished, I stood and smiled. Kat turned toward me. “I’m really glad I got to meet you. I’m sure we’ll be seeing each other again soon. I hope you don’t mind, but… Gage told me he loves you.”

My face softened. “I don’t mind at all. I fell in love with Gage years ago. I love that we’re finally together, and I can’t wait for him to come home.” I glanced down at the notes I had taken. “That’s why I want to get this story written up—I don’t want to be working when he’s here.”

She nodded, understanding completely. “I’ll see you around.”

I drove back to my dad’s house, smiling for most of the way, thinking about Kat and Laney. They were just like me—we had all been through hell, saved by the men who loved us. I’d been so nervous to meet them, and for no reason at all.

As I pulled into the driveway, my smile faded. Blinking, I hoped my eyes were deceiving me, but no—there he was, standing at the top of a ladder, painting the trim around the house.

I sighed, shaking my head as I opened the door.

“Dad! What are you doing? What if you have a dizzy spell?” I hurried toward him. “Please, come down. We can hire someone to do this.”

“I’m fine,” he called down, waving at me like he hadn’t just taken years off my life. “Stop worrying about me.”

“Dad, I swear, if you don’t come down right now, I’m calling Nurse Helen. She can come over and yell at you instead.”

He laughed. “Helen just left. She already knew I was going to paint the trim.”

I narrowed my eyes. “What do you mean she just left? Did something happen while I was gone?”

“No, sweetheart,” he said as he climbed down the ladder. “I invited her over for lunch.”

My stomach clenched. “Were you in pain?”

“No.” He gave me an amused look. “I had her over for lunch because I like her. And she likes me.”

I stared at him. “Did you just say you like her? And she likes you?”

“Yes.”

A slow grin spread across my face. “Dad, that’s wonderful! I’ll get my things together and move back home so you two can have the house to yourselves.”

“No, you won’t,” he said firmly. “You’re staying right here. I’m going over to Helen’s for dinner. I might stay the night. I’ll call and let you know.”

I was sure my face turned as red as a firetruck. I could feel the heat creeping up my neck.

“Okay then,” I stammered. “I guess I’ll get busy working on my story. I still have to name it.”

He tilted his head thoughtfully. “How about They Were Our Heroes in War, and They Are Still Our Heroes ?”

I smiled. “I’ll tweak it a bit, but you’re right—they truly are heroes.”

As I walked inside, I couldn’t help but feel a warmth settle in my chest. My dad was finally living the life he deserved. Mom had been gone a long time, and he needed someone who would love him, someone to share his life with.

I was sitting in the living room when he walked back in, looking handsome in a fresh shirt, his hair neatly combed. He fidgeted for a moment before meeting my eyes.

“Are you okay with this?” he asked.

I smiled. “Dad, yes. I’m so happy you found someone.” I tilted my head toward the door. “Make sure you put a bag in your car. If you stay the night, you’ll need your toothbrush and whatever else you might need.”

“You’re right,” he said with a chuckle. “I’ll leave it in the car until it’s time to take it out.” He hesitated. “Thank you, dear.”

I frowned. “Why are you thanking me?”

He exhaled, his expression softening. “I appreciate your understanding. I get lonely sometimes. I know I have you and your sister, but it’s not the same as having someone to share my morning coffee with. Someone to talk to about my kids and grandkids. Someone to discuss the neighbor who killed my rosebush because he gave it too much plant food.”

I laughed. “Dad, I get it. And that’s why I’m so happy for you. You and Helen deserve to have someone special in your lives.”

That night, I worked on my story until one in the morning. I thought about my dad before putting it away and crawling into bed. He had called me at seven, his voice light with excitement as he said he’d see me tomorrow.

I chuckled to myself, shaking my head. He had sounded just like a kid telling a parent they were staying the night at a friend’s house.

And honestly? That made me happier than anything.