Chapter 34
Leo drove his family over to Bear’s. Melody held Koda in her lap while Grace peered at the instructions Leo received in the mail for building a child-sized tank.
Something told him his second daughter might turn out like a Victoria with the skills of a SEAL.
Derrick babbled from his car seat, and Catherine leaned over to check Henry.
They entered the barn to find all their family and friends gathered. As usual, Ty, Tess, and Bryanna provided a huge spread. The grans fussed over the babies while the moms got the kids settled to eat.
Bear made a little enclosure and set up a small petting zoo for the kids. Tommy gave the tours.
Kassie and Chase brought the fixings for a bonfire later, and he watched as two of his best friends kissed.
Taco snuck a taco, earning a swat from Tess.
Shadow touched Avie’s belly, excited to become a new dad.
Whiskey made balloon animals in the corner, surrounded by the kids, and it didn’t seem to bother him.
His friend did the work to heal, and Leo couldn’t be happier for him.
Annabelle put her arms around Ragu’s neck and kissed him, making him grin. Leo felt relieved they finally got him help, and he found love to boot.
Noticing Maddie and Carol giving their husbands the cold shoulder, Leo wandered over in their direction, listening in on their conversation.
“I don’t care what excuse you give me, Jake,” Carol seethed. “You’re not a spring chicken. You and Joe might’ve gotten your fool heads killed, taking such a risk.”
Maddie placed her hands on her hips as she glared at her husband. “I’ve heard of a mid-life crisis, but not a geriatric age-defiance disorder. What if something happened to you?” she asked tearfully.
“But nothing did,” Joe insisted. “We’re here safe and sound with all our boys.”
Approaching the two women, he hugged them both. “I know you’re not happy with them, but if it weren’t for their fast thinking, Ghost and his team might not have seen where we were surrounded. They saved all of us. My Dad and his best friend braved your anger to help us.”
Knowing they came to celebrate, both women kissed him, settling the matter. They walked away to help with the preparations, still giving the men stink eyes, but softening under Leo’s words.
Jake and Joe sighed in relief, shot Leo a grin, clasped their arms around each other like boys, and went off to play with their grandchildren.
Saint approached him with a scowl on his face.
“Who pissed in your pudding?” Leo asked.
“Dad, give me five dollars for the swear jar,” Melody said, holding out her hand.
Sighing, Leo dug into his wallet and handed her a twenty. “This should buy me half a day.”
“Theo came back,” Saint said as Melody took off with Koda running after her.
“Oh?” he said, waiting to hear his friend’s thoughts.
“He’s claimed he’s changed and wants a second chance,” Saint said.
Leo rubbed the scruff along his jaw. “It’s a tough call. But none of us are perfect. You’ve screwed up with Bryanna, and she gave you another chance. Let’s not get started on how much trouble I get myself into.”
“He wants to stick around. But he doesn’t have a job,” Saint replied, watching Theo take his mother through the food line and fill her plate. “He seems changed, but I don’t want to take his word.”
“I imagine a few years in Siberia will do that to ya,” Leo said. “Cole needs a kennel cleaner. It’s not a fun job, but someone’s gotta do it,” he said before walking over to Kit Kat and taking the baby from her.
The adults sat down at the long table with Leo at the head. He never asked for the honor, but it seemed he earned his place at the table, too.
He tapped his glass to quiet everyone as he made a toast. He glanced around at the table of the people who loved and supported him when he least expected it. He swallowed hard. Leo began his speech.
“Today, I know you put this together for me. But I’d like us to celebrate each other. Serenity Mountain has given us a second chance. As I gaze around this table, I see the people who show up when I call. They supported my wife and kids when she needed them the most.”
Catherine took his hand, giving him the courage to continue.
“My absence has made us all aware how easily a life can end and how another begins. Patch and Claire, will you please stand up?”
The couple stood, bewildered by his request.
“It’s my understanding Patch and Claire went to the courthouse and got married.
They did this because Patch stayed to rescue me.
It’s with great honor, I congratulate you two.
The facility will pay for your official wedding because you’re part of our family, and we want to see you take your vows to one another.
The grans have offered to plan everything, Claire. ”
“Thank you, Leo,” Patch said as they sat down.
“Will Patch and Knight rise?” Leo requested. “You’ve shown extraordinary bravery and courage by searching for me. Then you proved your stupidity when you returned after your children were born.”
The crowded barn roared in laughter.
“I’m honored both of you named your children after me. I hope to always live up to the example you’ve set for me.”
Leo turned to his wife. “Kit Kat, will you stand?”
Catherine rose from her seat. “You showed courage under fire. I don’t have a prize to give you or a gift to tell you how much you mean to me. Tomorrow morning, we’re leaving for a week’s vacation. I’m taking you someplace warm, and I didn’t make the plans this time.”
The table erupted in laughter as they recalled their trip from hell.
“I’ve made all the arrangements for the kids, and we’ll do a family vacation in Russia.”
Kit Kat smiled, and yet he could tell she didn’t believe him.
“Doc’s meeting us at the facility at 0900 to take us to the jet.”
She still didn’t appear convinced. Soon, she’d see he meant every word.
He raised his glass and the adults raised theirs.
Seeing their smiling faces made his chest burst with emotion.
Because of them, he built something far more valuable than money and things.
He built it for love of friends, his brothers in arms, and his kids.
An unbreakable bond to last forever. “May we all remember what’s important in life and never take it for granted.
To my family, the one worth fighting for. ”