CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
The team ate a hearty lunch with the sisters, laughing and talking as if nothing had happened in that courtyard. When they prepared to leave, the mother superior pulled Jennifer to the side, giving her a blessing and prayer. She then approached the men.
“Please kneel,” she smiled. They did as she asked, even U-Jin who was not a very religious man.
“I do not condone violence, nor do I condone murder. However, that man caused more pain and death among women and children than even I can comprehend. Sometimes, God needs a little help in arranging a meeting between the villain and the devil.”
She touched the heads of each of the men, then started to walk away. They rose, knees cracking a loud protest. Then she turned back toward them with a smile.
“Oh. Tell Irene I said hello.”
It wasn’t until they were on the Osprey that Striker finally turned to the other men.
“What the fuck was that?”
It was unexplainable, like most wonderous things in life. They wouldn’t be able to understand Mama Irene’s impact on them, or their world. And honestly, they didn’t want to.
A week later, Grayson and Jennifer stood in the middle of the island sanctuary, Alvin, Semu, and Stella standing to the side. Daisy, Monster, Chaos, Duke, and Zeus were behind them. Caraway and Poppy lounged on a tree limb, their shiny black fur glistening in the sunlight.
They had intended it to be only their parents and grandparents. But in the end, they couldn’t do that to their families. Hundreds of people were crowded around them, even Grayson’s teammates.
“What the fuck are those?” whispered Iggy to no one in particular.
“Oh, those are Komoda Dragons,” said a throaty sexy voice. “That’s Oscar, Mabel, Penelope, and Hank. They’re very friendly.”
He stared at the dragons, then turned to say something to the woman next to him. His breath caught in his throat as she smiled up at him.
“I’m Olive. I work at the bike shop with Gunner and Hunter.
Jennifer and I grew up together.” She gave him another brilliant smile and he swallowed.
He held out a hand. All he could think about was that her name matched everything about her.
A subtle sun kissed tan warmed her face, her bright white smile, genuine and loving.
Her dark brown eyes sparkled and the beautiful sage green of her dress only enhanced all of her features.
When her hand slid into his own, he gently shook it.
“I’m Iggy,” he said calmly.
“Iggy? Is that short for something.”
“Ignatius.”
“Saint Ignatius,” she smiled again. “Well, Iggy, I hope you save me a dance.”
“You can be sure that I will,” he said finally regaining his voice.
When the ‘I do’s’ were said and the kisses made, the crowd went wild. Iggy turned to find the woman who’d made his heart stop but she was already on one of the boats, sailing back toward the main property.
“Iggy? You okay, brother?” asked Jethro.
“Yeah, man. I’m good. Better than I have been in a long time.”
When the party began, Jennifer finally felt like it was all behind her.
She was home, married to the only man she’d ever loved.
Her family was here, even her brother Sergeant had come home for the festivities.
He looked so grown up in his uniform, so handsome.
She watched as Iggy danced with Olive and smiled.
“I think he likes her,” whispered Grayson in her ear.
“She deserves something good in her life,” said Jennifer. “I’ve always liked her and I’m glad she’s close to all of us now.”
“I’m glad you’re close to all of us,” said Grayson, hugging her tighter.
“Me too,” she smiled. “So, when does this honeymoon get started? I’d like to get a headstart on baby-making.” Grayson could only laugh, then took her hand and ran toward the exit.
Cheers erupted, happy for the couple but also knowing that the party wouldn’t end.
“I like these new boys,” said Ruby from the back of the room.
“Me too, Ruby,” smiled Mary. She looked at George, kissing his cheek. “Did you help to find them?”
“I did not,” said George. “Matthew knew them from watchin’ over Grayson. They’re fine boys. They’ll be good additions.”
“Speaking of,” said Irene. “Is the extension ready?”
“You know it is, my love,” said Matthew kissing her sweetly. “We have room for more.”
“We always did,” grinned Irene. “We never questioned if there was room for one more. We just did it.”
“We’ll find what we need for these new boys. By then, our young men will be wanting to come home and we’ll help them too.” Martha smiled at her ghostly friends, then grabbed Nathan’s hand, kissing his cheek.
“Let’s dance. They need to learn about us sooner or later.”
EXCERPT for IGGY
Iggy leaned back against the counter of the bike shop. Olive was helping a few customers out but she’d barely spoken to him when he walked in.
He thought they’d made a great connection at the wedding. They’d practically danced all night together, even kissing when it was all done. Since that time, she’d avoided his calls and attempts to be near her.
“Something is wrong with her,” said Gunner to the younger man. “She’s usually happy, smiling, always making this place a little less male. She’s like one of our own daughters.”
“You know her?” frowned Iggy.
“Since she was five. She went to our school on the property. She and Jennifer were good friends. Jennifer saw her in kindergarten opening an empty lunch box and split hers with her. After that, we knew something was wrong.
“She’d been living with an aunt and uncle who weren’t exactly kind to her. We got the courts to turn her over to us and she lived in the school behind the gates. She went to college, graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering and we thought she would move away.”
“But she didn’t?” frowned Iggy.
“Nope. Came here and asked for a job in the shop. She lives in one of the small garconnières.” Gunner turned the young man to face him. “Iggy, something is wrong and we can’t get her to talk to us. See what you can do.”
“Me?” he frowned. “She won’t even acknowledge me.” Gunner slapped him on the back.
“You’re a fucking Marine. Make her.”