And of course I wanted security with Xander and his troupe, but it was something I had to fight for. I thought earning it myself would make it unbreakable. I was wrong. Having it given without any demands, like Deb had offered, is what makes it lasting. At least, I hope.

I can feel in Roman’s grip and the way he stands there beside me, not saying a word, that he’d stand here for an eternity if I needed it.

We don’t have an eternity anymore.

And deep down, I know Deb will welcome me back.

I knock.

The door creaks open, and Parker’s and Jacob’s laughter drifting through almost makes me cry.

“Ava?” Deb’s voice is shocked as she pulls open the door. For a second, she just stares at me, and then tears well up in her eyes, and she pulls me in for a tight hug. After a brief hesitation, my arms encircle her as well, and we stand there tangled together for several long breaths, neither of us wanting to be the one to break the moment. Finally, Deb draws back but keeps hold of both my shoulders as she looks me over. When her eyes meet mine again, she unleashes her wide smile. “I didn’t expect you home so soon. We’ve… we’ve all really missed you, Ava.”

Her words startle me, the way she calls this my home without hesitation, the way she says that they—not just Parker, but all of them—have missed me.… But if I’m being honest, Deb’s always been telling me that they want me, that this is my home. I just couldn’t quite hear it before.

“I hope it’s okay…,” I start.

“You know it’s more than okay.” She turns around. “Parker! Jacob! Ava’s home!”

There it is again. So easy. It kills me a bit to realize it was always that easy, but I wasn’t ready to let it be. I can fix that, though. In more ways than one.

I’m ready now.

I look up at Roman as I take his hand again. He gives me a small smile.

I don’t get a chance to return it. Parker slams into me so hard that we almost topple down the steps.

I wrap one arm around him as he leans back with a grin. Roman starts to drop my hand, but I hang on to him. I don’t want to let go of anything.

“Missed you so much, Ava,” Parker says as he steps back.

I’m surprised when Jacob moves in next and gives me a hesitant side-hug. We’ve never hugged before, and it feels awkward but in a kinda perfect way.

Jacob turns to Roman. “Aren’t you that knife guy?”

“I suppose I am,” Roman says.