I considered my sister’s beautiful face, then glanced at Ruffian. “You’ll take care of her too, right?” I lifted my chin so he would know I meant Teddi.

“That's all I do. No worries.” Ruffian stabbed his chicken with a fork.

And then I had to eat because my mom was watching. I knew she’d give me hell if I didn’t at least put in an attempt with my food.

Afterward, Dad, Ruffian, Pixie, and Milt opted for dessert.

I picked up my fork and snagged a small bite of Milt’s chocolate cake.

“You know, I have a virtual system working where I recreate house and building layouts. I could set up our house and give everyone avatars? We could still get together.” He gave me a big smile.

I loved that Milt never gave up. He saw that we were all going to miss each other, and he figured out a solution. Granted, it was computer-based, but all of his solutions were that way. His thick swoop of black hair covered his crystal blue eyes. Looks of a model and head of a gamer. He was a fun conundrum. And despite how morose I had been feeling, they lifted my spirits.

My father stood up and came around the table to me. “Son, we’re so proud of you. Always have been, always will be. Mom and I will come visit. As soon as we get our passports, we’ll make plans.”

I patted my father’s hand. “Thanks, Dad. Means a lot to me.”

Dad paid for the breakfast tab, even though we all tried to put in money. When he refused, Teddi suggested that he allow us to leave the tip. That server was going to be set for the day as we all tossed in the cost of our meals.

I walked over to the airport so I could take my flight to France. I was doing this. For me. And a little bit for Endgame.

* * *

TAYLOR

When Tinsley and Parker came back in, I was still sitting on my bed, bag at my feet.

I was in shock, which considering how many feelings I had was probably not that surprising.

Tinsley had a shopping bag and Parker ran into the kitchen.

When she got to my room, she unpacked ice cream, candy, and tissues. Parker came in with three spoons.

“We’re going to handle this like a pack of girls.” Tinsley pulled me against her chest as she hugged me. Parker did an air hug from the door with the spoons in his hand spread like a deck of cards. “I’m going to shower, but I’ll be ready to do whatever you ladies need.”

He set the spoons on my dresser and rushed out.

Tinsley grabbed the spoons and two tubs of Ben and Jerry’s ice cream. “Sobber’s choice.” She offered them to me.