“I’ve got journalists calling me,” I told him. “An interview with me to talk about what’s next for Morelli Holdings. Along with as much of my personal life as they can get from me.”

“They must be desperate to get here.”

“Yes,” I replied. “Only somehow I think you’d do a better job than them, and would be considerably more desperate for it, since you’ve just risked your life for the opportunity.”

His eyes widened. “Are you being serious? You might want me to do the interview?”

I was being deadly serious.

I rewarded determination and dedication and courage, even when the people attempting it were being utter fools. Perhaps I had gone soft as a married man, a father, but it heartened me to see a man try to provide for his family, even in the face of hardship.

“Three days,” I told him. “Noon. Make sure you’re on time.”

“Holy shit!” he said, not quite believing it. “Wow, thank you. Just, wow.”

“Take your camera,” I gestured, and he was still stumbling as he leaned down for it. “Just make sure you never try to cross me again. I won’t be so lenient next time, I promise you.”

“Thank you,” he said. “Oh my God. Thank you.”

“It’s sir,” I told him. “From now on you’ll call me sir.”

“Thank you, sir,” he repeated, and I watched him walk away, casting glances over his shoulder at me with every single step.

Peace on Earth, goodwill to all men.

Goodwill towards foolish, desperate fathers, it seemed.

I put out my cigarette and stepped up the stone steps and into our manor house. The rooms were bright with a Christmas glow, shining out into the night, warm with the bliss of my family being safe and well.

I was more alive than ever before as I made my way upstairs.

Chapter Four

Elaine

I was sitting on Arlo’s bed with him, heart still flooded with the knowledge that they’d secured the guy and our boy was safe again. Kyle had told me before he left with Zach, both of them fired, just as I knew they would be. They were lucky Lucian hadn’t killed them instead.

I would have climbed into bed, but he was still pressed tight to my chest, crying after waking up from a nightmare. I guessed atmospheres around us can be strong enough to infiltrate dreams.

“It’s okay, little guy,” I whispered, rocking him in my arms. “Mommy’s here now. Mommy’s here.”

“So’s Daddy,” Lucian’s voice sounded from the doorway, and my heart soared, seeing my love standing there, tall and strong.

He joined me on the bed and there was a fire about him that ate me up. He took our baby from my arms and held him tight, rocking him along with me, the three of us together.