This morning, though, his brother seemed enveloped in a murky cloud of pain and memories. Not surprising. Often after a period of happiness, darkness would surge back in, overwhelming the lowered defenses. Thankfully, there were ways to recall the light—love, belonging, satisfying work.

Mako had often retreated into the wilderness to restore his balance. His sons did the same.

Today, Hawk would get some time in the forest as well as receive the best soul bandage in the world—the enthusiasm and laughter of children.

Smiling, Caz caught his brother’s attention and signaled him to move north and away from the dirt road.

Hawk gave him a two-fingered salute and obeyed.

There was no summer school today since some of the care providers had a teachers’ meeting for the upcoming school year. It was Caz’s turn on kid-watch duties, and he’d drafted his brother for a game.

Hawk hadn’t argued. None of them would turn down a chance to teach the next generation the sarge’s skill-building exercises.

The children’s goal was to sneak up and grab Hawk, who would dial down his wariness to about eighty percent.

Although the kids were familiar with the woods closest to the Hermitage, the dense fog changed everything. The thick mist could be more disorienting than darkness.

Caz followed the children at a slight distance, listening for fabric brushing against bushes, vegetation rustling, a bird taking off, and insects and small animals going silent.

He could see Hawk’s footprints. Short and light, the children created less sign than Hawk, but there was grass springing back on two paths. The children had separated, probably hoping to flank him. Caz smiled his approval.

Back when Aric moved in, Caz had expected his daughter to display only-child territorialism. But the boy had been so damaged and frightened that Regan’s big heart was engaged. Rather than pushing him away, she’d decided he’d be her little brother.

No youngster could have a fiercer protector than Caz’s little girl.

Caz shook his head, wondering how he’d been so lucky.

Heart pounding in excitement, Regan glanced to her left where Aric was supposed to be. The fog sure made everything weird, and he was so little he just disappeared.

Big and tall, Hawk was easier to spot, although he was pretty good at moving quietly in the forest. Not as good as Papá, but no one was as good as him.

I will be someday. I will.

But he was proud of her, and that was just…just dope.

He loved her and so did JJ. Regan sighed a little cuz she’d really like to call JJ Mamá. Anyway, she had uncles and Frankie and Audrey. Having family was everything.

Aric had only his mama, although Kit was pretty Gucci. Kind of quiet, but she knew everything about the garden. And when she read stories to them, she’d cuddle Regan just like she did Aric.