Epilogue

Declan turned into the COBRA Securities driveway and rolled down the window to scan his retina into the machine before placing his thumb on the pad when prompted.

“That’s so cool!” Jamal exclaimed.

It was pretty awesome, but it was also a necessity. The compound had been infiltrated a couple of months ago. Since then, they’d ramped up security. No one was getting in now who didn’t belong.

“Can I do it, too?”

“Probably.” Declan’s biometrics had been processed as soon as he accepted the job and signed all the papers and insurance forms. He’d talked to Noah and knew that both Jamal and Kenzie would be entered into the system since they’d be staying with him in a two-bedroom apartment on site until he could build a house.

He’d been pleasantly surprised to discover that a bus shuttled kids to and from school each day, and then he’d been overwhelmed to realize he was suddenly the parent of a seven-year-old. There was so much he didn’t know. He needed to enroll Jamal in school. Since there were only a few months left, he’d have to get on it as soon as possible. He didn’t want him to have to repeat the second grade. He’d been upended so much this year. Frankly, Declan wasn’t sure if it was the right thing to do. He’d need to talk to a counselor or something. Jamal was bright, and it wasn’t like they learned quantum physics or trigonometry in second grade. Mostly it was how not to eat paste, right? Heck, it’d been so long, and he remembered little about the various grade schools he attended. Nowadays, kids were probably programming computers at that age.

Then there was the issue of LaTonya’s estate. He’d talked to her lawyer while Kenzie was resting in the hospital, and as he suspected, Jamal was her only heir. Declan would have to deal with the insurance company for the loss of the condo, the contents, and her car. Thankfully, Noah told him people at the office would help him with all of it, and he was relieved. Declan planned on putting everything into a trust fund for Jamal, and according to the lawyer, it was a sizable amount. Jamal would be set for college and beyond. He’d get to live the comfortable life he’d been denied the first seven years of his existence.

The lawyer also informed him that LaTonya’s will stipulated that she didn’t want a funeral, and she’d already paid for a casket, cemetery plot, and headstone. She’d taken care of the details so Jamal wouldn’t have to when the time came, not knowing it would be so soon. Declan, Kenzie, and Jamal loaded into his truck and drove to Detroit to be present for her burial. Several of her friends and coworkers were in attendance and told them they planned on holding a celebration of her life later in the month. They’d returned home after, and it’d been a long day, but it was the least they could do for the woman who made a significant impact in Jamal’s life.

Declan had taken care of Jamal’s mother’s burial expenses before they left town. For Jamal’s sake, he didn’t want her to end up in a potter’s field—if they still existed. They’d been used in larger cities to bury people without families or the indigent. He’d purchased a plot next to Jamarcus and arranged for headstones for both since Jamarcus’ grave was currently labeled with a temporary metal marker.

His next step would be to start the process of formally adopting Jamal. Right now, he might be considered a kidnapper in the eyes of the law since he wasn’t related to him. It would take a veritable army to pry Jamal away from him, and he’d fight until his very last breath.

“Declan?”

He turned to Kenzie. “Hum?”

“I said the gate is open. We’re excited to see the place.”

He shook his head to clear his thoughts. “Sorry.” He’d worry about those things later. Right now, he needed to show them their new home.

The road weaved through trees, and again he was struck by the beauty of the location. Maybe they didn’t have mountain views or crashing ocean waves, but it was just as striking. He stopped at the guard booth and waved to Tucker Nash.

“What happened to his legs?” Jamal whispered as Tucker stood up and grabbed some items before approaching them.

“His name is Tucker, and he’s a combat veteran. He lost them defending our country.”

“Wow, he’s awesome,” Jamal decided, and Declan agreed. Having served overseas, he’d lost teammates and friends, had watched limbs blown off by roadside bombs, and witnessed firsthand the toll war took on a person’s mind and soul. Tucker Nash was a hero.

“Welcome, Jamal and Kenzie.”

Jamal rolled down his back window. “Hi, Tucker! Oh, can I call you that?”

“Of course. It’s my name.” He shook Jamal’s hand. “Nice to meet you.”

“You, too, and I think you’re awesome.”

Tucker chuckled. “Right back at you, little man.” He moved to Declan’s window and peered around him to where Kenzie was waving.

“Nice to meet you, Tucker.”

“You, too, Kenzie.” He mock-whispered, “Good job, Declan. She’s fetching.”

Declan glanced over to see Kenzie’s cheeks flush red. “That she is.”

Jamal leaned forward and tapped Declan’s shoulder. “Kenzie’s not a dog,” he insisted, jumping to her defense.

Declan smiled. “We don’t mean she’s fetching, like a dog chasing a ball. In this instance, it means beautiful.”

“Oh.” He plopped back against the seat. “That’s okay then.”

Tucker covered a laugh with a cough. “I’ll need you two to come to my humble office in the next day or so, and I’ll get you set up with the biometric devices.”

“I get to have my eye scanned?” At Tucker’s confirmation, Jamal grinned excitedly. “Can we do it now?”

“I have explicit instructions to send you to Duquesne Park, and I don’t want to feel the wrath if I delay you for even five minutes.”

“We’re on our way. Thanks, Tucker.”

He entered the central area of the compound. “I’ll give you a quick overview, and then we’ll explore more later.”

“Where’s Duquesne Park?” Kenzie asked.

“Between the offices and the section where the houses are located.”

“Did they name it after the president?” Jamal wondered.

“They did. Actually, she paid for the park. Her granddaughter is married to one of my coworkers. Their wedding was held there.”

“Wow,” Jamal said in awe. “This place rocks.”

Declan pointed to the structures out Kenzie’s window. “The building on the far right under construction is the daycare and after-school center. It’ll be set up so you can do your homework there and get help if you need it.”

“Homework. Yuck.” Jamal made a face, and Declan shared a smile with Kenzie.

“That building is where they train dogs.”

Jamal perked up. “Dogs? No way! I want to see!”

“We’ll visit later.”

“Do they train them to sit and fetch?”

Declan smiled. “More like finding missing persons, sniffing out drugs, protection, that kind of thing.”

Jamal decided that was the coolest thing ever, and he wanted to train dogs now.

“That ginormous building is the workout facility. It has everything you could possibly think of exercise-wise.”

“A pool?” Jamal was bobbing in his seat.

“Two. Both Olympic-sized. One indoor and one out.”

Jamal was so excited he was practically hyperventilating. “I can swim all the time?”

“You sure can.”

He fell back against the seat dramatically. “I must be dreaming.”

“Behind the gym is a shooting range and a facility we use to train for…various scenarios.” He almost said war games but didn’t want Jamal to worry it was something dangerous. “There are the apartments where we’ll live for a while, and over there are the offices.” He rounded a curve and hit the brakes. Several golf carts were parked along the road as he neared their destination.

Jamal pointed through the seats. “Look at all the people—and dogs!”

It looked like the entire COBRA Securities office and their families were out in force. Grills were smoking from the outdoor kitchen beneath an expansive pavilion, tables were stocked with tons of food and drinks, and a sign was strung between two trees that read: Welcome Declan, Kenzie, and Jamal.

“Do they do this for all the new hires?” Kenzie stared out the windshield.

He parked his truck and turned off the engine. “I have no idea. But I think I know who organized this one.”

“Peyton!” Jamal ripped off his seatbelt and flew out the door, leaping into Peyton Durant’s arms. They were both laughing and crying.

“He’s going to thrive here,” Kenzie murmured.

“I hope so. Ready to meet the gang?”

#

Jamal was afraid he really was dreaming. If so, he didn’t want to wake up. He was going to live with his bestest friend in the whole world, Declan, whom he considered his father, and Kenzie, his second-best friend, even over Peyton—and that was saying something. He wanted her to be his new mom.

Before they left Chicago, Declan sat him down and explained that his real mom was gone. He’d cried because he remembered the times she’d been good to him. He might not have wanted to live with her again, but she was still his mom. Declan told him she was now with Jamarcus, and though his brother had been cruel to him, it made him feel better knowing they had each other. Kenzie took him to a church, and they lit candles for Aunt LaLa first and then his mom. As he stared at the glowing orange flame, he swore he felt Aunt LaLa’s presence. He’d never tell anyone this in case they thought he was crazy, but he swore he heard her tell him she was happy he was with Declan and Kenzie, and she knew they’d take care of him, and she could rest easily.

Sucking in the fresh air, he couldn’t stop the enormous smile that overtook his face. This was the most special place on earth. Some people said Disney Land was best, but he’d never been there, so to him, this was it. There were pools he could swim in, dogs he could play with, and Peyton! She looked exactly like he remembered. She threw back her head and laughed when he told her that.

“It’s only been a month.”

“Still, I missed you.”

She hugged him tightly. “I missed you too.”

“Excuse me, Peyton. Could you ever so kindly give the rest of us a chance to meet Jamal?”

Peyton grinned. “Why I’m ever so sorry, Kai. Please, introduce yourselves.”

Jamal turned to see a black-haired boy a couple of years older than him standing with a group of kids all close to the same age.

“Hi, Jamal. I’m Kai Costa. This is usually where I’d tell you a joke—that’s kinda my thing—but your face already looks like it’s on the verge of bursting with happiness. I certainly don’t want to be the reason your head explodes.”

Jamal smiled wider. It did feel like his cheeks might pop at any moment. There were kids he could play with too. Kai introduced him to everyone, and he was afraid he’d never be able to remember their names. He met Kai’s sister Grace, RJ, and twins Sean and Tiffany. Isabella Bradley was practically glued to Kai’s side.

“I hear you have a stuffed friend,” Kai said.

Jamal tensed, hoping they wouldn’t make fun of him like Jamarcus. His brother taunted him mercilessly. He wanted to be friends with these kids. “Y-yes.”

“We all want to meet him.”

Jamal’s eyes widened. “You do?”

“Absolutely,” Kai said, and he looked like he meant it. “I have a question for you. Do you know what they call bears without teeth?”

He thought of Yogi and the stitched smile on his face. He didn’t have teeth. “Yogi?”

“No…gummy bears!” Kai chuckled. “Get it…no teeth, gums, gummy…”

Jamal laughed. “I get it, and you’re funny.”

“I try. Do you like to parkour?” Kai asked him.

“You mean the butter?”

Kai chuckled again. “No, that’s Parkay. I mean obstacle courses.”

Jamal scrunched his nose. “Oh, I don’t know. I’ve never tried it. The butter, either.”

Kai laughed and threw an arm around his shoulder. “Jamal, I can tell you and I are going to be besties. I’ll teach you all about parkour if your da—uh, Declan says it’s okay.”

A family, pools, dogs, and friends. Man, this place was magic. Jamal would forever miss his aunt LaLa, but he hoped she rested easy knowing he’d found happiness.

#

Was Kenzie ready to meet Declan’s coworkers? She was certainly intimidated. The woman Jamal was currently attached to like Velcro, had enough Olympic gold medals to fill Fort Knox. She recognized the two women holding hands with—wow—dreamy men. Juliet LaRue and Layla Brooks. “Sure.”

The next hour was a blur of meeting new people and feeling like she’d found a family. Everyone was so nice. Despite their fame, Juliet and Layla were extremely friendly and down-to-earth. Juliet preferred her real name of Jade, so she’d have to remember that. Harlow Duquesne Oldham was fascinating, and she was stunned to recognize Olivia Larrson and Kendall Buckley, though they were both married now. She’d watched them on the news in New York City. Melody Colton was delighted to discover Kenzie used her products religiously and promised to keep her stocked. One of the biggest shocks had been meeting Taylor Hudson Costa. She was a big fan of the mystery writer. She couldn’t wait to get her alone to talk to her about the business and any mutual acquaintances they might have in common.

Kayla had been right on the money—all the men were devastating. Every. Single. One. She thought Declan was the most appealing man she’d ever met, but Taylor’s husband Dante was a close second. Good grief, the eye candy was to die for. She almost went all fan girl when she spotted her television crush, Reed “Abs of” Steele.

She couldn’t get over how charming the compound was too. The lakeside setting was peaceful and serene. The portion they’d set aside for the park rivaled any she visited. A black fence surrounded the perimeter, but gates were open. Steps trailed down the hill to a boardwalk connected to a pier where a pontoon boat covered with lights was docked. It even sported a slide from the top level. Jamal would love it when it was a little warmer outside. The day was immaculate, with blue skies and a light wind, but the water would still be too cold for swimming.

Next to the steps was a ramp that wound down the hill for wheelchair access. She’d met BeBe Davis, and the woman was as prodigious as Declan claimed.

Though she hadn’t toured the building yet, she was excited to use the gym facilities. She’d need to get in top shape to keep up with Jamal. He was a ball of energy.

Though they hadn’t talked about marriage, that’s where her mind instantly went. She just hoped Declan was in the same place.

#

Declan leaned against a tree and sipped from a bottle of ice-cold beer. The sun was setting over the lake, casting the water with an orange glow. Lights twinkled merrily from strands wrapped around trees and lighting the paths. Soft music wafted from speakers placed strategically around the area. The food had been delicious and the company fabulous. He had the chance to get to know more of his coworkers, and he was excited to begin the next chapter in his life with them.

He’d planned on keeping Kenzie close so she didn’t feel left out, but she’d been swallowed up, and he hadn’t seen much of her all afternoon.

“She fits in here perfectly.”

He nodded his head slowly at Noah, never taking his eyes from Kenzie as she chatted animatedly with Peyton and Ethan’s girlfriend, Esme.

“Jamal too.”

Declan glanced over to see him with Kai Costa and a group of kids learning the correct way to hold a baseball by former major leaguer Reed Steele. Declan hadn’t mentioned his plans to adopt Jamal in case something went wrong. He didn’t want to get his hopes up. If something happened and he wasn’t allowed to adopt him, it might crush Jamal, but it would devastate Declan.

Noah took a drink of beer. “How’s Eric?”

“Improving daily.” Thank goodness. He wouldn’t have left him, but Eric insisted. He knew how much this job opportunity meant to Declan. Plus, the nurse Declan hired for him was working out well. “He’s coming to visit next week. I’m hoping to talk him into moving here.”

Jamal threw the ball to Reed, standing a few feet away. Even from here, Declan could tell he had a natural delivery. Reed said something that made Jamal’s entire face light up with pure, unadulterated joy. He made a mental note to look into T-ball or pee wee baseball.

Gage Monahan waved as he gingerly made his way to a golf cart to head to his apartment for the night. Declan was surprised he lasted as long as he had. He was hurting, but he’d be back to full force soon.

“Have you heard from the Harmon sisters?”

“Scarlett called Tyler, and they hit it off. He thinks he can talk her into a job once she graduates. He’s even trying to coax her into ditching the government and selling her tracking program to us.” Noah finished off his beer. “That’s my cue. See you tomorrow.”

Declan bid him good evening as Kenzie strolled toward him. The smile on her face made him want to tumble her to the grass and have his wicked way with her.

“Hey.”

“Hey, yourself. Are you having a good time?”

She rolled her eyes and dramatically tossed out her arms. “Are you kidding me? The place is splendid, and I love every single person here already.”

He wrapped a hand around her waist and pulled her close to taste her lips. It’d been too long, and he couldn’t help himself. Moving his hand from her hip to her face, he murmured, “You’re splendid, and I love you.”

Though they’d said the words to each other when she was in the hospital, she might’ve been high on painkillers. It was the ideal time and setting to speak the words his heart felt with every breath.

Tears flooded her eyes. “I love you, too, Declan. So much.”

He kissed her again but eased back before making a scene in front of his new crew. She twisted until her back rested against him, and he wrapped his arms around her. She took the beer from his hands and finished it.

“Dad, did you see that? I threw the baseball all the way to Reed, and he said I was a natural.”

Declan’s heart burst. It just flat out blew up inside his chest. Jamal called him Dad.

“Yeah…” He had to clear the frog from his throat. “I did. You’re a natural.”

Jamal wrapped his arms around both Declan and Kenzie. “I love it here with you two, and I’m so happy.”

“Us, too,” Kenzie said in a watery voice.

Jamal leaned back so he could look Declan in the eye. “Does this mean I don’t have to run scared anymore?”

“Nope, buddy. You’re safe. And you’re home.”

 

# # #